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  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 313 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins From the Armchair Some Years Later Knitting in Passing KAL News Events Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   I mended Hattie's mittens (store bought) and added snaps to her mermaid's removable tail.   Granny Square Ski Helmet Balaclava Pattern: none Hook: I (5.5 mm) Yarn: Knit Picks Brava in Dove Heather & Marina, Big Twist Value Solids in Aqua, Vanna's Choice in Charcoal Gray + 1 unknown blue worsted weight acrylic yarn. Ravelry Project Page I did one square to practice and see how I liked the colors together. Originally had a pop of a lime green in there. Liked the colors but didn't love the square. I also used that square to see for the smaller skeins (~30g) would I have enough yarn. I made a second square and that one I really enjoyed. 7 colors- from center out- light gray, medium/bright blue, white, aqua, charcoal, marina (teal), white I made 8 squares. Check out this Instagram post from Grandma.era on how to seam them together. Chroma Twist Bulky in Cousteau for trim around the face and along the bottom edge. It was riding on the train with me in my AdoreKnit Pigskin Party bag. Did you see that Steph from Adoreknit donated 10% of her Down Cellar Studio KAL items to our FearLESS Living Fund? With your help she donated $613 in 2025!   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Back to the Future Socks Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes. Micro-Sock Kit in the Back to the Future Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Back to the Future Sock set- gifted to me by Sue & Chelsea- part of their 4 Sundays of Advent yarn in 2025. About the Colorway- speckles of pink, orange, yellow purple and blue with a blue/purple mini. I cast these on before day trip up to Loon Mountain. I am almost to the heel of sock 1.   Traveler Sweater Pattern: The Traveler by Andrea Mowry ($9 pattern available on Ravelry & the designer's website) Yarn: Hazel Knits Small Batch Sport (90/10 SW/Nylon) in a sage green Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) & US 4 (3.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Size: 3 Drawstring- fingering weight yarn- US 6 DPNs. I washed it several times, because it was bleeding yellow. I had to wash it several times before all of the rest of the dye let go.   Pucker Brush Farm BFL Sweater Spin Fiber: 16 oz of multi colored BFL roving from Pucker Brush Farm (purchased at Rhinebeck 2025), 4 oz Merino in a mustard color Ravelry Project Page I am planning to knit a Traveler sweater inspired by Emily Curtis' handmade version- click here for her Ravelry Project Page. I was thrilled to see a recent post on Emily's Instagram that she made a YouTube video about this spin/knit. I plied up about 8.5 grams of the BFL with the Finnsheep. 23 wraps (690 inches/19 yards) Knit up a swatch on a US 4 and got gauge almost exactly To knit another size 3 Traveler I think I need approximately 19 ounces of each fiber. I did a lot of spinning during the big snowstorm we got last weekend. I am so into it! I cleaned my wheel and wound off fiber onto storage bobbins.   Woolens & Nosh 2025 Advent Socks Yarn: Woolens & Nosh, 75/25 Superwash Wool/Nylon 2025 Advent Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress: worked on the foot of the second sock during game night at home   Log Cabin Blanket Pattern: Log Cabin Square by Julie Harrison. Free crochet pattern available on Ravelry. Video tutorial available on the Little Woollie Makes YouTube Channel Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Minis (mostly from Advent calendars 2023 & 2024) Hook: I (5.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Inspired by Rachel (treehousefiberarts on Instagram) and Sue & Chelsea (Legacy Fiber Artz on Instagram). Check out the Floss Toss Ravelry Group for details on their Scrappy Blanket CAL. Ends December 21st (but you don't have to finish. 2 prize drawings will be done). My color placement is inspired by this project/pattern available on Ravelry. Inspired to pick it back up after see Sue (from Legacy Fiber Artz)'s version on their latest podcast episode. She bordered with cream before seaming. I love it. You can see a peek in this Instagram post. Progress- made one more. Total to date: 12   Hattie's Rainbow Mittens Pattern: Little Waiting for Winter Mittens by Susan B. Anderson Yarn: Knit Picks Felici Worsted in the Vegas Baby colorway Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) Cast on at Fiber Club at my library. The next morning my train was slow so I finished all but the thumb on the first mitten.  Cast on second About the colorway- stripes of gray, blue, green, mustard, red and pink.   From the Armchair   Podcast: The Walkers- The real Salt Path (Tortoise Investigates/The Observer) The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods. Amazon Affiliate Link Beyond That, The Sea by Laura Spence-Ash. Amazon Affiliate Link. (recommended by Paige)   Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.   Some Years Later   A look back my 2025 fiber crafting and podcast related items.   60 projects- click here to see these projects in Ravelry. 