Down Cellar Studio Podcast

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 172 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included:   In My Travels KAL News Contests, News & Notes Quote of the Week In My Travels Tune in to hear my Rhinebeck recap with Mom   Friday Highlights  When we picked up Megan at Hudson train station and met Stephen West! Indie Untangled Loved seeing and chatting with Pigskin Sponsors- Leading Men Fiber Arts, Woodsy and Wild. Cori aka Irocknits Mom bought a “this is my Rhinebeck sweater” enamel pin from Shelli Can I bought mom some beautiful yarn from Brooke of Fully Spun  Needles Up Mom bought me the one thing I really wanted to find— a Stitch Marker Necklace in the Paige the Framer Booth. The maker is Heidi and Lana. I got the 36" inch silver chain with the Pewter Stitch Markers. Thank you Sue and Chelsea of Legacy Fiber Artz for joining up as a Pigskin Party Sponsor and for the beautiful donation of sock sets for prizes  I bought a skein of self-striping from Fibernymph Dye Works for socks for Mom. It was great seeing Lisa’s rainbow version of Tan House Brook shawl in the FIbernymph Booth!    Saturday Highlights Sweitzer's Fiber Mill I bought a beautiful basket Barn 31= the magical barn Loved the Stowe Away sweater by Rose Beck & was so happy to meet the ladies behind Nomadic Knits. Tune in to episode 173 for a review. Ran into Lisa and Anne! We saw some llamas.  No line at Kettle Corn! Bought 2 bags! Podcaster Meet-up at 1p on the hill. It was so great seeing and chatting with so many of you.  After the meet-up we headed to the beer garden to catch up with friends. We ran into Melissa- Progress Keepers by Meliabella, cute project bag tag with Pigskin Theme. Progress Keepers- 2. Mom stole one immediately and put it on her bracelet. Check out the Episode 172 Thread to guess what progress keeper Mom stole looks like? I'll pull a random winner on November 8th. Loved seeing Shelly and Judy- wearing their World of Difference and Emelyn Mae Shawls & my friends from Gather Here. We did some more afternoon shopping in barns. We always love visiting the Ross Farm booth to see Sarah Jordan- PAKnitWit- Pigskin Sponsor and of course Amy & Scooterpie.  Mom loved petting bunnies Mom bought sweater quantity- Battenkill Fiber Millin NY. $10/skein  Mom enjoyed apple crisp and ice cream. We sat and knit with Ryan and Nicki before we left the fairgrounds. We enjoyed dinner (and/or beer and kettlecorn) and then did show and tell. So funny!    Sunday Highlights  Got some photos with the year’s festival logo and the yarn bombing installation on the way in. They were made by the talented London Kaye Tried on some samples. One pattern that was neat was the Love Note done without mohair and modified sleeves. Mom got to show Crispina Ffrench the jacket she made. We ran into group of friends outside buildings on way over to see my friend Mara at Beer Garden and I finally got to meet the dyer behind Lavender Lune- Sam.  Marabrought her beautiful boys and her finished Riley Rose Shawl to show me.  We ended the day in Building E (the food building) I bought 2 kinds of jam for Dan. We had a lovely chat with the ladies of Coyote Kitchen Nicki and Amy stayed at my house. Tried out Nicki’s new Electric Eel Wheel Nanoe-spinner. Frustrated but intrigued.    KAL News   Slay the Stash 2019 Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins (purchased before 2019) - and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way!  Check out the November Post Use and follow #slaythestash2019 on Social Media Slay the Stash Sponsor List- 2019 Official Rules for 2019  January- Fish Belly Fiber Works February- KnitCircus Yarns March- Holly Press Fibers April- Fibernymph Dye Works May – Another Crafty Girl  June- Flying Finn Yarns July- Sponsored by WindsweptMonique August- Knit Style Yarns September- Artistic Lilly  October – Infinite Twist  November- 716 Knit  December –  Hypnotic Yarn Pigskin Party ‘19 Not familiar? It's a ridiculously fun make-a-long that runs all through the NFL football season. We typically have a couple hundred participants each year. For each FO you finish, you earn touchdown & field goal points. You also earn points for using sponsor products & fulfilling other challenges. For every 100 points earned, you get an entry into our Grand Prize drawing. We also have lots of prizes reserved for participation on Ravelry and Instagram to keep it fun and light.   It is an annual knit, crochet, weaving and spin along.Cast on anytime On/after September 5, 2019- February 3, 2020   Everything you need to know is linked in theStart Here Threadin the Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group including theRules,Questions Thread,End Zone Dance Threadwhere you post your FOs,Coupon Code Thread,List of Prizes,Exclusive Items from our Sponsors!   Pro Shop Sponsors  2 Guys Yarn Company Abstract Fiber AdoreKnit agirlandherwool Designs of Acadia (Pigskin Logo Bag) Fibernymph Dye Works Holly Press Fibers Imagined Landscapes Designs Infinite Twist JDStudios480 Jennifer Lassonde Designs Knitosophy Designs Knitters Brewing Company Knit Style Yarns Prairie Bag Works Progress Keepers by Meliabella Sunsoaked Yarns Yarn Love     Snack Shack Sponsors  Anomalous Mind Anne Beady Designs APLCrafts Birch Hollow Fibers Brenda Castiel Designs Designs by Meliabella Fish Belly Fiber Works Geektastic Fibers IrocKnits Designs Kino Knits Kitchen Counter Crafter Knit/Wit Designs Leading Men Fiber Arts Legacy Fiber Artz Lilliput Yarn Lolodidit Love in Stitches Mint Rain Hand Dyed Yarns Nicole Simmons Designs Queen City Yarn Remade By Hand Designs Shanalines Designs Tangerine Designs Teal Torch Knits The Project Bag UNICORN CLEAN Wild Branch Design Windswept Designs Woodsy and Wild   We have 3 new Snack Shack sponsors- Legacy Fiber Artz, Fish Belly Fiber Works, Mint Rain Hand Dyed Yarns & Anomalous Mind   Tune in to hear the details of the November Interception sponsored by Queen City Yarn Put in Your Back-up Quarterback- details can be found here.      Contests, News and Notes   My latest pattern will be available soon! Sign up for my email newsletterto make sure you’re the first to know when my  Thumper Hat is available and to get the best intro code.     Quote of the Week “No effort is required to define or even attain happiness, but enormous concentration is needed to abandon everything else.” -- Quentin Crisp   ------ Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Twitter: Instagram:BostonJen1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletterto get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 171 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. For full show notes with photos check out my webpage.   This week's segments included:   Off the Needles On the Needles Brainstorming From the Armchair Knitting in Passing KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes Ask Me Anything On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Knitters Brewing Company, Fibernymph Dye Works& Progress Keepers by Meliabella   Off the Needles   Lasso Socks Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Lasso color way Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Watayuki Pullover Pattern: Watayuki by Natsuko Iida Yarn: Sweitzer Fiber Mill Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm) Yarn: bought in bargain bin at Rhinebeck. #myRHINEbipoc sweater #2 for me. #BIPOCMAL2019 Matches perfectly with my OPI Nail polish- Berlin There Done That On the Needles   Knit Picks City Tweed Dragon Belly Shawl Pattern: Dragon Belly Shawl by Johanna Lindahl Yarn: Knit Picks Hook: J Melville - City Tweed DK Value Pack. Aila’s Orange Crayon Pattern: Crayons Amigurumi by StringyDingDing Yarn: Plymouth DK Hook: D (3.25 mm) I may go down a hook size the body of the crayon. Cake Party Christmas Socks Yarn: Wisdom Yarns Pix in the Cake Party Colorway Pattern: TBD Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm) 56 stitches, cuff down. Playhouse Socks Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Playhouse colorway Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Brainstorming I'd like to start a pair of socks for my friend, Laura. Last night I wound up a skein of the color way "The Huddle is Real" a Pigskin Party Exclusive from 2018 by Queen City Yarn  Rhinebeck packing- at least 2 pair of socks (maybe 3) Maybe another Dragon Belly shawl? Friday, I think I’ll wear my Sandbar Cardiby Toni Lipsey Saturday, if its cool enough and initial forecasts indicate it will be, I’ll wear my new Watayuki pullover Sunday I may wear my Grace & Frankie Shawl I'll be packing my Ice Time Hat & Cowl for sure.   From the Armchair   I share my tips on getting #RhinebeckReady. If you’re on my email newsletter list you’ll receive this PDF in the email newsletter going out w/ the podcast episode.   Share your packing and your tips with #RhinebeckReady on Instagram. If you're coming to Rhinebeck, bring me a swatch! My friend Beverly is working on an art project with the theme “connection.” She wants to work with swatches from knitters all over the world into one piece.  Details: Swatches DO NOT need to be blocked, or be from any particular type of fiber, color, or weight. Please attach the following info (if you bring your swatch in a plastic bag you can slip a note in it or just safety pin to it): Where are you from? (City, country) What did you swatch this for? (it’s ok to say just for fun or for this project) If you want me to send you a photo of the finished project, please include some sort of contact info - even just a ravelry name.  Knitting in Passing Riley took the sock I was knitting on at my Dad's birthday dinner. Millie asked to knit in the car on the way home but I had to tell her no.     KAL News     Slay the Stash 2019 Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins (purchased before 2019) - and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way! Check out the October Post Use and follow #slaythestash2019 on Social Media Tune in to see if you're the September winner Slay the Stash Sponsor List- 2019 Official Rules for 2019  January- Fish Belly Fiber Works February- KnitCircus Yarns March- Holly Press Fibers April- Fibernymph Dye Works May – Another Crafty Girl  June- Flying Finn Yarns July- Sponsored by WindsweptMonique– yarn TBD August- Knit Style Yarns September- Artistic Lilly  October – Infinite Twist  November- 716 Knit  December –  Hypnotic Yarn Pigskin Party ‘19   Not familiar? It's a ridiculously fun make-a-long that runs all through the NFL football season. We typically have a couple hundred participants each year. For each FO you finish, you earn touchdown & field goal points. You also earn points for using sponsor products & fulfilling other challenges. For every 100 points earned, you get an entry into our Grand Prize drawing. We also have lots of prizes reserved for participation on Ravelry and Instagram to keep it fun and light.   It is an annual knit, crochet, weaving and spin along.Cast on anytime On/after September 5, 2019- February 3, 2020   Everything you need to know is linked in the Start Here Thread in the Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group including the Rules, Questions Thread, End Zone Dance Thread where you post your FOs, Coupon Code Thread, List of Prizes, Exclusive Items from our Sponsors!   September Interception Winner Announced October Interception sponsored by IrocKnits!   Pro Shop Sponsors 2 Guys Yarn Company Abstract Fiber AdoreKnit agirlandherwool Designs of Acadia (Pigskin Logo Bag) Fibernymph Dye Works Holly Press Fibers Imagined Landscapes Designs Infinite Twist JDStudios480 Jennifer Lassonde Designs Knitosophy Designs Knitters Brewing Company Knit Style Yarns Prairie Bag Works Progress Keepers by Meliabella Sunsoaked Yarns Yarn Love   Snack Shack Sponsors Anne Beady Designs APLCrafts Birch Hollow Fibers Brenda Castiel Designs Designs by Meliabella Geektastic Fibers IrocKnits Designs Kino Knits Kitchen Counter Crafter Knit/Wit Designs Leading Men Fiber Arts Lilliput Yarn Lolodidit Love in Stitches Nicole Simmons Designs Queen City Yarn Remade By Hand Designs Shanalines Designs Tangerine Designs Teal Torch Knits The Project Bag UNICORN CLEAN Wild Branch Design Windswept Designs Woodsy and Wild   Events   Indie Untangled I’ll be attending in the 12-2p time slot. Needles Up! Friday October 18, 2019. General admission 1-6p  Best Western Plus Kingston Hotel and Conference Center. I'm planning to attend after Indie Untangled. Rhinebeck Yarn Bazaar : Friday October 18 from 2-6p in Rhinebeck. Knit night event at 7:30p (must buy ticket). I am not planning to attend.  NY Sheep & Wool Festival (aka Rhinebeck)- October 19 & 20 (new hours Sat 9-5 and Sunday 9-4). I'll be there both days! Come say hi.  Whinebeck Bingo- for those who can’t attend but want something fun to do that weekend- check out Whinebeck Bingo by the Knitmore Girls. This year there’s a printable Bingo card. Check off the things you do and share on social media! Fiber Festival of New England- November 2 & 3 in Springfield, MA (I cannot attend this year).     Contest, News & Notes   Check out the #BIPOCMAL2019 started by DesamourDesigns on Instagram.Click here for a link to her website with all the details. If you want to do some charity knitting and crochet- consider making Refugee hats for those having to flee their homes in Congo and Angola: Maine Access Immigrant Network, 237 Oxford St. Suite 25A, Portland, ME 04101    Ask Me Anything I answered two questions from Instagram users.   What are you most looking forward to at Rhinebeck? What’s on your wishlist? Knitting for the body one has now, rather than waiting until one loses/gains enough weight?    On a Happy Note I got to see my nephew Will’s footsol game last Friday which totally cheered me up after a tough day.  I received some beautiful flowers from Dan (to my office) while I was at conference. I attended the yarn bombing event I participated in with my family last Saturday. Dinner for Dad’s birthday- Millie (7) talked us into a sleepover. Highlights: snuggles before bed, holding hands, reading Polar Express, building her a sleeping fort next to the guest bed in what she calls "her room." Pancakes in the morning. Craft project.  