47 gifts/ 13 for me 34 knit/ 26 crochet No finished spinning projects 1 bag 3 blankets 6 cozies 8 hats 25 socks 1 Christmas stocking 1 sweater 2 tops 13 toys   Other fun numbers: Podcast Episodes- 23 Videos on YouTube- 33 BostonJen1- Instagram Followers-10,275 - I finally hit 10k!!!!!!! Ravelry Group Members: 3137  (up from 2981 in 2024) 1 Interview for Love in Stitches Group Podcaster Meet-ups: 1 with Natalie at Flock; 1 at Rhinebeck I was paid to do social media for the Cape & South Shore Yarn Haul   Knitting in Passing   I am teaching classes on the OMG Sock at Staci's Stitches, my LYS and enjoying seeing my students progress! My friend Mara texted me from the Celtics game the other night saying she was fairly sure one of the other fans in her section was wearing an Ice Time Hat (one of my designs)- you can find the pattern on  Ravelry & LoveCrafts   KAL News   Pigskin Party '25 Event Dates: KAL Dates- Thursday September 4, 2025- Monday February 9, 2026 Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Official Rules Registration Form  (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes) Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc. Coupon Codes are listed in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com   Updates In This Episode Official Sponsor for Quarter 4 (January)- Yarnaceous Fibers. Check out this Ravelry Thread for  4th & Goal with Yarnaceous Fibers Challenge Details Wild Card WIP Bonus- check out this Ravelry thread for details (ran 1/5/26 through 1/16/26)- 43 projects finished. Check out this view of the Ravelry chat thread which shows all of the Projects mentioned. A few highlights: ScrapperChris made a beautiful snowflake cardigan (started in 2020)- Ravelry Project Page TXHeather crocheted a 2k+ meter Christmas Tree skirt (also started in 2020)- Ravelry Project Page IWillKnitUaSock- finished knitting a beautiful Angel's Eyes cabled cardigan sweater by Thea Colman that she started in 2022- Ravelry Project Page ImaginedLandscapes finished not 1 but 2 beautiful sweaters, the Diona Pullover (Ravelry Project Page) & the Sonrae (Ravelry Project Page)   Commentator Update We are in the home stretch of the Pigskin Party and players are working hard to finish their projects before the clock expires!     I wandered over to the end zone dance thread to see what players have finished recently. Here are some amazing projects that caught my eye:   Adrie9 finished a knitted knockers blitz!  Some of them are specific requests and others for general donation. https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/down-cellar-studio-podcast/4375943/951-975#965 Katanorand finished an amazing spinning project! 26 oz of beautiful 3-ply  yarn! https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/down-cellar-studio-podcast/4375943/951-975#960 Players have also completed some beautiful intricate socks! Rosberrycrafts completed some beautiful Christmas colorwork socks https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/down-cellar-studio-podcast/4375943/951-975#962 Fgcreations posted a picture of her second completed pair of socks for 2026! Amazing! They are another beautiful colorwork pattern and the colors she chose are beautiful https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/down-cellar-studio-podcast/4375943/951-975#955 Sandima finished a lovely pair of mosaic socks that used 4 colors for the q4 challenge. So pretty! https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/down-cellar-studio-podcast/4375943/951-975#954 There's been a lot of conversation in the January huddle about laundry…yep, you heard that right. It's actually pretty fascinating. I've learned a lot. But whether you are into laundry or not, come on over to the friendliest place on the internet before the PSP is over!   Events New England Farm & Fiber Festival- Sunday February 8 from 10a-4p in Boston, MA Fiberfest at the Boston Public Market- March 21 & 22nd from 10a-5p in Boston, MA Fiber Witch Festival- April 24-26th in Salem, MA NH Sheep and Wool - May 9 & 10 in

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 312 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming Knitting in Passing From the Armchair KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Sheri's Christmas Socks Yarn: Gusto Wool Echos in Colorway 1515 (blue to purple gradient in 2-50g skeins) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page   Gus the Dino Pattern: Gus the Dino by KP Crochet Patterns. $8.50 US Pattern on Etsy (on sale right now) Yarn: Bernat Blanket in Misty Green & Parfait Chunky in White Hook: J (6.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page I got 35 mm eyes from Amazon   Very Hungry Caterpillar Socks Yarn: Teal Torch Knits Splendid Sock (100% SW Merino) in the Emerald Colorway, Murky Depths Deep Sock in the Age of Aquarium Colorway & Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes in the Vanilla Bean colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) and US 2 Ravelry Project Page The first sock is a colorwork leg sock with things the Very Hungry Caterpillar I measured from another socks- 12 rounds per inch. Goal is a 5 inch leg (after cuff), so ~60 rounds Cast on 56 sts with US 1.5 for cuff. After cuff, knit a few rounds before doing 4 sets of increases (4 increases each time) to get to 72 sts. Then changed to US 2 needles and tested for stretchiness after first block of colorwork. Using that I plotted out the colorwork for one sock based on Pacific Knit Co's Garden Doodle set. The second sock is has 12 round stripes of the 2 green colorways with a red toe to look like the caterpillar.   Miles Penguin Pattern: Penguin by Lion Brand Yarn- free crochet pattern on the Lion Brand website Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted minis in Black, Clarity, White and Orange colorways Hook: C (2.75 mm) Ravelry Project Page For this one I used two black circles bordered by white so I could skip the safety eyes (Miles is under 2 years old).   Dirty Crayon Box Socks Yarn: Fiber Stash Strong Toes Sock (80% SW Merino/ 20% Nylon) in the Dirty Crayon Box Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page I started these socks in October 2024 and finished on January 5, 2026   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Woolens & Nosh 2025 Advent Socks Yarn: Woolens & Nosh, 75/25 Superwash Wool/Nylon 2025 Advent Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page   Kirby Wirby 2025 Advent Socks Yarn: Kirby Wirby 75/25 Superwash Merino/Nylon in the 2025 Advent Christmas Toys from the 80s 24 Stripe Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Yarn theme: Christmas Toys from the 80s   Traveler Sweater Pattern: The Traveler by Andrea Mowry ($9 pattern available on Ravelry & the designer's website) Yarn: Hazel Knits Small Batch Sport (90/10 SW/Nylon) in a sage green Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) & US 4 (3.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress: finished the first sleeve and I'm at the cuff of the the second.   Pucker Brush Farm BFL Sweater Spin Fiber: 16 oz of multi colored BFL roving from Pucker Brush Farm (purchased at Rhinebeck 2025), 4 oz Merino in a mustard color Ravelry Project Page I am planning to knit a Traveler sweater inspired by Emily Curtis' handmade version- click here for her Ravelry Project Page. I was thrilled to see a recent post on Emily's Instagram that she made a YouTube video about this spin/knit. I found 4oz of Ironwood Hill Farm Roving- Finnsheep combed top that I purchased in April 2021. Unfortunately I can't find more of this on Cece's Wool site or Ironwood's etsy shop, but I think it will give me the idea for a tan/brown color plied with the colorful yarn, so I spun enough to make a sample yarn to swatch with.   Brainstorming Crochet Ski Helmet Balaclava available on Etsy for $7.36   Knitting in Passing Millie finished the hat she was knitting for her dad with yarn from Plied Yarn Co. Aila loved her goose purse! Her reaction was priceless Eme loved their Very Hungry Caterpillar socks My dad bought me a set of 2 organizers for socks. Each holds 30 pair. Great for my handknits. They sit on the shelf in our closet and are a gray cotton/linen that matches our hampers! Here's an Amazon Affiliate Link in case you're interested in checking them out.   From the Armchair The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. Amazon Affiliate Link. Tilt by Emma Pattee. Amazon Affiliate Link.   Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.   KAL News   Pigskin Party '25 Event Dates: KAL Dates- Thursday September 4, 2025- Monday February 9, 2026 Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Official Rules Registration Form  (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes) Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc. Coupon Codes are listed in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com   Updates In This Episode Official Sponsor for Quarter 3 (December)- Suburban Stitcher Mini Maker's Merry Month See details in this Ravelry Thread. Winner announced Official Sponsor for Quarter 4 (January)- Yarnaceous Fibers. Check out this Ravelry Thread for  4th & Goal with Yarnaceous Fibers Challenge Details December Participation Winners Announced Wild Card WIP Bonus- check out this Ravelry thread for details   Commentator Update Happy new year pigskin partiers!  The January huddle is abuzz with conversation. Several players have posted a list of everything that they made in 2025. We have some really prolific players in the group! The best thing about the conversation is that no one is competitive about it. Just lots of celebrations!  I find it kind of inspiring to see what others have accomplished. For example, hikesandbikes finished 54 knitted knockers! What a great cause! It inspires me to try knitting some this year.  Come on over and join the chat if you want to get inspired too!  A few players have decided that they want to make sweaters in 2026. If you want to join in the fun, hop on over to a new Sweater MAL thread: https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/down-cellar-studio-podcast/4390076/1-25 Another interesting topic of conversation in the January huddle stemmed from the unfortunate injury of one of our players. Sadly, she sprained her wrist. The group came through with lots of ideas for what to do when you can't knit and crochet, including needle felting, doing puzzles, watercolors, playing with art supplies, journaling and as MrsQuilt put it, "whining, reading, and actually paying attention to what is on the TV" I am wishing you all health, happiness, and strong crafting mojo in the new year! Mary   Events Farm Fiber Days at Russell's Garden Center- January 18th & March 8th in Wayland, MA Sunkissed Fiber Festival: January 24-25, 2026- just outside Tampa, FL New England Farm & Fiber Festival- Sunday February 8 from 10a-4p in Boston, MA Fiber Witch Festival- April 24-26th in Salem, MA   Contest, News & Notes Check out my Vlogmas videos if you haven't already- click here for the full playlist. Thanks to Nellsknitting for starting a thread in the Ravelry Group about a Sweater KAL 2026. (Danielle in MA)- great chatter about WIPs, planning etc. Want to cast on and need some encouragement? check it out.   Life in Focus   In this episode I reviewed my 2025 word of the year and 25 in 25 list.   My Word of the Year for 2025: Welcome   25 in 2025   Donate Blood at least 4 times (January, March, May, Sept) Go shopping for plants with Dan 4 times in the year (my Christmas gift from him) Buy new ski boots Go camping (scheduled for June) Kayak 2-5 times (Saco- 2 days) Do at least 5 walks with others (Megg 3/30)  bike riding with Dan twice in March. Walked with Megg (April), hike Mount Monument (Dan, Megg, Tom, Aila), Laura in 2 National Parks in Washington State  Take 2-5 yoga classes (outside of the house)--- option- https://balancestudiocohasset.com/book-a-class/ Do at least 30 lessons in Mondly (had 25 done in 2024)- does not include daily lessons Spend a day at Raffa Life-  September 21 with Laura and Megg Record 2-5 things I'm grateful for each day before bed (more days than not counts)- fallen off. Read all of Simple Abundance (ideally daily or close to)(10) Read at least 60 books- all books count (even poetry etc) Get at least 2 massages at Oasis (1 in April, 1 in June, 1 in September) See 2-5 movies in the theater (Paddington in Peru, The Long Walk, Blue Moon, Wicked for Good) Knit 2-5 garments for me (Aurealis - WIPs-Monsoonee Sweaters, granny stripe tank, Bayside tank) Granny tank, Bayside Shirt Finish and enjoy my Christmas Granny Square Blanket Crochet at least 5 toys (1: hedgehog 2& 3: Love Bugs, 4 pop-tart, 5 butterfly- another butterfly WIP, and TRex) Use my spinning wheel at least once a month (Jan, Feb & March, April,  July, August, September, Oct, Nov (forgot May & June) Have a crafty day with Eme