My niece Aila (9) will be performing with Boston Ballet in the Nutcracker in Boston this winter. She’ll be a mouse and a polichinelle! BONUS AUDIO at the end with Millie   Quote of the Week   “It is all a question of weeding out what you yourself like best to do, so that you can live most agreeably in a world full of an increasing number of disagreeable surprises.” -- M.F.K. Fisher ------   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Twitter: Instagram:BostonJen1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletterto get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 175 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Check out full show notes and photos on my website.  This week’s segments included: Off the Needles On the Needles Brainstorming Crafty Adventures Knitting in Passing KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Thank you to this episode’s sponsor: Imagined Landscapes Off the Needles Ribbit Socks Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Ribbit Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Mystery Spirit Yarn Christmas Socks Yarn: Unknown Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern: Non-Euclidian Heel by Sarah Jordan Velvet Bear Pattern: Velvet Valentine Crochet Bear by Sarah Zimmerman Yarn: Bernat Velvet in the Burgundy Plum & Blush Pink colorways Hook: H Used eyes and nose from 6060 on Etsy.  Beanie for Bernie Pattern: improvised based on Gina’s Messy Bun Hat Hook: H (5.0mm) Yarn: Bernat Velvet in the Burgundy Plum color way On the Needles Hattie’s Hedgehog  Pattern: Hedley the Hedgehog by by Moji-Moji Design Hook: B Yarn- Mystery yarn from stash (maybe wool/alpaca from Long Island Livestock co) Dragon Belly Pattern: Dragon Belly by Johanna Lindahl  Hook: J (6.0 mm) Yarn: Berocco Ultra Wool in Heather (purple) and Charcoal gray.  Cadet Colors Socks Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Yarn: Patons Kroy FX in the Cadet Colors Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)  Gram’s 2019 Christmas Socks Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Yarn: Patons Kroy FX in the Green Striped Ragg Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Brooklyn’s TeenyBeanie Pattern: The TeenyBeanie by Vanessa Smith (Hooked on Sunshine Crochet) -free crochet pattern Yarn: Sirdar Snuggly Crofter Baby Fair Isle Effect (DK) Hook: E (3.5 mm) Millie’s Lipsticks Yarn: leftover fingering weight Hook: Unsure- it was handed down to me. Says 0 Pattern: made up as I went. Soccer Ball Pattern: Football (Soccer Ball) by Emma Moss ($2 GBP)  Hook: F (3.75 mm) Yarn: Loops & Threads Impeccable in White and Black 12 pentagons. 20 hexagons.  Brainstorming Before Christmas: Red Hat for Garret, 2 lipsticks for Millie, Hat and booties for Brooklyn (coming for sleepover this weekend). Ideally a hat for my dad, and a shawl for my grandmother (Dragon’s belly) Before New Year’s: hedgehog for Hattie. 2 more toys for our friends’ daughters. Crafty Adventures I enjoyed a crafty day Thanksgiving Weekend with Megg. She got all of the fabric cut for the front of a quilt for her youngest daughter Hattie. Helped her with that while I started some projects. Knitting in Passing I shared stories of Millie spending lots of time on our recent trip to NH, knitting on “socks for Uncle Dan” which she proudly told anyone who inquired. Enjoyed some fiber chat with my cousin Chris’ wife Leah.   I met a lovely lady on the train who talked about caring for someone with special needs who would sometimes crochet a chain for hours. Other times she’d make a blanket. She still brings her friend yarn when she goes to visit. KAL News Slay the Stash 2019 Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins (purchased before 2019) – and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way!  Check out the December Post Use and follow #slaythestash2019 on Social Media Slay the Stash Sponsor List- 2019 Official Rules for 2019  January- Fish Belly Fiber Works February- KnitCircus Yarns March- Holly Press Fibers April- Fibernymph Dye Works May – Another Crafty Girl  June- Flying Finn Yarns July- Sponsored by WindsweptMonique August- Knit Style Yarns September- Artistic Lilly  October – Infinite Twist  November- 716 Knit  December –  Hypnotic Yarn We are not bringing Slay the Stash back as is in 2020:  Instead we’ll have a new quarterly challenge called the Quarterly Quest Quench the Queue Lessen the Library  Free the Favorites Slay the Stash Pigskin Party ‘19 Not familiar? It is an annual knit, crochet, weaving and spin along. Cast on anytime On/after September 5, 2019- February 3, 2020 Everything you need to know is linked in the Start Here Thread in the Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group including the Rules, Questions Thread, End Zone Dance Thread where you post your FOs, Coupon Code Thread, List of Prizes, Exclusive Items from our Sponsors! Pro Shop Sponsors  2 Guys Yarn Company Abstract Fiber AdoreKnit agirlandherwool Designs of Acadia (Pigskin Logo Bag) Fibernymph Dye Works Holly Press Fibers Imagined Landscapes Designs Infinite Twist JDStudios480 Jennifer Lassonde Designs Knitosophy Designs Knitters Brewing Company Knit Style Yarns Prairie Bag Works Progress Keepers by Meliabella Sunsoaked Yarns Yarn Love Snack Shack Sponsors Anne Beady Designs APLCrafts Birch Hollow Fibers Brenda Castiel Designs Creations of Anomalous Mind Designs by Meliabella Fish Belly Fiber Works  Geektastic Fibers IrocKnits Designs Kino Knits Kitchen Counter Crafter Knit/Wit Designs Leading Men Fiber Arts Lilliput Yarn Lolodidit Love in Stitches Mint Rain Hand Dyed Yarns Nicole Simmons Designs Queen City Yarn Remade By Hand Designs Shanalines Designs Tangerine Designs Teal Torch Knits The Project Bag Tin Can Knits UNICORN CLEAN Wild Branch Design Windswept Designs Woodsy and Wild Updates this episode November Participation Winners November Interception Winner The WIPs interception runs through end of KAL. Check out the details The WIPs Interception is POSTED! Team Check In Events Vogue Knitting Live in New York- January 16-19th.  Stitches West in Santa Clara- February 20-23 Contest, News & Notes  I shared the sad news of Scott (Scooterpie) Manko’s passing  Tune in to Episode 56 (Down Cellar Studio Podcast episode from 2014) where I told the story about first meeting Scooterpie and the running joke that ensued. Want to contribute to help out Amy? check out this link Want to send some handmade love Amy’s way?Check out this thread in the Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Life in Focus Plastic-free July Update What’s working well?  Bamboo toothbrush  Tooth soap from the Hippie Farmer  Bar soap in shower and sink  Charcoal bar soap for face  Coconut oil for eye make up remover   Argan oil from Trader Joe’s comes in glass  Misfit box every two weeks.  If you think you might like it, check out this link to get 25% off your first order.  Seltzer in can. Pour small amount into each glass or bottle of water for day  Hot and iced coffee cup with me.  Silverware and napkin and straw in purse and set in car.  Using my 24oz wide mouth Ball Jar at work and home. Fits in my cup holder in the car. I do have a plastic cover but its made from recycled plastic and I use a metal straw with it.  Was a gift from my best friend. Link to Cuppow Lid that I use Made wash cloths for work- dishes. I already have cups, plates, silverware that stays at work and I was there. Was using paper towel. Cotton wash cloth dries quickly enough overnight its not a problem. Continue to use my reusable mug for coffee with metal straw.  Harder  Still buying the occasional plastic seltzer bottle or soda on the go.  Shampoo bar from Whole Foods + 1 from Hippie farmer. Neither worked. Ordered Crush & Brush Toothpaste tabs. They don’t foam up enough for my liking. Peanut butter- can buy in bulk w/ my jars only at one store locally and its not in my path. Haven’t been going back. Would like to make a point to go with 2-3 jars and refill. Berries and tomatoes in plastic containers.  Try to limit when I can, but I also value getting in whole foods- different nutrients etc.  On a Happy Note Aila in the Nutcracker Crafty day with Megg Spotify for Christmas music Yoga by the Christmas Tree New glasses! 2 existing pairs with new lenses. 2 new pair. Quote of the Week For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone. –Audrey Hepburn Thank you for tuning in! Contact Information: Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletterto get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 162 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included:   Off the Needles On the Needles Brainstorming From the Armchair Crafty Adventures In my Travels KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: AdoreKnit, Infinite Twist, and Knitters Brewing Company   Off the Needles   Dragon Belly Shawl  Pattern: Dragon Belly Shawl by Johanna Lindahl Free crochet pattern Yarn: Teal Torch Knits TTK Splendid sock. 100% SW Merino. Stone Ground colorway. 2 skeins Hook: F (3.75 mm) Meters: 889 Secret Paths- Worsted Pattern: Secret Paths by Johanna Lindahl (free crochet pattern) Hook: US I (5.5 mm) Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca, 50% wool, 50% alpaca. 2 skeins Meters: 384 Secret Paths- Fingering Pattern: Secret Paths by Johanna Lindahl (free crochet pattern) Hook: US H (5.0 mm) Yarn: Madeline Tosh Twist Light in the Opaline colorway (2 skeins) Meters: 884 Barcelona/ Porto Socks #1  Yarn: Hjerte Garn. magic Colours Stompegarn jacquard Magic Color: 7749 Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern- OMG Heel by Megan Williams Meters: 192   Stash Dash Total (to date): 2349 meters    On the Needles   Barcelona/Porto Socks #2 Yarn: Hjerte Garn. magic Colours Stompegarn jacquard Magic Color: 7749 Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern- OMG Heel by Megan Williams Bronwyn Shawl (in blues) Pattern: Bronwyn Shawl by Toni Lipsey (free crochet pattern) Yarn:  Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Superwash Hook: J (6 mm) Bronwyn Shawl (in purple) Pattern: Bronwyn Shawl by Toni Lipsey (free crochet pattern) Yarn: Berroco Ultra Wool in Iris, Heather and Pepper Hook: J (6 mm) Brainstorming Stash Dash 2019 Goal: 15k Stash Dash 2019 Set in my Projects- click here to see my projects. A summer top for me. Debating between the Midnight Top, Britannia Beach Boxy Sweater and the most likely contender is the  Vanier V-Neck Tunic 2 crochet Christmas stockings I may add border on crochet hexagon blanket- a good chance to try new edging. Have any ideas for me? Christmas gifts- socks, shawls and toys. Also considering the Resistance Hat, a Boxy by Joji Locatelli, a cowl with leftovers from my Holly Press Fibers minis held with white for my niece Riley, another Hibernate blanket I recently ordered: from Holly Press Fibers- To Hike or To Knit Self striping- purple, mauve, orange taupe & the Pearl & Plum- Splash Pad Exclusive Project Bag    From the Armchair The Fix on ABC (10 episodes, 1st season) Bless this Mess on ABC  (6 episode, 1st season) Yarn Punk- Episode 104 of the Be Hooked Crochet Podcast. Check out Vincent’s website. Find him on Instagram as Knot.Bad  & yarnpunk   Crafty Adventures   I made Nutella Chocolate Chip Cookies with Emelyn. Click here for the recipe. We also made more melted crayon art. She used a wooden board, I used a canvas. We both made jellyfish. painted the top with watercolor and/or acrylic paint In My Travels Wolfe’s Neck Oceanfront Campground First time out on Kayaks for the season Dan bought us a new tent, Grand Hut 4, - worked out great. We hiked at Wolfe’s Neck State Park Visited Maine Beer Company : They're doing great things. Check out 1% for the Planet  KAL News   Slay the Stash 2019 Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end (only 3 yards or less can remain). Let’s use up those older special skeins (purchased before 2019) - and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way! Check out the May post  Use and follow #slaythestash2019 on Social Media Slay the Stash Sponsor List- 2019 Official Rules for 2019  January- Fish Belly Fiber Works February- KnitCircus Yarns March- Holly Press Fibers April- Fibernymph Dye Works May – Another Crafty Girl  June- Flying Finn Yarns July- Sponsored by WindsweptMonique– yarn TBD August- Knit Style Yarns September- Artistic Lilly  October – Infinite Twist  November- 716 Knit  December –  Hypnotic Yarn Check out the Start Here Thread in the Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group For Official Rules, click here. Pre Pool opener chat Poolside Chat (to be opened 6/1) Click here to see Coupon Codes especially for you from our sponsors! Check out Splash Pad Party '19 Exclusive Items Splash Pad Party '19 Prize Thread   Pro Shop Sponsors AdoreKnit Fibernymph Dye Works Holly Press Fibers Infinite Twist Jennifer Lassonde Designs Kingdom Fleece and Fiberworks Kitchen Counter Crafter Knit Style Yarns Knitters Brewing Company Pearl & Plum Prairie Bag Works Sunsoaked Yarns Snack Shack Sponsors Anne Beady Designs Brenda Castiel Designs Corrine Walcher’s Ravelry Store a girl and her wool Heddi Craft Designs Kino Knits Knit/ Wit Designs Love in Stitches MediaPeruana Designs Progress Keepers by Meliabella Remade by Hand Designs Windswept Designs     Events   19th Annual Maine Fiber Frolic- June 1 & 2-  Windsor Fairgrounds Rt. 32, Windsor, Maine  June 1 & 2, 2019, 9 am - 4 pm  $5/adult, $8/adult 2 day pass $2/senior adult,  children under  12 are free. (3 hours from me- not sure I'll be going) World Wide Knit in Public Day- Saturday June 8th. Find an event near you! Check out the "Where are Jen & Lisa" Thread in the group to see what events we'll be attending and feel free to note where you're going to find other friends also going!  Online Event: Knit Girllls annual Stash Dash KAL will run from May 24-August 24, 2019 Watch the friendly competition with Jasmin and me on Instagram: #teambostonjen #beatcuteknitter   Contest, News & Notes   Ann Weaver is donating all pattern sale income to ACLU through end of June! I ran a little pop-up contest over Memorial Day weekend on Instagram. Check out #getoutsideandcraft It's SO fun seeing what you were up to! Let’s keep it going all year! Life in Focus 2019 goals- 10 patterns + Build Muscle   #30x30stopstroke challenge going well. I've exercised 30 minutes a day everyday this month! Design- I've been experimenting with a new shawl shape that was giving me fits. Then I stopped and focused on my goal--10 patterns. Not specific patterns. And I asked myself what if this was easy? That flipped the switch and now I'm swatching a new idea I’m psyched about. Why make it hard?! It's not necessary!   On a Happy Note 15th anniversary Went out for beer and early dinner after a very long day at work 30x30stopstroke challenge- so far every day in May Lots of good walks. Trader Joe’s flowers. $5.99 last 2 weeks. Quote of the Week Life is denied by lack of attention, whether it be to cleaning windows or trying to write a masterpiece. —Nadia Boulanger   ------   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 159 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included: Off the Needles On the Needles In my Travels KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Off the Needles Max's Very Little Giraffe Pattern: A Very Little Giraffe by Annaboo’s House- free crochet pattern available on website not for download Hook: B (2.25 mm) Yarn: leftover super wash worsted yarn in yellow, brown and cream. Sunset Stripes Socks Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Needles: US 1.5 (2.5mm) Yarn: Patons Kroy in the Sunset Stripes colorway Grace & Frankie Shawl Pattern: Grace & Frankie by me, Jennifer Lassonde Yarn: 2 skeins of Suburban Stitcher Merino DK: 100% Superwash Fine Merino Wool in the Predictability Colorway. 115 grams = 250 yards Yarn used in sample = 220 grams | 478 yards (473.5 meters) Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm) Kris 40th Birthday Shawl Pattern: Grace & Frankie by me, Jennifer Lassonde Yarn: A Hundred Ravens Vanir DK (100% merino). 2 skeins in the Morello colorway Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm) On the Needles Rock You Like a Hurricane Socks Yarn: Freckled Whimsy yarn in the Rock You Like a Hurricane colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern- OMG Heel by Megan Williams West Yorkshire spinners for heel only. mauve color. Dragon Belly Shawl  Pattern: Dragon Belly Shawl by Johanna Lindahl Free crochet pattern Yarn: Teal Torch Knits TTK Splendid sock. 100% SW Merino. Stone Ground colorway. 2 skeins Hook: F (3.75 mm). Barcelona/ Porto Socks #1  Yarn: Hjerte Garn. magic Colours Stompegarn jacquard Magic Color: 7749 Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern- OMG Heel by Megan Williams Holly Press Fibers Boxy Pattern: Worsted Boxy by Joji Locatelli Needles: US 7 (4.5mm) and US 8 (5.0 mm) Yarn: Holly Press Fibers - Sheepish (fingering weight) base in colorways:  Flower Petal, Rambler in the Wilderness & Seeking You. Assylum Fibers + 2 mystery skeins from stash. Holding fingering held double. Brainstorming Whirligig Shrug: baby/child shrug knitting pattern by Stefanie Japel. I knit one back in 2011 for my cousin Bella In My Travels I gave an overview of my 10 day trip to Barcelona, Spain and Portugal Packing in a carry-on for 10 Days 3 pairs pants- black and grey leggings & 1 pair jeans 8 shirts vest with hood denim jacket 1 handknit shawl & 1 cotton scarf sneakers, shortie boots and slide sneakers. Socks, underwear 1 pair of sleep shorts too cold to wear- slept in leggings I had plenty of clothing. Washed clothes at my friend's house on Friday before we went to Porto. Could have done w/ fewer shirts but it was nice to have variety. Wish I had wool socks for bed. Lessons Learned Didn’t need my shortie boots. Sneakers and casual sneakers would have been sufficient. Denim jacket and vest were good to mix and match & good layering options. Loved having my prescription sunglasses! I could bring less jewelry if I plan to buy some. I never understood the point of packing cubes-  but my mom sent some over and I'm sold. They really do compress things more than I thought possible and kept my small suitcase organized. Overall Travel Highlights & Safety Tips Booked 3 apartments in the 2 cities through AirBnB all worked out great! Booked 2 excursions in Spain through them - 3 hour Bike Tour & Paella Making Experience Separate beds/rooms meant that I didn't get Laura's cold. Clean out your wallet before you leave. Take photos of what’s in your wallet in case it’s stolen. My wallet stolen before we got to our first apartment. Because it was fast and easy to call and cancel, the thieves didn't get in any charges on my cards. I had new cards & a license by the time I returned home Carry wallet and passport on your person during airport and train travel. Always zip your purse. Keep passport separate from wallet. Was happy I packed Airborne & my water bottle. It was easy to fill and carry (saved me money too). Downloading google map of city in advance was a huge win. You can find your blue dot on map even without WiFi. WiFi in lots of places. Cafes, restaurants etc. makes traveling without cell service possible. Carry-on suitcase was plenty to manage through cobblestone streets and many flights of stairs in metro stations. I might have thought of bringing a larger suitcase if it were "free" but that would have been a bad idea. Brought external battery back up for phone. Used at least most days. My phone was in airplane mode except for 2 small needs for cellular. But I used it to take lots of photos. Internet and apps on WiFi as needed. Bought European 220 plug that supports 2 usb cords which worked for all of the electronics I needed to charge. Worked well but I didn't like that it lights up green when plugged in. Not good if want to charge phone by bed. Barcelona  The bike tour and paella making class were huge highlights We visited All You Knit Is Love Yarn shop. I bought a skein of Murmur yarn & 2 50gram skeins of Hjertegarn. Sagrada Família. Passion facade done this time! First time went in. Breathtaking! Visited Montserrat. Audio of boys choir at end. Porto  Love the street art in Porto. Loved that Porto is so walkable. Can’t get too lost. Loved small winding streets with bright colors and laundry hanging. First AirBnB gave us really great recommendations. Ora Viva= favorite restaurant. You can easily hop on a river cruise. They sell tickets right down by the river. Cable cars/ gondola brings you to top of bridge. Fun ride! Fun with Laura taking photos Graham’s port wine tour. Knitting No trouble with metal or bamboo circulars in any airline. The shawl project & one pair of socks was plenty for a busy trip of sightseeing, knowing I'd buy some more yarn there. The boys loved the giraffes I crocheted for them. Marta’s oldest made me a sign that said "Welcome Home" in English and had a drawing of a girl in a giraffe costume like the stuffy I made Aila for Christmas that he saw in my Instagram feed. If you're traveling, consider bringing  an FO you want great photos of. KAL News Slay the Stash 2019 Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins (purchased before 2019) - and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way! Check out the April Post Use and follow #slaythestash2019 on Social Media Slay the Stash Sponsor List- 2019 Official Rules for 2019  January- Fish Belly Fiber Works February- KnitCircus Yarns March- Holly Press Fibers April- Fibernymph Dye Works May – Another Crafty Girl  June- Flying Finn Yarns July- Sponsored by WindsweptMonique– yarn TBD August- Knit Style Yarns September- Artistic Lilly  October – Infinite Twist  November- 716 Knit  December –  Hypnotic Yarn Splash Pad will open June 1st! Interesting in Sponsoring the Down Cellar Studio Podcast in 2019? Details for the Splash Pad Party & Pigskin Party can be found here. There are two types of Splash Pad Sponsorship Opportunities- find more details here Pro Shop Sponsors are given the opportunity to sell Splash Pad Party exclusive items in the month of May (or until July 15th). This is the paid option ($50). There are a max of 18 spots. Snack Shack Sponsors will donate prizes but will not be sell Splash Pad Party Exclusive products . This is free option and there are unlimited spots. 18 total Pro Shop Sponsor spots. 7 already taken! Don't delay! Anyone getting Splash Pad ready or wanting to share your sponsor products be sure to use  #splashpadparty19 on Instagram! Thank you to Jodi who started a pre-pool party chat thread in the group! If you're missing your Pigskin Party buddies, check it out. Events CT Sheep & Wool: April 27 9-4 rain or shine Gore Place Sheep Sheering Festival: April 27 from 10a-5p in Waltham MA- $20 general admission ages 13 and up, free for children 12 and under and Gore Place Members. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets available at the gates on the day or online. NH Sheep and Wool: May 11 & 12 in Deerfield NH Saturday 9am - 5pm & Sunday 9am - 4pm Admission is:  Reg price is $7.  Seniors 65 and older $5 youth 12 and under are free. Wool Days at Old Sturbridge Village: May 25-27 9:30a-5p One Day Pass $28 for adults, $26 senior, $14 kids MA Sheep and Wool: May 26 & 27 in Cummington, MA Fair Admission:Parking - $10 per car,  $15 for a two day pass Online Events Knit Girllls annual Stash Dash KAL will run from May 24-August 24, 2019 Contest, News & Notes Grace & Frankie Shawl release  The Grace & Frankie Shawl is an elongated triangular shawl that is worked from the top down. Garter Stitch edges offset by the lace in the center. i-cord edging gives the edge a very polished look and bonus, there's not a single purl stitch in the shawl. The design of the shawl is inspired by the relationship I have with my best friend, Kris. She often compares us to Grace & Frankie (from the Netflix original series)- best friends who love and need each other but on the surface have nothing in common. You'll see that play out in the shawl where the openness of the lace is offset by the solid fabric of the garter stitch—completely different types of stitches and fabric that complement each other well. Click here for all of the details. The Grace & Frankie Shawl is available for $6 on Ravelry. If you signed up for my newsletter you already got an early bird special discount. Next up Riley Rose Hat. Interested in test knitting? PM me on Ravelry! Life in Focus 2019 Goals: publish 10 patterns | build muscle! Health, wellness & muscle building.  I talk about how much value Im getting out of the PnP tribe that I’m still a member of.  I'm learning to be patient in building muscle while also listening to my body and going slower than I want to because of my fibromyalgia. Planning: doing weekly plans in Evernote is keeping me organized and helping me prioritize. With that I'm 1 pattern ahead of where I wanted to be at this time of the year. On a Happy Note 7th Podcast anniversary! Enjoying the show and want to support me? Leave review Apple podcast. Buy a pattern. Sign up for newsletter. Join a kal. Become or continue to participate as a Down Cellar Studio community member. Maybe invite a friend. We thoroughly enjoyed Riley, Garret & Millie's birthday dinner followed by laser tag! So fun. Who knew?! I had a blast celebrating my best friend's 40th birthday with a birthday dinner of tacos followed by swing dancing.  Dan and I will be going to San Francisco soon! Quote of the Week I want to live so densely, lush, and slow in the next few years, that a year becomes ten years, and my past becomes only a page in the book of my life.”  — Nayyirah Waheed ------ Thank you for tuning in. Remember show notes for this episode can be found at www.downcellarstudio.com/159 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. Email me at downcellarstudio@gmail.com For website: Thank you for tuning in! Contact Information: Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 153 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 On the Needles From the Armchair KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Lilliput Yarn   Off the Needles I've been working on some design knitting- a worsted weight Tan House Brook hat! Can't wait to share more details soon. On the Needles Worsted Boxy Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted Superwash in Solstice Heather  Colorway 26300 Dark blue with tints of black Needles: US 7 & US 8 Pattern: Worsted Boxy by Joji Locatelli Raw Honey Mitts Yarn: Cloudborn Wool Worsted Twist Colorway 27-003 (charcoal gray) Needles: US 5 (3.75mm) & 7 (4.5mm) Pattern: Raw Honey by Alicia Plummer $4.00 US (knit pattern) Diego Pattern: Lalylala 4seasons Halloween by Lydia Tresselt- 3 pattern combo, Diego-sugar skull, Frank- Frankenstein monster (already made), Brian is a Zombie with brain exposed (haven't made) Yarn: leftover worsted weight yarn Hook: B (2.25 mm) Cast on for Oisin before Christmas and completely forgot about it!  Dan's 1st Felici Socks Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern- OMG Heel by Megan Williams Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the 8 Bit Colorway Winter Storm Hat Pattern: Winter Storm Hat by Gabrielle Vezina Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) Yarn: King Cole Merino DK in the Irish Navy and Aran (cream) colorways From the Armchair 2018 Year in Review - Knit & Crochet Projects   84 FOs 23 pairs of socks 17 stuffed animals 10 shawls 6 hats ( 6 dishcloths 5 sweaters 4 blankets 3 Christmas Stockings 3 baby toys 2 pairs baby sandals 5 other   40 knit versus 44 crochet 19 things for me (same as 2017)     2018 Podcast/Knit Life in Review- Tune in to hear more 24 episodes Attended Vogue Knitting Live NYC & Rhinebeck Designed + published 2 new patterns: Jean Marie Shawl & Riley Rose Cowl Hosted 3 awesome KALs: Slay the Stash, Splash Pad & Pigskin Party Had a lot of fun with some other craft projects (detailed on the show) KAL News Slay the Stash 2019 Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins (purchased before 2019) - and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way! Official Rules for 2019  Check out the January Post Use and follow #slaythestash2019 on Social Media Slay the Stash Sponsor List- 2019   January- Fish Belly Fiber Works February- KnitCircus Yarns March- Holly Press Fibers April- Fibernymph Dye Works May – Another Crafty Girl  June- Flying Finn Yarns July- Sponsored by WindsweptMonique– yarn TBD August- Knit Style Yarns September- Artistic Lilly  October – Infinite Twist  November- 716 Knit  December –  Hypnotic Yarn Pigskin Party Wondering what this crazy KAL is? Check out this page which gives you the best overview with all necessary links. There’s also a helpful “Start Here” Thread in the Ravelry Group Check out the Rules but if you still have questions, come over to the Questions thread and ask. We’re happy to help. Put your Name on the Roster then claim your spot in the End Zone Dance Thread where you’ll track your points. Continue to update your post with all of the points you earn during the KAL For every 100 points, you’ll earn an entry into the drawing for the Grand Prizes Check out our amazing Sponsors; if you use their products, you’ll earn more points per FO Some of our Pro Shop Level Sponsors will be creating exclusive items for Pigskin Party participants. They may come out at different times and will likely be limited in quantities, so keep your eyes on this Exclusive Items thread in the group for all the latest news Scope out the prizes! Some will be given out during the KAL; some will be part of the Grand Prizes. Don’t forget to use #DCSPigskinParty18 on Instagram so we check out what you’re doing and you can be eligible for participation prizes. In this Episode: Check out Exclusive item thread!