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 311 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Kris' Christmas socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Yarn: West Yorkshire Spinners in the Fairy Lights colorway & Patons Kroy in Red for heels Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page I knit pair of socks out of this same colorway for Mom in 2019- Ravelry Project Page here. That was my 100th pair of OMG Heel socks.   Elsa Pattern: Queen Elsa Amigurumi by Chiara Cremon (free crochet pattern available on Ravelry) Yarn: Knit Picks Brava (worsted weight acrylic yarn) Hook: D (3.25 mm) Ravelry Project Page Fantastic, really clear pattern. Body is worked from the bottom up all the way through the head, then you add two arms and a cape on the back. I ironed the cape and body to smooth out the fabric.   Penguin Pattern: Penguin by Lion Brand Yarn- free crochet pattern on the Lion Brand website Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted minis in Black, Clarity, White and Orange colorways Hook: C (2.75 mm) Ravelry Project Page   Over the Rainbow Socks Yarn: Cashmere & Coconuts MCN Sock yarn in the Somewhere Over the Rainbow colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Woolens & Nosh 2025 Advent Socks Yarn: Woolens & Nosh, 75/25 Superwash Wool/Nylon 2025 Advent Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page   Kirby Wirby 2025 Advent Socks Yarn: Kirby Wirby 75/25 Superwash Merino/Nylon in the 2025 Advent Christmas Toys from the 80s 24 Stripe Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Yarn theme: Christmas Toys from the 80s   Very Hungry Caterpillar Socks Yarn: Teal Torch Knits Splendid Sock (100% SW Merino) in the Emerald Colorway, Murky Depths Deep Sock in the Age of Aquarium Colorway & Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes in the Vanilla Bean colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) and US 2 Ravelry Project Page Cast on 56 sts with US 1.5 for cuff. After cuff, knit a few rounds. 4 sets of increases (4 increases each time) to get to 72 sts. Then change to US 2 needles and test for stretchiness after first block of colorwork. Mapped out the colorwork for one sock based on Pacific Knit Co's Garden Doodle set.   Sheri's Christmas Socks Yarn: Gusto Wool Echos in Colorway 1515 (blue to purple gradient in 2-50g skeins) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page I cast this on to bring to Rhinebeck on my Lemonwood Mini Minder (I have this Art Deco one) so I could walk and knit. Cast on cuff of sock #2 on a separate pair of needles before going to see Hattie in Shrek so I had that ready to work on. Back at home, I finished the first leg and heel and am on to the foot.   Gus the Dino Pattern: Gus the Dino by KP Crochet Patterns. $8.50 US Pattern on Etsy (on sale right now) Yarn: Bernat Blanket in Misty Green & Parfait Chunky in White Hook: J (6.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page   Brainstorming I shared a check in on Christmas making plans/schedule   From the Armchair   Bury our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab. Amazon Affiliate Link. Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover. Amazon Affiliate Link.   Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.   KAL News   Pigskin Party '25 Event Dates: KAL Dates- Thursday September 4, 2025- Monday February 9, 2026 Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Official Rules Registration Form  (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes) Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc. Coupon Codes are listed in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com Check out this Ravelry Thread with helpful tips for the event, crowd sourced from our incredible players.   Updates In This Episode Count On It Challenge hosted by Twice Sheared Sheep, Official Sponsor for Quarter 2 (November). Details in this Ravelry thread. Winner announced. Official Sponsor for Quarter 3 (December)- Suburban Stitcher Mini Maker's Merry Month See details in this Ravelry Thread. Stay tuned for more about our Official Sponsor for Quarter 4 (January)- Yarnaceous Fibers November participation prize winners were announced   Commentator Update from Mary- links in this section bring you to Ravelry Inspired by the Q3 challenge, there's lots of chatter in the December huddle about things to make with mini skeins!  If you are at a loss for what to make, head on over to the huddle for some ideas!  Three players have already submitted for points in the Q3 challenge--and all three of them made patterns by PSP sponsor Sarah Schira (Imagined Landscapes) * Esalaza made a super cute textured stripe scrappy hat in red, green, and white....very festive! * Fgcreations made a gnoel gnome--also very festive in Christmas colors! *Amazeh made a Gnatty the Unexpected Gnome   Way to rack up those points by combining a sponsor pattern with the Q3 challenge!   Speaking of racking up points...I was curious what the highest scoring single point project is so far. DebLinden got 1155 points for one project!  How'd she do it, you ask? *She knit a sweater holding two yarns together using 3639 yards (plenty of yardage for a blitz!),  *She used 4 pigskin exclusive products, and  *She used 3 additional proshop sponsor products. Well done!   Wishing you all a happy holiday season!   Contest, News & Notes Check out my 2025 Vlogmas Playlist on YouTube   On a Happy Note Laura texted me a photo of she and her friend Arielle wearing socks I knit them! Dad, Dan and I went to the Irish pub for Dan's birthday Dad's knee replacement surgery went really well. Seeing Hattie in Shrek and spending the afternoon with Riley. Sue and Chelsea from Legacy Fiber Artz sent me their 4 Sundays Advent- micro sock sets Our friend Merry came to visit and brought homemade food for Dad. She also brought me a beautiful bracelet whose beads are made with Mom's funeral flowers in Wizard of Oz colors. Riley and Milie came down this weekend. We did lots of knitting, crochet and a bit of latch hook. Check out the 13th and 14th vlogmas videos for more.   Quote of the Week "Welcome winter. Your late dawns and chilled breath make me lazy, but I love you nonetheless." —Terri Guillemets   ------   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.  