-  something you like? get it now. After Super bowl wont' be available for 6 months. Tune in to see if you won a December participation or Interception prize WIPs Interception- details can be found here. If you have any questions, please post in the Questions Thread.   Events Events in/around New England (or within driving distance) that you may want to check out. 10th Annual Slater Mill Knitting Weekend Fiber Art Marketplace- Pawtucket, RI- January 19 & 20, 10a-5p free admission Vogue Knitting Live New York, January 25-27, 2019 Farm Fiber Days at the Wayland Winter Farmers’ Market January 27 at Russell's Garden Center in Wayland, MA (March 3) The Seasonal Color Palette Natural Dye Workshop with Sasha Duerr at the Boston Public Market- February 9th 4 hours class $175 2nd Annual Boston Farm and Fiber Festival: February 10th at Boston Public Market 10a-5p 17th Annual New England Textile Arts Network's Spa Knit and Spin, February 23-25th in Freeport, ME Free Admission Knit North Yarn Crawl, North Shore, MA March 14-17 Contest, News & Notes News: Check out this Commuter Knitting in news  story from CNN   News: Please check out my first knitting pattern of 2019!   Go with the Flo   Would you like to test knit a worsted weight hat for me? PM me on Ravelry!       Life in Focus I talk more about my 2019 plans, 2 major goals, and the habits I'll be employing to help me get there. Other things I keep in mind: Your past is your teacher not your fortune teller (what can you learn from previous attempts, failures etc) What can/what do I need to cut out? We often need to prioritize our goal over other less important things. Get clear about that up front. Think ahead to what challenges you'll face and think about how to get around that. Make a list of my fears. Writing them down helps! Be ok with failure. Learn from it and move on. If I miss one day or one workout or one healthy meal, get right back on track at the next possible opportunity. "Growth is not in perfection, but in quickening your recovery time when you inevitably act contrary to your highest interests." – Neil Strauss How I Track Progress Weekly Evernote Note. List Quarterly, Monthly and Weekly Goals at the top. Then start a To-Do list for the week. The "to-do's" I add can be removed, moved to the next week or completed as I see fit. Plan each week on Sunday, look at the calendar and plot out my open time. Daily journaling of progress I'm making towards my two goals- paired with my existing habit of writing down my daily plan for water/food and movement.   On a Happy Note Had a lovely visit with my dear friend Laura over the New Year's Holiday weekend Watching: The Affair, Season 4. Escape at Dannemore. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Leah Remini; Scientology the Aftermath, Ray Donovan. The Mule (in theater) Purging and clean out after the holidays! New workout area I set up in the cellar! Tree still up! Quote of the Week Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan Press On! has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race. – Calvin Coolidge   ------ Thank you for tuning in. Remember show notes for this episode can be found at www.downcellarstudio.com/153 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. Email me at downcellarstudio@gmail.com   For website: Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 163 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. For full show notes, click here for links AND photo.   This week's segments included:     Off the Needles On the Needles Brainstorming From the Armchair Crafty Adventures KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Pearl & Plum, Fibernymph Dye Works & Prairie Bag Works     Off the Needles   Secret Paths of Christmas Pattern: Secret Paths by Johanna Lindahl (free crochet pattern) Hook: US I (5.5 mm) Yarn: Malabrigo Ríos in the Teal Feather Colorway (2 skeins) 380 Meters Dan’s Tourmaline Stripes Socks Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Yarn: Paton’s Kroy in the Tourmaline Stripes Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) 297 Meters Tutorial Dishcloth Pattern: to be released along with GoodReader Tutorial Yarn: Lily Sugar & Cream in the Greige colorway Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm) 28 Meters Hexagon Scrappy Blanket Pattern: Instructions from this tutorial Yarn: leftover sock yarn Hook: D 3.25 mm Instructions on how to make half hexagons 1782 Meters Autumnal Mitts Pattern: Autumnal Mitts by Jo Bangles (free knitting pattern) Yarn: Bijou Spun (75/25 Yak/Merino) DK weight yarn in Color 50-034 (teal/blue Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) Started in October 2014. Made the second in 4 train rides & about 30 minutes on a Sunday morning   Stash Dash total so far: 4915 Meters   On the Needles   Barcelona/Porto Socks #2 Yarn: Hjerte Garn. magic Colours Stompegarn jacquard Magic Color: 7749 Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern- OMG Heel by Megan Williams Bronwyn Shawl (in blues) Pattern: Bronwyn Shawl by Toni Lipsey (free crochet pattern) Yarn:  Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Superwash Hook: J (6 mm) Bronwyn Shawl (in purple) Pattern: Bronwyn Shawl by Toni Lipsey (free crochet pattern) Yarn: Berroco Ultra Wool in Iris, Heather and Pepper Hook: J (6 mm) West Yorkshire Spinners Christmas Socks Pattern: TBD Yarn: West Yorkshire Spinners in the Fairy Lights colorway Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm) Spooky Socks Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Spooky color way Needles: US 1 (2.5 mm) Autumn Stripes Socks Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Yarn: Paintbox Socks Colorway Stripes-Autumn Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm) Rainbow Hexagon Blanket  Pattern: Free Tutorial from Make Do & Crew for Full Hexagons & Half-Hexagons Hook: K (6.5mm) Yarn: Worsted Weight Acrylic from Stash Inspired by IG post from knitmom2one Brainstorming Still haven't decided on a summer crochet sweater- so instead I'm just trolling Instagram and Ravelry for other ideas.   Sandy Shores Cover Up by Anna Riley. $3.50 Crochet pattern. Inmost Cardigan by Linda Skuja From the Armchair Podcasts I'm enjoying YouTube podcast- Ocean State Yarncast : hosted by Coral and Rachel. Audio Podcast: Craft Cook Read Repeat Hosted by Monica and Cortney. Tune in to hear my review of  WipFit by Cate Carter-Evans. $10 PDF Workbook available on the Infinite Twist website.   Crafty Adventures I am crocheting an edging on trim on skirt for Riley with leftover turquoise fingering weight yarn. Began also adding edging to pockets. Purchased a Fiskars Skip Rotary Blade that works with my rotary cutter. Perforates fabric every 1/4 inch. KAL News   Slay the Stash 2019 Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins (purchased before 2019) - and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way! Check out the June Post Use and follow #slaythestash2019 on Social Media Official Rules for 2019  Slay the Stash Sponsor List- 2019   January- Fish Belly Fiber Works February- KnitCircus Yarns March- Holly Press Fibers April- Fibernymph Dye Works May – Another Crafty Girl  June- Flying Finn Yarns July- Sponsored by WindsweptMonique– yarn TBD August- Knit Style Yarns September- Artistic Lilly  October – Infinite Twist  November- 716 Knit  December –  Hypnotic Yarn   Events  Online Event: Knit Girllls annual Stash Dash KAL will run from May 24-August 24, 2019 Watch the friendly competition with Jasmin and me on Instagram: #teambostonjen #beatcuteknitter     Contest, News & Notes   Ice Time Hat featured on Style Craft blog on 5/30/19   My latest shawl pattern is now available on Ravelry! Riley Rose Hat is a 5-colored slouchy hat based on the stitch patterns in my Riley Rose shawl. It is an easy to knit hat project where the stitch patterns and colors change just often enough to keep you from getting bored! Pairs beautifully with the Riley Rose Shawl & Cowl. Get 50% off though 6/15. No coupon code required.     Life in Focus Building muscle- I am still working hard and learning to better find the fine line between pushing myself hard enough without going too far and causing a real pain flare. Design- the Riley Rose Hat is my 6th pattern of year (Goal=10). On a Happy Note Met knitting friends at Article 15 Brewing. Saw friend and designer Jenn Sheelen Enjoyed my nieces' Riley and Millie’s dance recital. Kayaking Sunday Whitman’s pond in Weymouth MA Quote of the Week “Happiness is essentially a state of going somewhere wholeheartedly, one-directionally, without regret or reservation.” -- W.H. Sheldon   ------   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 154 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included:   Off the Needles On the Needles Brainstorming From the Armchair In My Travels Knitting in Passing KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Tune in at the end to hear some audio from my nieces and nephew- Riley, Garret + Millie. Off the Needles     Worsted Boxy Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted Superwash in Solstice Heather Colorway Needles: US 7 & US 8 Pattern: Worsted Boxy by Joji Locatelli Cast on for XS small size- 19 inches below arms. Used approximately 1100 yards I did a split hem modification. Details can be found in my project page.   On the Needles     Winter Storm Hat Pattern: Winter Storm Hat by Gabrielle Vezina Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) Yarn: King Cole Merino DK in the Irish Navy and Aran (cream) colorways Cast on Newborn size Rock You Like a Hurricane Socks Yarn: Freckled Whimsy yarn in the Rock You Like a Hurricane colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern- OMG Heel by Megan Williams Acrobat Socks Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Needles: US 1.5 (2.5mm) Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Acrobat color way Amanda’s Birthday Socks Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Needles: US 1.5 (2.5mm) Yarn: Yoshi & Lucy, Isabel Base in the Commissioner colorway Hattie’s Stripey Shrug Pattern: Confection Baby Shrug by Tonya Wagner (free knit pattern) Needles: US 8 (5 mm) for the body and US 7 (4.5 mm) for the ribbing) Yarn: Knit Picks Felici Worsted in the Surfs Up Colorway (stripes in all blues and purples) Brainstorming I was initially brainstorming this toy: Marlene the Bunny Girl- crochet pattern by Joanna Klenmeyer available on Etsy But after talking with Millie it seems she'd rather an Elsa or Olaf doll instead.     From the Armchair   Race in the knitting community has been a huge topic of conversation on social media lately. In this segment I shared some thoughts about how I'm trying to expand my horizons to be a better informed, more sensitive person. I hope you know that you are ALL welcome here in the Down Cellar Studio Podcast Community.   An interesting conversation to listen to is on Oprah's Super Soul Conversations Podcast. In December they did a 2 part episode with Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade.  Check it out here: Part 1 & Part 2     Knitting In Passing     Check out this article about the popularity of podcasts- including knitting podcasts!       In My Travels   I shared some details from my recent trip to New York City. Some links to things I mentioned:   Visited Knitty City Saw the movie On the Basis of Sex. Highly recommend Visited the Museum of Sex . Loved the Leonor Fini exhibit Had fun at Flaming Saddles Saloon Met the lovely and talented Holly Box-Springs , admired her handmade wardrobe and am looking forward to checking out a brunch she hosts next time I visit.   KAL News   Slay the Stash 2019 Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins (purchased before 2019) - and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way! Check out the January Post Use and follow #slaythestash2019 on Social Media Slay the Stash Sponsor List- 2019 Official Rules for 2019  January- Fish Belly Fiber Works February- KnitCircus Yarns March- Holly Press Fibers April- Fibernymph Dye Works May – Another Crafty Girl  June- Flying Finn Yarns July- Sponsored by WindsweptMonique– yarn TBD August- Knit Style Yarns September- Artistic Lilly  October – Infinite Twist  November- 716 Knit  December –  Hypnotic Yarn Pigskin Party Wondering what this crazy KAL is? Check out this page which gives you the best overview with all necessary links. There’s also a helpful “Start Here” Thread in the Ravelry Group Check out the Rules but if you still have questions, come over to the Questions thread and ask. We’re happy to help. Put your Name on the Roster then claim your spot in the End Zone Dance Thread where you’ll track your points. Continue to update your post with all of the points you earn during the KAL For every 100 points, you’ll earn an entry into the drawing for the Grand Prizes Check out our amazing Sponsors;if you use their products, you’ll earn more points per FO Some of our Pro Shop Level Sponsors will be creating exclusive items for Pigskin Party participants. They may come out at different times and will likely be limited in quantities, so keep your eyes on this Exclusive Items thread in the group for all the latest news Scope out the prizes! Some will be given out during the KAL; some will be part of the Grand Prizes. Don’t forget to use #DCSPigskinParty18 on Instagram so we check out what you’re doing and you can be eligible for participation prizes.  Events The Seasonal Color Palette Natural Dye Workshop with Sasha Duerr at the Boston Public Market- February 9th4 hours class $175 2nd Annual Boston Farm and Fiber Festival:February 10that Boston Public Market 10a-5p 17th Annual New England Textile Arts Network's Spa Knit and Spin, February 23-25thin Freeport, ME Free Admission Farm Fiber Days at the Wayland Winter Farmers’ Market Russell's Garden Center in Wayland, MA (March 3) Knit North Yarn Crawl, North Shore, MA March 14-17  Contest, News & Notes   The Box o Balls Mini Skein Swap is going around after some postal delays. If you want to participate (even if you already signed up) come back to the thread to re-confirm. Thank you for all of your support for my first pattern release of the year- the Go with the Flo shawl! The Cast On Party was so much fun! check out #gowiththefloshawl on Instagram to see some fun versions that have been cast on. Thanks to everyone who responded to the call for Test knitters for my upcoming Tan House Brook hat! Testing is going well. If you're interested in test knitting for me in the future, feel free to PM me and I'll keep you posted.   On a Happy Note I went to see Mary Poppins Returns in theaters. It was delightful. We had my nieces and nephews for a sleepover. My 10 year old niece Riley cast on and began knitting on cowl and became quickly obsessed!  I was fortunate to have a Google hangout with Mary (kinoknits) and Sarah (imaginedlandscapes) about design advice. Free week at gym! I ended up joining with a 10 class per month option!   I bought tickets for Gretchen Rubin's book tour for her new Outer Order Inner Calm book. January purge feels good!!  Quote of the Week   Thinking and doing, doing and thinking--these are the sum of all wisdom. Both must move ever onward in life, to and fro, like breathing in and breathing out. Whoever makes it a rule to test action by thought, thought by action, cannot falter, and if he does, will soon find his way back to the right road.   —Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe       -------------- Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Twitter: Instagram:BostonJen1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 167 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes can be found at: www.downcellarstudio.com/167    This week's segments included: Off the Needles On the Needles Crafty Adventures Knitting in Passing In my Travels KAL News Events Ask Me Anything On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Off the Needles  Holden Cable Crochet Hat  Pattern: Holden Cable Crochet Hat by Lakeside Loops ($5 crochet pattern) Yarn: Sugarbush Yarns Dawson (Bulky weight; 50% llama, 50% merino) in the Wandering Vine Colorway (red) Hook: K 6.5mm 157 meters  Rainbow Hexagon Blanket  Hook: K (6.5mm) Yarn: Worsted Weight Acrylic from Stash Saw IG post from knitmom2one Pattern: Free Tutorial from Make Do & Crew for Full Hexagons & Half-Hexagons Meters: 1395 Ryan’s Rainbow Cozy  Yarn: Lion Brand Re-Up Hooks: F (3.75 mm) and G (4.25 mm) Pattern: Ball Band with a Twist by Jennifer Lassonde Meters: 56  Pink & Purple Cozies  Yarn: Lion Brand Re-Up Hooks: F (3.75 mm) and G (4.25 mm) Pattern: Ball Band by Jennifer Lassonde 208 meters Deja Blue Socks Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Deja Blue colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Meters: 262  I'm designing a hat using Goosey Fibers: 131 meters   Stash Dash KAL: 11,528 meters to date   On the Needles   Coffee Break Socks  Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Coffee Break Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Gina’s Messy Bun Hat Yarn: Sugarbush Bold in the Dover Sand colorway. blue Hook: H 5.0 mm Pattern: Gina’s Messy Bun Hat Holly Press Fibers Boxy Pattern: Worsted Boxy by Joji Locatelli Needles: US 7 (4.5mm) and US 8 (5.0 mm) Yarn: Holly Press Fibers - Sheepish (fingering weight) base in colorways:  Flower Petal, Rambler in the Wilderness & Seeking You + 3 mystery skeins from stash. Using fingering held double. Sandbar Cardi Yarn: Berocco Summer Silk in the colorway 4006 Boardwalk Hook: K (6.5 mm) Pattern: Sandbar Cardi by Toni Lipsey (crochet pattern $7) This will likely be a #RhineBIPOCsweater for me  Crafty Adventures I learned some basic Embroidery from my friend Beverly. On the way home, I ordered this tracing light box for use in future projects.   Knitting in Passing I shared a story about meeting a man in Baltimore who told us a story about how he learned to crochet during recovery from surgery. In My Travels Tune in for stories about my recent trip to visit with friends in Baltimore I got out walking - cool park trails on Sunday morning We enjoyed Paper Moon for breakfast. We visited a cute plant store B.Willow and I purchased a Tinted Lip balm (with no plastic container) from Priya Means Love.  KAL News   Slay the Stash 2019 Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins (purchased before 2019) - and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way! Check out the August Post Tune in to see if you're the July winner!  Use and follow #slaythestash2019 on Social Media Slay the Stash Sponsor List- 2019 Official Rules for 2019  January- Fish Belly Fiber Works February- KnitCircus Yarns March- Holly Press Fibers April- Fibernymph Dye Works May – Another Crafty Girl  June- Flying Finn Yarns July- Sponsored by WindsweptMonique– yarn TBD August- Knit Style Yarns September- Artistic Lilly  October – Infinite Twist  November- 716 Knit  December –  Hypnotic Yarn   The Splash Pad is closed for the season! Tune in to see if you won a prize.     Pigskin Party: the 6th Annual Pigskin Party kicks off on September 5, 2019 and runs through February 3, 2020   Not familiar? It's a ridiculously fun make-a-long that runs all through the NFL football season. We typically have a couple hundred participants each year. For each FO you finish, you earn touchdown & field goal points. You also earn points for using sponsor products & fulfilling other challenges. For every 100 points earned, you get an entry into our Grand Prize drawing. We also have lots of prizes reserved for participation on Ravelry and Instagram to keep it fun and light.   All of the details you need can be found in Pigskin '19 Start Here Thread  Want to sponsor? Details for the Sponsor options can be found here. Tune in to hear more about this year's Team option Get your Pigskin Party Logo Bag here! Don't forget to use #DCSPigskinParty19 on Instagram!    Pro Shop Sponsors (so far) Abstract Fiber AdoreKnit agirlandherwool Designs of Acadia (Pigskin Logo Bag) Fibernymph Dye Works Holly Press Fibers Imagined Landscapes Designs Infinite Twist JDStudios480 Jennifer Lassonde Designs Knitosophy Designs Knitters Brewing Company Prairie Bag Works Progress Keepers by Meliabella Sunsoaked Yarns Yarn Love   Snack Shack Sponsors (so far) Anne Beady Designs APLCrafts Birch Hollow Fibers Brenda Castiel Designs Designs by Meliabella Geektastic Fibers IrocKnits Designs Kino Knits Kitchen Counter Crafter Knit/Wit Designs Leading Men Fiber Arts Lilliput Yarn Love in Stitches Queen City Yarn Remade By Hand Designs Shanalines Designs Teal Torch Knits The Project Bag UNICORN CLEAN Windswept Designs Woodsy and Wild     Events   Online Events Knit Girllls annual Stash Dash KAL will run from May 24-August 24, 2019 Watch the friendly competition with Jasmin and me on Instagram: #teambostonjen #beatcuteknitter The Blanket Project- the Art Division and other groups throughout the country have begun knitting and quilting blankets for children at the border. Social Media:  Feel free to share your pictures/videos with us using the hashtags #theblanketprojectla #artdivisionla Instagram: @artdivisionla    Facebook: @artdivision.org  Twitter: @ArtDivisionLA Knitted, Quilted, Crocheted and Fleece tie/knot Blankets are welcome.  Local Events August 31st- Lexington MA- 12 – 4 PM, Lexington’s Spinning Protest Harrington Road (across from the Battle Green) Cape & South Shore Yarn Haul- September 12-15- Friday September 13 6p-8p I'll be hosting a trunk show and cast on party at Yarn's End in Hanover Friday September 13th from 6-8p Greater Boston Yarn Crawl- October 3-6, 2019 VT Sheep & Wool- October 5 & 6, 2019 NY Sheep & Wool Festival (aka Rhinebeck)- October 19 & 20 (new hours Sat 9-5 and Sunday 9-4) Needles Up! Friday October 18, 2019. VIP tickets sold out. General admission 1-6p  Best Western Plus Kingston Hotel and Conference Center   Indie Untangled (sold out)   Ask Me Anything This episode I answered two questions from Instagram. MegsDuffy- How do you stay motivated when you have so much going on??? ProudfootK- Plans for fall sweater knitting? Tips on curating your stash/or curbing stash acquisitions?  In my answer I mentioned the Soldotna Crop by Caitlin Hunter & Stash Fit workbook by Cate Carter Evans. Check out my review in Episode 156 of the podcast.   On a Happy Note Old friends: my friend Laura visited the first weekend in August. I spent last weekend with friends I've know for more than 12 years- originally met through scrapbooking. Cooler mornings. Long walks outside.   Quote of the Week There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” -- William Shakespeare, Hamlet   ------   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 161 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included:   On the Needles Brainstorming From the Armchair In my Travels KAL News Events Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Infinite Twist, Kingdom Fleece and Fiberworks & Fibernymph Dye Works   On the Needles Dan’s Tourmaline Stripes Socks Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Yarn: Paton’s Kroy in the Tourmaline Stripes Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Autumn Stripes Socks Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Yarn: Paintbox Socks Colorway Stripes-Autumn Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm) Dragon Belly Shawl  Pattern: Dragon Belly Shawl by Johanna Lindahl (Free crochet pattern) Yarn: Teal Torch Knits TTK Splendid sock. 100% SW Merino. Stone Ground colorway Hook: F (3.75 mm) I'm working on another sample for a new design that will match the Riley Rose Shawl & Riley Rose Cowl.  This hat is knit out of Holly Press Fibers Sheepish minis (5 colors) - Petticoat series. I've started a new 4 color, fingering weight shawl design. Sign up for my newsletter to be the first to know when patterns are released (and to get the best intro coupon)   Brainstorming Just back from beach vacation. Wore my Amma crochet top and my Easy Swim Cover up which is making me want to whip up something else for summer. Any suggestions?     From the Armchair  Tune in to hear my review and some highlights from Atomic Habits by James Clear Atomic Habits by James Clear I also mentioned Gretchen Rubin's Better than Before& Jon Acuff's Finish  In My Travels   Tune in to hear about our recent trip to Punta Cana- we stayed at the Iberostar Punta Cana.  20 of us went to celebrate Dan's friend's Dad's 80th birthday. We ordered these silly t-shirts as surprise and he loved them. T-shirts are from Arielle’s Treasures  Travel Tips Run water through coffee maker (without coffee) to heat it. Finally got our answer to "how much sunscreen is enough?" Answer: 7 days, 2 people, 3 spray sunscreens (plus something for face). Rashguard and hats are a must. Traveling with own water bottle was great. Dan and I filled with ice and water at breakfast lunch and dinner to always have water with us. I brought small container dish soap and cleaned in room with a face cloth. Have a pen handy for immigration and custom forms. Pack an extra for a friend too! Always negotiate price with vendors when prices aren’t listed. It may feel weird - and you have to be willing to walk away. They WILL let you walk away if they’re not going to make a profit. KAL News   Slay the Stash 2019 Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins (purchased before 2019) - and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way! Check out the May Post Thank you to Another Crafty Girl for sponsoring in May! Use and follow #slaythestash2019 on Social Media Slay the Stash Sponsor List- 2019 Official Rules for 2019  January- Fish Belly Fiber Works February- KnitCircus Yarns March- Holly Press Fibers April- Fibernymph Dye Works May – Another Crafty Girl  June- Flying Finn Yarns July- Sponsored by WindsweptMonique– yarn TBD August- Knit Style Yarns September- Artistic Lilly  October – Infinite Twist  November- 716 Knit  December –  Hypnotic Yarn Splash Pad Party- runs June 1 through July 31 2019   Check out the Start Here Thread in the Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group For Official Rules, click here. Pre Pool opener chat Poolside Chat (to be opened 6/1) Click here to see Coupon Codes especially for you from our sponsors! Check out Splash Pad Party '19 Exclusive Items Splash Pad Party '19 Prize Thread Use #splashpadparty19 to show us what you're up to to prep for the Splash Pad Sponsor Spots STILL AVAILABLE. Click here to learn more!     Pro Shop Sponsors AdoreKnit Fibernymph Dye Works Holly Press Fibers Infinite Twist Jennifer Lassonde Designs Kingdom Fleece and Fiberworks Kitchen Counter Crafter Knit Style Yarns Knitters Brewing Company Pearl & Plum Prairie Bag Works Sunsoaked Yarns   Snack Shack Sponsors Brenda Castiel Designs Heddi Craft Designs Kino Knits Knit/ Wit Designs Love in Stitches MediaPeruana Designs Remade by Hand Designs Windswept Designs  Events Wool Days at Old Sturbridge Village: May 25-27 9:30a-5p One Day Pass $28 for adults, $26 senior, $14 kids MA Sheep and Wool:May 26& 27 in Cummington, MA Fair Admission:Parking - $10 per car,  $15 for a two day pass 19th Annual Maine Fiber Frolic- June 1 & 2-  Windsor Fairgrounds Rt. 32, Windsor, Maine  June 1 & 2, 2019, 9 am - 4 pm  $5/adult, $8/adult 2 day pass $2/senior adult,  children under  12 are free. (3 hours from me- not sure I'll be going) World Wide Knit in Public Day- Saturday June 8th. Find an event near you! Check out the "Where are Jen & Lisa" Thread in the group to see what events we'll be attending and feel free to note where you're going to find other friends also going!  Online Event: Knit Girllls annual Stash Dash KAL will run from May 24-August 24, 2019 Watch the friendly competition with Jasmin and me on Instagram: #teambostonjen #beatcuteknitter Life in Focus 2019 goals- 10 patterns + Build Muscle   Designs Beginning of a new design is always scary for me but I talk a bit about how I work through that. I also got a lot of value out of  he Life Coach School- Episode 266 Why Change is Hard   Build Muscle   I'm participating in the #30x30stopstroke challenge The goal is to get as many as of us as possible to exercise for 30 minutes a day for 30 days in May—to help prevent stroke, maintain and increase our physical and mental well-being, and have some fun!     I've been trying out something new called the "on the clock" challenge I start stop watch on my phone when I first feel hungry. Drink some water and then see if the hunger stays the same or gets stronger. Many times I can go over an hour before anything really changes. It's fun when its a game and a good way to learn more about what my body actually needs. Hunger is not always an emergency.  I can eat any time I like... but its helped me realize I don't always need a snack when I think I might. On a Happy Note Software upgrade at work went well! Mother's Day- with Mom, Dad, Gram and my cousin Gayle-- played Skipbo, watched Red Sox and had a nice lunch together at Mom's house. Shared stories and photos from our trip. Quote of the Week Success is a few simple disciplines, practiced every day; while failure is simply a few errors in judgment, repeated every day.   —Jim Rohn ------     Contact Information: Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Twitter: Instagram:BostonJen1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