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 310 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website.   This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins From the Armchair KAL News Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus Ask Me Anything On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Dan's Birthday Hat Pattern: Turn a Square by Jared Flood. $5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & Brooklyn Tweed Site Yarn: Yarnbaker DK ((75% SW Merino/25% Nylon) in the Burnt Indigo Colorway (dusty navy blue with black Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 7 (4.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page I used 54g of yarn and have 52g left. It was living in my Stitched by Jessalu Rhinebeck bag which is, for now, my hat bag.   Game Day Party Socks Yarn: Mandi's Makings SW Merino Fingering Weight Yarn in the Pigskin '25 Exclusive Game Day Party Colorway. Green mini skein for heels/toes from Goosey Fibers (Wizard of Oz Advent Calendar yarn) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Ravelry Project Page Yarn: Pigskin '25 Exclusive- 60 points 62g used   Aila's Goose Bag Pattern: None. Using this Ravelry Project Page as a guide Yarn: Loops & Threads Impeccable in the Aran colorway (~400g skein) Hooks: G (4.0 mm) & H (5.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page Started at the bottom with smaller hook and holding yarn double. ch31 work both sides of that to create the base. increased up to 62 stitches. larger hook. SC around for sides. 7 sts for handle (smaller hook) with the goose head at end of handle which is attached to other side of the bag. Then I added feet at the bottom.   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Kris' Christmas Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Yarn: West Yorkshire Spinners in the Fairy Lights colorway  Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page I knit pair of socks out of this same colorway for Mom in 2019- Ravelry Project Page here. That was my 100th pair of OMG Heel socks. Progress: I am almost to the toe of sock 1.   Over the Rainbow Socks Yarn: Cashmere & Coconuts MCN Sock yarn in the Somewhere Over the Rainbow colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the colorway: Yarn was gift from Kris on Mom's 1st heavenly birthday. I decided these will be for Hattie (my niece who is Mom's birthday twin). Progress: I'm on the leg of sock 2.   Zoe Hat Pattern: Zoe Hat by Alexandra Davidoff- $6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry Yarn: Berrocco Vintage in a teal color Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 7 (4.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Laura picked out this yarn at Knitty City in NY Progress: I am still on the ribbing.   Elsa Pattern: Queen Elsa Amigurumi by Chiara Cremon (free crochet pattern available on Ravelry) Yarn: Knit Picks Brava (worsted weight acrylic yarn) Hook: D (3.25 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress: just barely started the legs.   From the Armchair   Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah. Amazon Affiliate Link. Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld. Amazon Affiliate Link.   Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.   KAL News   Pigskin Party '25 Event Dates: KAL Dates- Thursday September 4, 2025- Monday February 9, 2026 Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Official Rules Registration Form  (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes) Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc. Coupon Codes are listed in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com Check out this Ravelry Thread with helpful tips for the event, crowd sourced from our incredible players.   Updates In This Episode Count On It Challenge hosted by Twice Sheared Sheep, Official Sponsor for Quarter 2 (November). Details in this Ravelry thread. Official Sponsor for Quarter 3 (December)- Suburban Stitcher Mini Maker's Merry Month See details in this Ravelry Thread. Stay tuned for more about our Official Sponsor for Quarter 4 (January)- Yarnaceous Fibers   Commentator Update (links in this section go to Ravelry) Like most of the knitting internet, our November huddle has had lots of chatter about the game of wool, including tips for how to watch it if you are in the US!  This has spawned lots of conversations about: how long it really takes to knit something,  how hard on your body it can be to knit for long periods of time, and  whether crafting with time pressure is a fun challenge or just robs the joy out of our hobby.  Several pigskin partiers have shared their experiences with times crafting challenges, such as the sheep to sweater challenges, sock madness, and the super sock world challenge.    In other news, players are posting some amazing projects in the end zone dance thread!  A few players have completed some really intricate projects lately.  For example,   Enchantingpastime recently completed an amazing C2C crochet blanket with a penguin wearing a Santa hat!  It is so cute. https://www.ravelry.com/projects/Enchantingpastime/larger-penguin-blanket Fgcreations completed some fabulous colorwork "spooky bogeyman mitts: https://www.ravelry.com/projects/fgcreations/spooky-bogeyman-mittens Adrie9 completed a lovely sunset silhouette hat https://www.ravelry.com/projects/adrie9/sunset-silhouette-hat What a talented group of players we have!    