Hello! And welcome to Episode 174 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. My name is Jen and I'm your host and I'd like to welcome both new and returning listeners to the show. Today's segments include:   [for website] Thank you for tuning in to Episode 174 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Check out full show notes and photos on my website by clicking here.   This week's segments included:   Off the Needles On the Needles From the Armchair Knitting in Passing In my Travels KAL News Events Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week     Off the Needles   Darker Side of Pi(e) Socks Yarn: Fibernymph Dye Works Bounce base in The Darker Side of Pi(e) colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams The Huddle is Real Socks Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Yarn: Queen City Yarn NODA Sock (75 Merino/25 nylon) in the Huddle is Real Colorway (Pigskin Party '18 Exclusive colorway) Needle: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Alan the Baseball Playing Alien Pattern:Alan the Alien & his Flying Saucer by Moji-Moji Design Yarn: leftover DK/worsted weight scraps Hook: C (2.75 mm) Kaylee’s Christmas Stocking Pattern: Christmas Stockings to Knit and Crochet from Family Circle Magazine Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Red, Everglade Heather and White Hook: F (3.75 mm) Rainbow Ninja  Pattern: None. Details on how I made it listed in project page notes. Hook: C (2.75 mm) Yarn: Lion Brand Re-Up cotton First one with poly pellets in bottom. Used organza pouch to hold the pellets. Any better ideas out there? Green Dragon Belly Shawl  Pattern: Dragon Belly by Johanna Lindahl  Aussi Wool Worsted  Hook: I (5.25 mm) 3 skeins, $10 ea at Rhinebeck    On the Needles   Hattie’s Hedgehog  Pattern: Hedley the Hedgehog by by Moji-Moji Design Hook: B Yarn- Mystery yarn from stash (maybe wool/alpaca from Long Island Livestock co) Dragon Belly Pattern: Dragon Belly by Johanna Lindahl  Hook: J (6.0 mm) Yarn: Berocco Ultra Wool in Heather (purple) and Charcoal gray.  Mystery Spirit Yarn Christmas Socks Yarn: Unknown Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern: Non-Euclidian Heel by Sarah Jordan (Knit-Wit Designs— Pigskin Sponsor)       From the Armchair   Podcasts: Dolly Parton’s America. Click here for an article about this in Rolling Stone. The Office Girls Podcast  The Good Place Podcast  Enjoyed watching the final season of The Affair on HBO   Knitting in Passing I explained to my Aunt Florence what blocking is and got to see the beautiful projects she’s knitting for her granddaughters for Christmas.    In My Travels Fort De Soto- we explored on 2 person bicycled Myakka River State Park Enjoyed our Kayaking excursion booked through Airbnb  Owen’s Fish Camp in Sarasota is a total gem      KAL News     Slay the Stash 2019 Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins (purchased before 2019) - and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way!  Check out the December post  Use and follow #slaythestash2019 on Social Media Slay the Stash Sponsor List- 2019 Official Rules for 2019  January- Fish Belly Fiber Works February- KnitCircus Yarns March- Holly Press Fibers April- Fibernymph Dye Works May – Another Crafty Girl  June- Flying Finn Yarns July- Sponsored by WindsweptMonique–  August- Knit Style Yarns September- Artistic Lilly  October – Infinite Twist  November- 716 Knit  December –  Hypnotic Yarn Pigskin Party ‘19 Not familiar? It's a ridiculously fun make-a-long that runs all through the NFL football season. We typically have a couple hundred participants each year. For each FO you finish, you earn touchdown & field goal points. You also earn points for using sponsor products & fulfilling other challenges. For every 100 points earned, you get an entry into our Grand Prize drawing. We also have lots of prizes reserved for participation on Ravelry and Instagram to keep it fun and light.   It is an annual knit, crochet, weaving and spin along.Cast on anytime On/after September 5, 2019- February 3, 2020   Everything you need to know is linked in the Start Here Thread in the Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group including theRules,Questions Thread,End Zone Dance Threadwhere you post your FOs,Coupon Code Thread,List of Prizes,Exclusive Items from our Sponsors!   Pro Shop Sponsors  2 Guys Yarn Company Abstract Fiber AdoreKnit agirlandherwool Designs of Acadia (Pigskin Logo Bag) Fibernymph Dye Works Holly Press Fibers Imagined Landscapes Designs Infinite Twist JDStudios480 Jennifer Lassonde Designs Knitosophy Designs Knitters Brewing Company Knit Style Yarns Prairie Bag Works Progress Keepers by Meliabella Sunsoaked Yarns Yarn Love   Snack Shack Sponsors  Anne Beady Designs APLCrafts Birch Hollow Fibers Brenda Castiel Designs Designs by Meliabella Geektastic Fibers IrocKnits Designs Kino Knits Kitchen Counter Crafter Knit/Wit Designs Leading Men Fiber Arts Lilliput Yarn Lolodidit Love in Stitches Nicole Simmons Designs Queen City Yarn Remade By Hand Designs Shanalines Designs Tangerine Designs Teal Torch Knits The Project Bag UNICORN CLEAN Wild Branch Design Windswept Designs Woodsy and Wild The WIPs Interception is POSTED!     Thank you to Lisa for posting the Give Thanks Bonus Point Challenge.   I am prticipating in Indie GAL this year. Check out the Ravelry Groupfor the KAL. Coupon- giftalong2019  The KAL kicks off with a sale of 25% off with code giftalong2019 from Tuesday, November 26th 8pm (US-EST) through Monday, December 2nd at 11:59 pm (US-EST). Designers can discount 10-20 patterns. All of my paid for patterns are eligible for the sale.  Click here for the bundle of all of the sale patterns. Here is the bundle of all of the participating designers; all of their patterns count towards the KAL,   Events   Kick off to Lady Dye’s Be The Change Tourat Gather Here on Sunday 11/17/19.   Life in Focus Next month, by popular request, I’ll be doing an update on my Plastic Free July Challenge. If you have questions for me, please post them in this thread.   On a Happy Note I can’t believe I forgot to share with you my Stash Dash Champion Sash Dave and Jenna’s Wedding! Lovely prayer service for my grandmother who passed away peacefully at the age of 95.  Survived another overnight upgrade. Yoga.   Quote of the Week “I love repetition. Repetitions turn time into a place, turns the days into a house, where the repetitions form the walls, floor, and ceiling.” -- Karl Ove Knausgaard   ------   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletterto get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 170 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. For full Show Notes include photos click here.   This week's segments included:   Off the Needles On the Needles Crafty Adventures Knitting in Passing In my Travels KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: AdoreKnit   Off the Needles   West Yorkshire Spinners Christmas Socks Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Yarn: West Yorkshire Spinners in the Fairy Lights colorway Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm) Piggie Nugget Improvised pattern influenced by the Pig Miniature Amigurumi pattern and some counts from the Cuddle Bunny pattern (both linked on my Ravelry Project Page). Hook: C (2.75 mm) Yarn: Knit Picks Brava minis- 2 colors of pink. Eyes from 6060 on Etsy Buddy Bunny Nugget Improvised pattern influenced by the Buddy Bunny in the 4 Seasons Easter pattern and some counts from the Cuddle Bunny pattern (both linked on my Ravelry Project Page). Hook: C (2.75 mm) Yarn: Knit Picks Brava minis Eyes & nose from 6060 on Etsy Flamingo Yarn Bombing Project Will be on display at the Mansfield, MA Fall Festival at Fulton Pond October 4 + 5, 2019 On the Needles   Watayuki Pullover Pattern: Watayuki by Natsuko Iida $6.34 US at time of checking Yarn: Sweitzer Fiber Mill Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm) Yarn: bought in bargain bin at Rhinebeck. #myRHINEbipoc sweater #2 for me Mystery Spirit Yarn Christmas Socks Yarn: Unknown Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern: Non-Euclidian Heel by Sarah Jordan (Knit-Wit Designs— Pigskin Sponsor) To Knit or to Hike Socks Yarn: Holly Press Fibers Sheepish base in the To Knit or to Hike Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Lasso(nde) Socks Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Lasso color way Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Knitting in tandem Crafty Adventures Tune in to hear about how I used an old swatch to cover up a conference logo and epicycle a tote bag!  I used a Fiskars Perforating blade for my rotary trimmer to make the holes into which I could sew on the swatch. I single crocheted around the outside edge (after sewing on the swatch- probably not the ideal order of operations), then steam blocked it. Wins: Great use of swatch. Great place to put buttons and enamel pins. Great way to get more life out of a bag I may have donated but is certainly still useful to me.  Knitting In Passing    In visiting friends this weekend two brothers told me stories about their mother's quilting and knitting, the things she made for them and the memories they still cherish.  I used my half-knit sock as a beer koozie when my hand was too cold and I couldn't find the one I packed. In my Travels Tune in to hear about my visits to all 9 shapes in the Cape & South Shore Yarn Haul- September 12-15, 2019 (the first year for this event).     Thursday- Yarns in the Square Friday I hosted an event at Yarn's End People I mentioned: I got to meet Maureen Clarke of Green Mountain Spinnery, Ann of Alice & Ann- who runs Sewing Classes inside the shop. Kate Jones and Walshcentral (Maryann) from our podcast community stopped in.  Saturday: I visited Staci's Stitches to meet Cheryl of Hypnotic Yarn & her friend and helper, Jess. I'm excited about her new Yarnable Subscription Box! If you're interested, I am an affiliate. Click here for a $5 off coupon code using code BOSTONJEN. More to come soon! Sunday A Great Yarn in Chatham Adventures in Knitting in Harwich Salt Yarn Studio in Dennis It was lovely meeting Julie, the owner, and Nancy Richard- Iyanough Farm- who dyes yarn that she sells at the shop. Enjoyed her dyeing demonstration.  Who Gives a Stitch in West Yarmouth. Black Purls Yarn Shop in Sandwich. I was short on time but look forward to going back for a dyeing workshop. Plymouth Harbor Knits. Lovely chat with owner Jenn and her husband!   KAL News Slay the Stash 2019 Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins (purchased before 2019) - and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way! Check out the September Post & the October Post. Use and follow #slaythestash2019 on Social Media  Slay the Stash Sponsor List- 2019 Official Rules for 2019  January- Fish Belly Fiber Works February- KnitCircus Yarns March- Holly Press Fibers April- Fibernymph Dye Works May – Another Crafty Girl  June- Flying Finn Yarns July- Sponsored by WindsweptMonique August- Knit Style Yarns September- Artistic Lilly  October – Infinite Twist  November- 716 Knit  December –  Hypnotic Yarn Pigskin Party ’19  Join us for our annual knit, crochet, weaving and spin along.Cast on anytime On/after September 5, 2019- February 3, 2020 Everything you need to know is linked in the Start Here Thread in the Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group including the Rules, Questions Thread, End Zone Dance Thread where you post your FOs, Coupon Code Thread, List of Prizes, Exclusive Items from our Sponsors. Wrapping up September Interception. Thanks again to Woodsy & Wildfor sponsoring. Month isn’t over. Will close thread at the end of the month and announce winner in the next episode. October Interception: sponsored by Irocknits: Take Two Challenge. Click here for full details. For this challenge you need to use a 2-color cast on. Cori has a great tutorial available on her YouTube Channel. You can use this 2 color cast on with an Iroc Knits pattern that call for it- the Choose your Own Path Hat, Cowl and Mitt trio-- or use it with any pattern you’d like to use it for.    Pro Shop Sponsors  2 Guys Yarn Company Abstract Fiber AdoreKnit agirlandherwool Designs of Acadia(Pigskin Logo Bag) Fibernymph Dye Works Holly Press Fibers Imagined Landscapes Designs Infinite Twist JDStudios480 Jennifer Lassonde Designs Knitosophy Designs Knitters Brewing Company Knit Style Yarns Prairie Bag Works Progress Keepers by Meliabella Sunsoaked Yarns Yarn Love Snack Shack Sponsors Anne Beady Designs APLCrafts Birch Hollow Fibers Brenda Castiel Designs Designs by Meliabella Geektastic Fibers IrocKnits Designs Kino Knits Kitchen Counter Crafter Knit/Wit Designs Leading Men Fiber Arts Lilliput Yarn Lolodidit Love in Stitches Nicole Simmons Designs Queen City Yarn Remade By Hand Designs Shanalines Designs Tangerine Designs Teal Torch Knits The Project Bag UNICORN CLEAN Wild Branch Design Windswept Designs Woodsy and Wild Events Greater Boston Yarn Crawl- October 3-6, 2019 October 4 & 5th: Fall Festival at Fulton Pond in Mansfield, MA.Come check out the yarn bombing VT Sheep & Wool- October 5 & 6, 2019 NY Sheep & Wool Festival(aka Rhinebeck)- October 19 & 20 (new hours Sat 9-5 and Sunday 9-4) Needles Up! Friday October 18, 2019. VIP tickets sold out. General admission 1-6p  Best Western Plus Kingston Hotel and Conference Center Indie Untangled (sold out)  Contest, News & Notes #BIPOCMAL: Started by DesamourDesigns on Instagram.Click here for a link to her website with all the details. Refugee hats for Maine. Information from Clara Parkes on Instagram: Having fled their homes in Congo and Angola and then traveled 10,000 miles they didn’t exactly have time to stock up on warm winter woolens before they got there. This is where knitters and crocheters come in. They need warm hats and mittens especially for babies and children. Address: Maine Access Immigrant Network 237 Oxford St. Suite 25A Portland, ME 04101   Life in Focus For our annual Woodchopping Weekend Party we bought and used compostable plates, bowls and utensils. Felt great not throwing out a bunch of trash! We had some recyclables, but mostly cans. Bought growlers to cut down on the single server beer containers. Have still been hitting the gym hard. Consistently 3-4 days per week now instead of 2. Finalizing tech edit of a hat pattern, and knitting up 2 more. Updating those notes. Feeling very happy with my progress this year but will be happier when I get each of them across the finish line. On a Happy Note Camping in VT. Exploring new trails on our friend's property which inspired Dan and I to do some more work on our own land. Woodchopping weekend- funny moment when talking about colorwork and being unsure if letters would stand out. Dan contributes “once you swatch it you’ll be able to tell” Riley, Aila, Oisin slept over afterwards. Riley says she’s going to carry on Uncle Dan’s pancake tradition. Tune in after the credits for some audio with Riley and Aila.  Quote of the Week Change may not always bring growth, but there is no growth without change.” ― Roy T. Bennett   ------   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Twitter: Instagram:BostonJen1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletterto get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 165 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included:     Off the Needles On the Needles Brainstorming From the Armchair KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Kitchen Counter Crafter    Off the Needles   Jar Cozies   Coral & Navy- pint sized. 46 meters July 4th- pint sized- 46 meters Mustard & Gray- pint sized. 38 meters Ball Band Cozy- 24oz size- 56 meters Black & Gray- 32 oz- 62 meters Gray & White- pint sized- 32 meters Dan’s 24 oz Jar Cozy- 56 meters Enjoying Lion Brand Re-Up Yarn Fits well into my plastic free july personal challenge. I use mine with a metal straw and a recycled plastic cover from Cuppow Washcloths for Work Pattern: none Yarn: Lion Brand Re-up Hook: G (4.25 mm) Magic ring 6 Increase up through inc, sc7 Last round in a contrast color for ones I’m using at the gym. Single color for washing dishes at work. Made 6 so far. 60 grams of yarn- 88 meters   2 new designs in the works. 3 samples knit MFM Worsted Weight Hat & My Favorite Murder Hat (Fingering Weight) . Final pattern will likely be written for DK weight yarn. Lacy/Slouchy Hat Meters for Stash Dash as of this episode: 7,373 Meters.   On the Needles   Barcelona/Porto Socks #2 Yarn: Hjerte Garn. magic Colours Stompegarn jacquard Magic Color: 7749 Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern- OMG Heel by Megan Williams Finished 3 out of 4 shorties Spooky Socks Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Spooky color way Needles: US 1 (2.5 mm) Deja Blue Socks Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Spooky color way Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Dan's 1st Felici Socks Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the 8-bit color way Needles: US 1 (2.0 mm) Rainbow Hexagon Blanket  Pattern: Free Tutorial from Make Do & Crew for Full Hexagons & Half-Hexagons Hook: K (6.5mm) Yarn: Worsted Weight Acrylic from Stash Knit Picks Brava Bits Colorful Granny Blanket Pattern: Weaveless Colorful Granny by CherylDeeCrochet Hook: K 6.5 mm Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted Value packs Fisherman's Wife  Pattern: The Fisherman's Wife Hook: 12 mm Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick in the Fig Colorway Project from class Intermediate Crochet - Intro to Cables, Thursdays July 11 - August 8, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm at Staci's Stitches in Scituate. MA $80     Brainstorming I talked to the nieces and nephews about crochet toy requests (to get ready for Christmas). Aila asked for an orange crayon with a cute face. Oisín wants an alien with a baseball and a hat. Will wants Rocky Balboa!  From the Armchair   Chernobyl  on HBO & Sky UK Chernobyl Podcast   Prompted me to want to learn more about the subject. Some links you might find interesting:  Nuclear power in US  What Waste Is Produced in Generating Nuclear Power Radioactive Waste Myths   KAL News Slay the Stash 2019 Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins (purchased before 2019) - and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way! Check out the July Post Use and follow #slaythestash2019 on Social Media Pull June winner- post #16 laDiDa2u- Knit picks felici. Slay the Stash Sponsor List- 2019 Official Rules for 2019  January- Fish Belly Fiber Works February- KnitCircus Yarns March- Holly Press Fibers April- Fibernymph Dye Works May – Another Crafty Girl  June- Flying Finn Yarns July- Sponsored by WindsweptMonique– yarn TBD August- Knit Style Yarns September- Artistic Lilly  October – Infinite Twist  November- 716 Knit  December –  Hypnotic Yarn Splash Pad Party Check out the Start Here Thread in the Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group For Official Rules, click here. Poolside Chat Click here to see Coupon Codes especially for you from our sponsors! Check out Splash Pad Party ’19 Exclusive Items Splash Pad Party ’19 Prize Thread Follow #splashpadParty '19 on Instagram Participation Winners  Pro Shop Sponsors AdoreKnit Fibernymph Dye Works Holly Press Fibers Infinite Twist Jennifer Lassonde Designs Kingdom Fleece and Fiberworks Kitchen Counter Crafter Knit Style Yarns Knitters Brewing Company Pearl & Plum Prairie Bag Works Sunsoaked Yarns Snack Shack Sponsors Anne Beady Designs Brenda Castiel Designs Corrine Walcher’s Ravelry Store a girl and her wool Heddi Craft Designs Kino Knits Knit/ Wit Designs Knitting Daddy Designs Love in Stitches MediaPeruana Designs Progress Keepers by Meliabella Remade by Hand Designs Windswept Designs Events Online Event: Knit Girllls annual Stash Dash KAL will run from May 24-August 24, 2019 Watch the friendly competition with Jasmin and me on Instagram: #teambostonjen #beatcuteknitter Check back for updates later in the year   Contest, News & Notes   Tune in to hear if you won a copy of the Moduloncho by Shana Cohen- check her out on Instagram as Shanalines_designs Private Notes feature on Ravelry! new. Not sure when. So handy. For design stuff. notes about the pattern that are too specific and don't want to violate someone else's copyright. Check my first ever Crochet pattern available free on Ravelry. It's called the Ball Band Cozy The GoodReader Tutorial Washcloth- is also now available on Ravelry for $10 US. Check out the Ravelry page for full details. If you have any question about whether the GoodReader app will work for your iPad, don't hesitate to reach out to me on Ravelry (BostonJen). Come chat in the Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Thread for GoodReader App users  Life in Focus   I talked about my personal Plastic Free July Challenge. Tune in for all of the details. Here are a couple links you might find helpful. Using my 24oz wide mouth Ball Jar with my Cuppow Lid Ordered Crush & Brush Toothpaste tabs. Was really skeptical but I like them. Whole Foods who says their policy is that you have to use the plastic containers they provide. Yes, I know many of you can bring their own containers so not every store follows this policy.  I heard on a recent podcast that some people get those Whole Foods provided plastic containers once, fill in bulk section, bring items home, put into glass containers, wash out the plastic and re-use them next time (& Whole Foods cashier can't tell!) A little sneaky and not so above board? Perhaps. But also if someone uses a plastic bag and sneezes on it before filling- not sure we're any worse off...  Resources Reusable Nation Zero Waste Home Paris to Go Life without Plastic Marine Conservation Society https://www.soulgoodstuff.com/ Beginners Guide to Zero Waste Swaps (thanks to Rav user Louisetilbrook) 8 weeks to Waste-free lifestyle. Trex Recycling (thanks to Rav user ofsticksandstring for mentioning this)    On a Happy Note Oisin's birthday! Attending our friend's wedding, a beautiful rainbow and rocking my David Bridal dress I got at Savers for less than $10! Knitting with Riley and Millie The water balloon toss my Dad organized for our big pool party! 4th of July fun and kayaking with friends.   Quote of the Week It is not enough to be busy; so are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about? – Henry David Thoreau ------   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

Hope you've enjoyed Episode 158. Not a regular episode- but instead a chat with your favorite co-host, Mom (no regular segments this time). Stay tuned to the very end for a quick word from Dad (wise guy thought we were done).   Topics we covered: Mom and Dad took a 2 week vacation to Florida (Orlando, Clearwater & Fort Meyers). We highly recommend the Palm Pavilion  at Clearwater Beach. Mom & Dad went to a Red Sox game at the Jet Blue Park in Fort Meyers at the Mini Fenway. Meanwhile back at home Yawkey Way at Fenway has been renamed. RuMeID- QR code tag for luggage Do you have any tips for how to ensure you have access to your travel documents and photo IDs if your wallet is lost or stolen in travel? Share with us in the Ravelry group! Jen is currently in Europe visiting her friend Marta in Barcelona and checking Porto, Portugal for the first time with her friend Laura. Last time we were in Spain, Mom & I attached bachelorette party. Mom had lots of fun at the zipline/ropes course!  We answered listener questions about whether Mom does any fiber crafts. Yes- she sews! Here are some of her recent projects. For large family gatherings, we recommend frozen stuffed shells with sauce. Harvey’s Ham is also a big hit! Do you know how to use Instagram stories on an Android? Mom could use some help!   Find Mom on Instagram- creationsunlimited   ------------ Contact Information: Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletterto get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 176  of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. For full show notes & photos check out the show notes on my webpage by clicking here.   This week's segments included:   Off the Needles Crafty Adventures KAL News Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week     Off the Needles Dragon Belly Pattern: Dragon Belly by Johanna Lindahl  Hook: J (6.0 mm) Yarn: Berocco Ultra Wool in Heather (purple) and Charcoal gray.  Ball Band with a Twist Pattern: Ball Band with a Twist by Jennifer Lassonde Yarn: Lion Brand Re-Up in Denim and Gray Hooks: F (3.7 mm) and G (4.0 mm) Garret’s 2019 Christmas Hat Pattern: Bankhead Hat by Susie Gorley (free knitting pattern) Yarn: Knitters Brewing Co Sock-aholic Brewski (worsted) Needles: US 5 (3.75mm) and US 7 (4.5 mm) Cast on Child Size.  Dad’s 2019 Christmas Hat Pattern: prototype for new hat design Yarn: Patons Classic Worsted (black) Needles: US 5 & 7 Soccer Ball Pattern: Football (Soccer Ball) by Emma Moss ($2 GBP)  Hook: F (3.75 mm) Yarn: Loops & Threads Impeccable in White and Black Millie’s Lipsticks Pattern: none.  Improvised crochet Hook: Says 0 but not sure what that means. Yarn. Leftover fingering. Gram’s Christmas Socks Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Yarn: Patons Kroy FX in the Green Striped Ragg Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Scrappy Sock Yarn Hat Pattern: Scrappy Sock Yarn Preemie Hat by Greg Cohoon Yarn: leftover fingering weight yarn (from Savers) Needles: US 2 (2.75mm) & US 3 (3.25 mm) Cast on 64 because made one before that was 60 stitches and fit but was a little too small The Parker Baby Booties Pattern: The Parker Baby Booties by Ashleigh Kiser (free crochet pattern) Yarn: Sirdar Snuggly Crofter DK Baby Fair Isle Effect Hook: D (3.25 mm) Crafty Adventures I mentioned last episode my Nana passed away age of 95. Left behind a great legacy of her beautiful crocheted blankets. My cousin Megan came up with a wonderful idea. She printed photos of many of my Nana’s projects and used a heart punch to cut them into heart shape. Pasted them to a plain background and framed them! I made homemade banana ice cream for Mom and Jeff and my grandfather's family's eggplant recipe for Christmas dinner.   KAL News     Slay the Stash 2019 Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins (purchased before 2019) - and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way!  Check out the December Post In 2020 we'll be switching to Quarterly Challenges Slay the Stash Sponsor List- 2019 Official Rules for 2019  January- Fish Belly Fiber Works February- KnitCircus Yarns March- Holly Press Fibers April- Fibernymph Dye Works May – Another Crafty Girl  June- Flying Finn Yarns July- Sponsored by WindsweptMonique August- Knit Style Yarns September- Artistic Lilly  October – Infinite Twist  November- 716 Knit  December –  Hypnotic Yarn Pigskin Party ‘19   Not familiar? It's a ridiculously fun make-a-long that runs all through the NFL football season. We typically have a couple hundred participants each year. For each FO you finish, you earn touchdown & field goal points. You also earn points for using sponsor products & fulfilling other challenges. For every 100 points earned, you get an entry into our Grand Prize drawing. We also have lots of prizes reserved for participation on Ravelry and Instagram to keep it fun and light.   