Contest, News & Notes Check out this Gay Sheep Fashion Show article that I heard about on the 7 podcast from the Washington Post   Life in Focus   25 in 2025 Donate Blood at least 4 times (January, March, May, Sept) - done Go shopping for plants with Dan 4 times in the year Buy new ski boots- done Go camping (scheduled for June)- done Kayak 2-5 times (Saco- 2 days)- done Do at least 5 walks with others- done Take 2-5 yoga classes- will not complete Do at least 30 lessons in Mondly- will still try Spend a day at Raffa Life-  done Record 2-5 things I'm grateful for each day before bed (more days than not counts)- I've fallen off. Read all of Simple Abundance- gave up. Got too religious for me. Read at least 60 books- - 58 books as 11/29 Get at least 2 massages at Oasis- done See 2-5 movies in the theater- done Knit 2-5 garments for me- done Finish and enjoy my Christmas Granny Square Blanket- not happening this year. Crochet at least 5 toys- done Use my spinning wheel at least once a month- all but May & June! Calling this a win Have a crafty day with Emelie- done Knit a slouchy hat for myself-  not yet but it could still happen. Try out 3 new to me podcasts- done Watch White Christmas with Jenny & Kara- its on the calendar Buy a firebox and put important papers inside- working with Dan on finding the right one. Create a list of things to pack in case of an evacuation- not done yet Purge at least 20 items of clothing/accessories/shoes- done   Ask Me Anything   Tune in to hear my answer to this question: Hi, I'm a newer listener to your podcast and really enjoy it.  But just how fast do you knit? It seems you have a job (in addition to the podcast), have time to be in a musical, family,,...yet your projects seem to fly off the needles.  How do you get it all done?  Are you knitting constantly?? Slow at knitting, Cathleen   On a Happy Note My cousin Jenny hosted a girls/cousins game night. We had a lot of fun! Dad, Jeff, Riley, Millie & I started decorating at Dad's and then had a big Wicked (part 1) watch party in the evening. Megg, Eme, Ois, Hattie, Kris, Aila, Riley, Millie, Kara and Emelie all came. Only 3 of them had seen it before. Laura's visit- our craft fair tradition, lots of laughter with Megg and some great second-hand finds to add to my winter wardrobe Seeing Cabaret with Megg and Terri A surprise 4 Sundays advent box delivery from Legacy Fiber Artz- thanks Sue & Chelsea!! Fiber Club at my local library Thanksgiving with the family!  My cousin Joanie gifted Dad, Jeff and me each an ornament with flowers from mom's funeral made into beads and put together with crystals into a beautiful snowflake ornament Wicked For Good!   Quote of the Week "Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse." — Henry Van Dyke   ------ Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.  

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 309 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair Crafty Adventures Knitting in Passing In my Travels KAL News On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Fibernymph Dye Works & Imagined Landscapes   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Gary's LeHigh Hat Pattern: Turn a Square by Jared Flood. $5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & Brooklyn Tweed Site Yarn: Cesium Yarn Strong DK ( 75% SW Merino/25% Nylon) in the One More Sleep Colorway Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 7 (4.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Project Notes & Mods: did not increase after ribbing as called for. Knit 7 inches before working decreases. I used 52g of yarn and have 56g remaining so I can make another hat with this yarn.   Gary's Delaware Hat Pattern: Turn a Square by Jared Flood. $5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & Brooklyn Tweed Site Yarn: Robin's Promise Yarn Co, Two Birds in the Hand (DK 4ply 100% SW Merino) in the White-Tailed Robin Feather Colorway Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 7 (4.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the Yarn- purchased Rhinebeck Weekend at CAKEpalooza. Its a mostly solid royal blue.  This project is living in my new Stitched by Jessalu Rhinebeck 2025 bag. I think this will be my fall/winter hat project and I'll just keep the needles in here and keep replacing the yarn.   Yarn Cozy Lite Yarn: Cascade Heritage Yarn (75% SW Merino 25% Nylon) in the Highlighter Guava colorway Pattern: Yarn Cozy Lite by Knitty Natty- $6 pattern available on Ravelry Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm) Ravelry Project Page Natalie's video support for the stretchy i-cord bind off is great.   Vivienne's Christmas Stocking Pattern: Christmas Stockings to Knit and Crochet from Family Circle Magazine. Available in this web archive link. I've also saved it to my podcast Gmail Google Drive in case it disappears! Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver in Cherry Red, Hunter Green and White Hook: G (4.0 mm)   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Pucker Brush Farm BFL Sweater Spin Fiber: 16 oz of multi colored BFL roving from Pucker Brush Farm (purchased at Rhinebeck 2025), 4 oz Merino in a mustard color Ravelry Project Page I am planning to knit a Traveler sweater inspired by Emily Curtis' handmade version- click here for her Ravelry Project Page. I was thrilled to see a recent post on Emily's Instagram that she made a YouTube video about this spin/knit. I found 4oz of Ironwood Hill Farm Roving- Finnsheep combed top that I purchased in April 2021. Unfortunately I can't find more of this on Cece's Wool site or Ironwood's etsy shop, but I think it will give me the idea for a tan/brown color plied with the colorful yarn, so I'll spin just enough to make a sample yarn-- but this Finn is spinning like a dream. Where could I get more? Send suggestions my way   Spectrum Socks Yarn: Woolens & Nosh Targhee Sock in the Spectrum Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the colorway- skinny stripes of color with 1 round of black between. Colors include Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, 3 shades of Blue, Pink + Purple. Progress: I've passed the heel on the first sock   Game Day Party Socks Yarn: Mandi's Makings SW Merino Fingering Weight Yarn in the Pigskin '25 Exclusive Game Day Party Colorway. Green mini skein for heel from Goosey Fibers (Wizard of Oz Advent Calendar yarn) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Ravelry Project Page Yarn: Pigskin '25 Exclusive- 60 points Progress: First sock done. Onto the leg of the second sock. Hattie knit on them at her uncle's birthday party.   Traveler Sweater Pattern: The Traveler by Andrea Mowry ($9 pattern available on Ravelry & the designer's website) Yarn: Hazel Knits Small Batch Sport (90/10 SW/Nylon) Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) & US 4 (3.