It is an annual knit, crochet, weaving and spin along.Cast on anytime On/after September 5, 2019- February 3, 2020   Everything you need to know is linked in theStart Here Threadin the Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group including theRules,Questions Thread,End Zone Dance Threadwhere you post your FOs,Coupon Code Thread,List of Prizes,Exclusive Items from our Sponsors!     Pro Shop Sponsors  2 Guys Yarn Company Abstract Fiber AdoreKnit agirlandherwool Designs of Acadia (Pigskin Logo Bag) Fibernymph Dye Works Holly Press Fibers Imagined Landscapes Designs Infinite Twist JDStudios480 Jennifer Lassonde Designs Knitosophy Designs Knitters Brewing Company Knit Style Yarns Prairie Bag Works Progress Keepers by Meliabella Sunsoaked Yarns Yarn Love   Snack Shack Sponsors  Anne Beady Designs APLCrafts Birch Hollow Fibers Brenda Castiel Designs Designs by Meliabella Geektastic Fibers IrocKnits Designs Kino Knits Kitchen Counter Crafter Knit/Wit Designs Leading Men Fiber Arts Lilliput Yarn Lolodidit Love in Stitches Nicole Simmons Designs Queen City Yarn Remade By Hand Designs Shanalines Designs Tangerine Designs Teal Torch Knits The Project Bag UNICORN CLEAN Wild Branch Design Windswept Designs Woodsy and Wild January Interception posted!   The January Interception is kindly sponsored by designer Windswept Designs (Monique Leonard)! Did you know there’s a whole world of yarn out there that many of you have never played with? Most knitters I know use sheep’s wool but there are so many other fibers out there that offer a world of things to try. Before you roll your eyes and think “oh no, not cotton” just remember that just like you’d never judge all sheep’s wool by that one scratchy sweater that Aunt Tilda made you twenty years ago, not all cotton feels like that scratchy dish cloth. There’s also bamboo, silk, yak, alpaca, tencel, seacell, rose fiber, camel, acrylic, nylon, rayon, soy, mohair, angora, the list goes on. From gorgeous hand-dyed soft cotton to big box store acrylic there’s a range of price points and each fiber has its own interesting properties. Blends are a joy to work with! For this month’s interception, find a yarn that does not contain sheep. Not sure what to make? The sky’s the limit, but the advanced pattern search on Ravelry allows you to search by fiber type and will give you lots of ideas. And for the record, yes, you really can knit a beautiful stranded color work sweater out of cotton, like the two I wore to Rhinebeck this year. Happy knitting! To be eligible to win Complete a project of at least 100 yards that does not contain any sheep’s wool. Project must have been cast on on/after 1/1/20 and completed by 1/31/20 Post your FO in this thread with a description and/or photo that shows how you’re meeting the challenge. Entries: 1 entry for your FO (max of 1 per person) 1 additional entry if you use a pattern by Windswept Designs Prize: Will be posted soon!   Contest, News & Notes 103 Hatis available on Ravelry for $5. It is a DK weight textured hat that features purl rows and 1x1 cables. It includes a tutorial for how to do it without a cable needle and without having dangling stitches. Instructions are written and charted. It has been tech edited and test knit.  4 sizes Finished sizes: 15.75 in/40 cm, 17.75 in/ 45 cm, 20.25 in/ 51.5 cm and 22.5 in/ 57 cm. Finished height: 7.5 in/ 19 cm    Part of Christy Houghton Yarn Cafe Creations Cast On Collaborative- December of Designers Project. First day’s profits going to National Alliance on Mental Illness Massachusetts    77 patterns $337 donated    Life in Focus I'm a little behind in reviewing my 2019. Last year I reviewed by theme: work, personal, podcast/design, finances, health + fitness What am I most proud of? What results did I get? New Skills or Knowledge? Things and People that brought me happiness Top 5 things I'm grateful for Habits + improvements I've incorporated On a Happy Note 7 kid Christmas sleepover. Will rubbing Millie’s feet. R &M to gymnastics and lunch. Eme in Funky Nutcracker. Watched newer grinch cartoon and had hot cocoa.  Dan helped me with wrapping. All done in about 2.5 hour. Dinner and drinks with Dan's cousin and her her husband Christmas with our families.   Quote of the Week “Nothing is so exhausting as indecision, and nothing is so futile.” -- Bertrand Russell ------   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 156 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Check out full show notes at www.downcellarstudio.com/156   This week's segments included:   Off the Needles On the Needles Brainstorming From the Armchair KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Off the Needles   Amanda’s Birthday Socks Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Needles: US 1.5 (2.5mm) Yarn: Yoshi & Lucy, Isabel Base in the Commissioner color way (gray with blue flecks) Free printable https://www.cobberson.com/free-printables Olaf Pattern: Frozen’s Olaf Amigurumi Doll by ChiWei Ranck (free crochet pattern) Yarn: leftover white worsted weight yarn from stash Hook: C (2.75 mm)   Finished Ice Time Hat and Cowl since I last spoke to you. I shared a peek on Instagram to solicit test knitters. Thank you for the overwhelming response! Thank you to Legacy Fiber Artz for the gorgeous yarn! On the Needles   Acrobat Socks Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Needles: US 1.5 (2.5mm) Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Acrobat color way I am working on a new DK weight triangular shawl design. Nearly done! Yarn: Suburban Stitcher DK in the Predictability colorway! Brainstorming Planning to knit another of the DK shawls I am knitting now for my BFF Need to check gift bin to see if I have socks to gift. Need to listen back to see if Garret put in a request for his birthday. I think he wants a sweater... that will have to wait for Christmas! From the Armchair   Things I'm enjoying online: Over My Dead Body Podcast from Wondery Godless on Netflix  This Season’s Must-Haves by Brooke McAlary of the Slow Home Podcast from a 2015 blog post that she just resent as part of her email newsletter.   I also did a review of  Stash Fit by Cate Carter Evans Check out this thread in the Infinite Twist Ravelry Group for conversation and before/after photos Take advantage of Coupon Code- LOVEYOURSTASH before 3/31 to get $5 off KAL News Slay the Stash 2019 Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins (purchased before 2019) - and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way! Check out the March Thread Use and follow #slaythestash2019 on Social Media Slay the Stash Sponsor List- 2019 Official Rules for 2019  January- Fish Belly Fiber Works February- KnitCircus Yarns March- Holly Press Fibers April- Fibernymph Dye Works May – Another Crafty Girl  June- Flying Finn Yarns July- Sponsored by WindsweptMonique– yarn TBD August- Knit Style Yarns September- Artistic Lilly  October – Infinite Twist  November- 716 Knit  December –  Hypnotic Yarn Pigskin Party   Grand Prize Winners announced. Click here for list of prizes within each of the 10 Grand Prize Packs   Events Farm Fiber Days at the Wayland Winter Farmers’ Market at Russell's Garden Center in Wayland, MA -March 3 Knit North Yarn Crawl, North Shore, MA March 14-17 CT Sheep & Wool: April 27 9-4 rain or shine Check back for updates later in the year   Contest, News & Notes   Check out my Instagram feed if you listen close to the time of recording to enter to win a skein of Neighborhood Fiber Company Studio Worsted in the Rock Creek Colorway and a copy of my Tan House Brook Hat pattern!     On a Happy Note My brother texted me a photo of him wearing his Ice Time Hat when he opened it! Valentine’s Day- not usually a holiday we celebrate. But this year we did and it was so much fun! Hattie’s 1 year photos! Dinner and Movie with my cousin Jenny- The Upside. Daytona 500 Party! Monday off for President’s Day- the perfect SNOW! Tried the Impossible Burger at Not Your Average Joe’s after hearing about it on The Future of Meat episode of Freakonomics Podcast (Episode 367) Millie's birthday sleepover! Quote of the Week Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. – Viktor Frankl   Bonus Audio from Millie She talks about making slime for the first time. The method she learned was similar to this recipe.     ------   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletterto get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 157 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included:   Off the Needles On the Needles Brainstorming From the Armchair Crafty Adventures In my Travels KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes Ask me Anything On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Off the Needles   Acrobat Socks Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Needles: US 1.5 (2.5mm) Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Acrobat color way A Very Little Giraffe  Pattern: A Very Little Giraffe by Annaboo’s House- free crochet pattern available on website not for download Hook: B (2.25 mm) Yarn: leftover super wash worsted yarn in yellow, brown and cream. On the Needles   Rock You Like a Hurricane Socks Yarn: Freckled Whimsy yarn in the Rock You Like a Hurricane colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern- OMG Heel by Megan Williams Sunset Stripes Socks Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Needles: US 1.5 (2.5mm) Yarn: Patons Kroy in the Sunset Stripes color way- black + white self patterning, orange, red, yellow and purple. Brainstorming Travel projects for my upcoming trip to Portugal & Spain. Current plan- 1 pair of socks & 2 skein crochet shawl project for the Dragon Belly shawl by Johanna Lindahl. While in Barcelona & Spain I am planning to buy yarn to bring back (and work on while there as needed) From the Armchair   Highly Recommend the podcast Still Processing podcast. Specifically the Fantasies episode Almost 30 podcast: 196 - An Inclusive Conversation on Implicit Bias, Systemic Oppression, and Racial Equity with Rachel Rosen Link to shownotes The Case Against Adnan Syed on HBO   Crafty Adventures I bought 2 king sheets at Savers. Sewed together. Threw them over my Christmas tree + tied on each side. Stored for the season (yes i know its nearly spring)! Quick and dirty but it works! In My Travels I shared stories from Farm Fiber Days at Russell’s Garden Center Hung out with Lisa, Anne & Ryan Met up with Monique- host of the Knitting on the Run podcast Got such a positive response to my new Ice Time Hat which was really exciting! Lisa is knitting sample for Lisa Dachinger Wools for use at future events! Judy Sullivan from Clover Works Farm who will knitting up an Ice Time hat sample soon too! I bought two skeins of DK from A Hundred Ravens Two skeins SW merino/yak and silk fingering $18 each from Friends in Fiber Nice chatting with Dianne of Lady Dye Yarns KAL News Slay the Stash 2019 Each month you can declare a skein of yarn to knit/crochet/weave to its very end. Let’s use up those older special skeins (purchased before 2019) - and maybe win a new beautiful skein of yarn from one of our sponsors along the way! Official Rules for 2019  Check out the March Post Use and follow #slaythestash2019 on Social Media February winner announced!   Slay the Stash Sponsor List- 2019 Official Rules for 2019  January- Fish Belly Fiber Works February- KnitCircus Yarns March- Holly Press Fibers April- Fibernymph Dye Works May – Another Crafty Girl  June- Flying Finn Yarns July- Sponsored by WindsweptMonique– yarn TBD August- Knit Style Yarns September- Artistic Lilly  October – Infinite Twist  November- 716 Knit  December –  Hypnotic Yarn Events Knit North Yarn Crawl, North Shore, MA March 14-17 CT Sheep & Wool: April 27 9-4rain or shine Check back for updates later in the year   Contest, News & Notes I released 2 new patterns on 3/8/19: Ice Time Hat & Ice Time Cowl Purchase them together before the end of the day on 3/16 and get both for only $5.    The Ice Time Hat is a 2-color hat worked with mosaic knitting (so you’re never using more than 1 color in any given row). After the brim, you change colors every 2 rounds which I promise will have you saying “just one more round!” after each one. The pattern effect is achieved using slipped stitches and simple 1x1 cables. Perfect for even an adventurous beginner. If you like the hat, be sure to check out the matching Ice Time Cowl. Check out #icetimehat on Instagram to find other color combinations that testers + knitters have used. Yarn Main Color used 80 yards / 73 meters | Contrast Color used 65 yards / 60 meters Sample knit in Legacy Fiber Artz DK. Main Color= Vanilla Bean (cream) & Contrast Color= Grey Gardens (gray) Finished Size Size: 18 in. / 45.75 cm around & 9 in. / 23 cm tall Fits head: 19-21.5 in. / 48.25-54.75 cm around I’ve found it fits nearly every teen and adult I’ve tried it on. If you need a larger hat, you could try going up a needle size and using worsted weight yarn (be sure to check gauge first of course)   Ice Time Cowl Yarn Main Color used: 120 yards / 110 meters Contrast Color used: 96 yards / 88 meters Sample knit in Legacy Fiber Artz DK. Main Color= Vanilla Bean (cream). Contrast Color= Grey Gardens (gray) Finished Size * Size: 20.5 inches / 52 cm around & 12 in. / 30.5 cm tall   Ask Me Anything Tune in to hear my answers to these questions!   Designs coming up: I am working on a new DK weight triangular shawl design. Nearly done! Yarn: Suburban Stitcher DK in thePredictability colorway! Totally in love with it! Working on a Riley Rose hat idea to coordinate with the cowl and shawl On a Happy Note Our new couch and recliner were delivered! Garret's 9th Birthday Sleepover ThredUP Goody Box- I got one recently and loved it. If you're interested, please use my referral code. Went to see Gretchen Rubin on her latest Book Tour for Outer Order Inner Calm. Birthday dinner for my friend Megs. I'm still sore from straining muscles in my ribs at Altitude with Millie... and my treadmill died, but I'm finally getting back to the gym and feeling good. Skype with Marta- to do more Barcelona trip prep. Any tips for Porto or Barcelona? Let me know! Quote of the Week Be steady and well-ordered in your life so that you can be fierce and original in your work. —Gustave Flaubert   ------     Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Twitter: Instagram:BostonJen1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletterto get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!