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Sleeve progress- knit a few more sets of decreases on the first sleeve. Still have a second sleeve to go and the whole hood. Focusing a bit more on Christmas gifts coming up so this one will be taking a backseat.   Brainstorming Queen Elsa Amigurumi by Chiara Cremon. Free crochet pattern available on Ravelry. You can find lots of cute character patterns on her Instagram account. Zach- maybe something spiderman   From the Armchair Heart the Lover by Lily King. Amazon Affiliate Link. Check out the October Book Club Episode of the Bad on Paper Podcast where they talk about this book. Sandwich by Catherine Newman. Amazon Affiliate Link. Three Days in June by Anne Tyler. Amazon Affiliate Link.   Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.   Crafty Adventures During Gabriella & Zachary's sleepover we pained and made plastic ornaments with spiraled pipe cleaners inside. So cute and easy!   Knitting in Passing A cute preteen girl came over when I was crocheting on the train to ask what kind of hook I was using and then asked if I was making a stocking for Christmas. I asked if she crocheted. She said yes but didn't offer more. When she went back to the grown up she was with, they gave her a big high five. So cute. Then the gentleman across from me who saw me counting rows then asked what happened if I lose count. Told him I could read the stitches. He congratulated me onto who new addition to our family.   In My Travels I shared highlights from a recent trip to New York City. I spent a wonderful morning at the MET Aida Silvestri- artist from Eritrea who had a triptych of pieces on display. Her work is motivated by social concern, but it also explores the camera's ability to connect people to a place. In these portraits of immigrant women, the artist strategically blurs her subjects' faces. This gesture, born of a need for protective anonymity, seems to evoke a greater enigma of the self. Mapping the course of migration to London are lines of thread stitched into the surfaces of the print- permanent, identity-altering interventions. Silvestri regards her series as a documentary project dedicated to those travelers who never reached their destination. Two embroidery samplers from Bostonian women from the late 1700s that were just beautiful. We visited the Chelsea Flea- I got a cool pair of earrings We got cookies from Levain Bakery We made a quick trip to Knitty City and Laura picked out yarn for a hat Musical- Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York We also saw Blue Moon at the movies. Tells the story of Lorenz Hart's struggles with alcoholism and mental health as he tries to save face during the opening of "Oklahoma!".   KAL News   Pigskin Party '25 Event Dates: KAL Dates- Thursday September 4, 2025- Monday February 9, 2026 Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Official Rules Registration Form  (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes) Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc. Coupon Codes are listed in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com Check out this Ravelry Thread with helpful tips for the event, crowd sourced from our incredible players.   Updates In This Episode Our Official Sponsor for Quarter 1 (October): Love in Stitches with Knitty Natty- Winner Announced julicorn.makes made a Maxine Hot Water Bottle Cozy by Laura Penrose (fair isle snowflakes)- Ravelry Project Page MrsZoom made Knitty Natty's Yarn Cozy Lite with the new football exclusive pattern in Colts colors- Ravelry Project Page Random number generator chose yesthatshelby as our winner! Pink Challenge is over- details in this Ravelry Thread. Winner Announced! CinderGA made Defying Gravity Socks by Lisa Ross- Paper Daisy Creations- Ravelry page Wizabef knit the Elinor Mittens by Irene Nielson- Ravelry Project Page Random number generator picked Alice Ortega who knit the Barn Swallow Socks by Cheryl Toy- Ravelry Project Page Count On It Challenge hosted by Twice Sheared Sheep, Official Sponsor for Quarter 2 (November). Details in this Ravelry thread. Official Sponsor for Quarter 3 (December)- Suburban Stitcher  Details announced. See details in this Ravelry Thread. Stay tuned for more about our Official Sponsor for Quarter 4 (January)- Yarnaceous Fibers Charity Challenge (runs through Thanksgiving)- details in this Ravelry Thread (36 of you have already asked for the address to mail in items! THANK YOU). Please email me to request the address.   Commentator Update (links in this section go to Ravelry)   Quarter 2 is in full swing and, when I looked today, 9 players had already submitted for points for the Q2 challenge!  Are you still thinking of what you can make that is at least 60 rows, using a row counter?  Here are some ideas! Hats! Many of our early Q2 finishers completed hats.  Neferetri, Hollyelyse and Janknitdun completed beautiful cabled hats...I bet the row counter came in handy for those projects! Kimbuktu7 completed a lovely colorwork hat Adrie9 completed a lovely two colored musselburgh hat  Neckwear is also a popular choice among our early Q2 finishers Mikkaelab completed a lovely crocheted cowl and a knit bandana! Sandyrlevin also completed a cowl in steelers colors (note--s

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 308 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins 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: Stitched by Jessalu, Suburban Stitcher, The Wandering Purl & agirlandherwool   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Born to Be Mild Socks Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Born to Be Mild Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page   Granny Square Chicken Yarn: Knit Picks Felici Worsted in the Palm Springs Colorway Pattern: Granny Square Chicken by Sweet Softies- $3.99 crochet pattern on Ravelry. Hook: G (4.0 mm) Yarn- self striping with cream, rust, peach, dusty pink, dusty orange. I didn't change color between rounds- I just let the self striping yarn do its thing. I used an organza bag to put the polyfill in. Put the tortoise shell glasses I bought at Another Yarn on her but they're a little big.   Essex Beanie Pattern: Essex Beanie by Justine Walley (AlyseCrochet). $5 crochet pattern available on Ravelry Yarn: Berroco Ultra Wool in colorway 3361 Kale (used 68g/ 148 yards for the hat, before the pom pom) Hook: I (5.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Sheri's Christmas Socks Yarn: Gusto Wool Echos in Colorway 1515 Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page I cast this on to bring to Rhinebeck on my Lemonwood Mini Minder (I have this Art Deco one) so I could walk and knit.   Traveler Sweater Pattern: The Traveler by Andrea Mowry ($9 pattern available on Ravelry & the designer's website) Yarn: Hazel Knits Small Batch Sport (90/10 SW/Nylon) Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) & US 4 (3.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Body was done and seamed before I left for Rhinebeck but I had to rip back the sleeve twice because I mis-read the instructions. Finally on track now.   Yarn Cozy Lite Yarn: Cascade Heritage Yarn (75% SW Merino 25% Nylon) in the Highlighter Guava colorway Pattern: Yarn Cozy Lite by Knitty Natty- $6 pattern available on Ravelry Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm) Progress: I have about 1 inch of knitting left.   Game Day Party Socks Yarn: Mandi's Makings SW Merino Fingering Weight Yarn in the Pigskin '25 Exclusive Game Day Party Colorway. Green mini skein for heel from Goosey Fibers (Wizard of Oz Advent Calendar yarn) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Ravelry Project Page   Pucker Brush Farm BFL Sweater Spin Fiber: 16 oz of multi colored BFL roving from Pucker Brush Farm (purchased at Rhinebeck 2025), 4 oz Merino in a mustard color Ravelry Project Page I am planning to knit a Traveler sweater inspired by Emily Curtis' handmade version- click here for her Ravelry Project Page. I was thrilled to see a recent post on Emily's Instagram that she made a YouTube video about this spin/knit. Emily made a 2-ply where   Gary's LeHigh Hat Pattern: Turn a Square by Jared Flood. $5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & Brooklyn Tweed Site Yarn: Cesium Yarn Strong DK ( 75% SW Merino/25% Nylon) in the One More Sleep Colorway Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 7 (4.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page   From the Armchair   The Names by Florence Knapp. Amazon Affiliate Link.   Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.   In My Travels Rhinebeck 2025   Friday Highlights: Seeing Kacey of Kacey Knits in person at Indie Untangled Seeing Maggie of Yarnaceous Fibers, Emily of Fan Girl Fibers & Jamie of Pacific Knit Co Seeing Christy of Yarn Cafe Creations (she signed up as a Snack Shack Sponsor and donated a skein of yarn)- she also had these cool trinket dishes. I bought 3 for gifts! Love them. Of Dust and Dew had beautiful pottery. I waited too long and didn't get the chicken vase I had my heart set on. It was my first time at A Woolen Affair. Ran into Lori & Justine of Skein Yarn Shop in RI & co-hosts of the Skein Scoop Podcast on Youtube. and their friend Hope of Hope Made Yarn Co. I was thrilled to bump into friend Sarah- themartiniknitter and Katie from Twice Sheared Sheep They had a beautiful art installation called Tributary- "A collective art installation as a celebration of community, creativity and collective power."   Saturday & Sunday Highlights: Saturday- we met up with our friend Lauren (lbeth21) and we spent the day together. Lauren kindly gifted me two bars of her homemade soap. Check out her Instagram- Happy Cat Suds (website coming soon) One our first stops was to see Jess and Roger of Stitched by Jessalu. It was an emotional visit and we didn't get a photo together. Across the barn, we saw Beth (mdquilter) along with Pigskin Sponsor Kim Shaffir. 2p Meet-up: Thank you to everyone who came out. Sunday morning we started with breakfast at a diner before heading to the fairgrounds. We made it over to see Amy of Ross Farm. I ran into Hope again and she gifted me a beautiful sock set from her yarn store-Hope Made Yarn Co. Sunday we left around 3/3:30p drove through Saugerties to get dinner so we popped into The Perfect Blend yarn store before we ate.   KAL News   Pigskin Party '25 Event Dates: KAL Dates- Thursday September 4, 2025- Monday February 9, 2026 Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Official Rules Registration Form  (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes) Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc. Coupon Codes are listed in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com   Updates In This Episode Our Official Sponsor for Quarter 1 (October): Love in Stitches with Knitty Natty is hosting a Cozy Up Challenge. Check out the details in this Ravelry Thread. Remember, projects need to be finished by 10/31 but you can enter for points until 11/5/25. Official Sponsor for Quarter 2 (November)- Twice Sheared Sheep is hosting the Count On It Challenge. Details in this Ravelry thread. Official Sponsor for Quarter 3 (December)- Suburban Stitcher (minis will be involved) Official Sponsor for Quarter 4 (January)- Yarnaceous Fibers Charity Challenge (runs through Thanksgiving)- details in this Ravelry Thread (21 of you have already asked for the address to mail in items! THANK YOU). Please email me to request the address. Pink Challenge (runs through 10/31)- details in this Ravelry Thread.   Commentator Update There's been a lot of activity in the huddle thread recently. Players have been discussing a range of interesting topics such as: * strategy for shopping at fiber festivals, which was partially inspired by Rhinebeck but certainly applies to any festival * suggestions for patterns to use up mini-skeins  * recommendations for cruises * board game recommendations * how to balance manicures with crafting time * ideas for handmade gifts for someone going into memory care * and what to do when you've simply lost interest in a project   As usual, if you can't keep up--just jump in!     I also wandered over to the endzone dance thread today. Unsurprisingly, there are a lot of pink projects, cozies, and pink cozies! But players have also recently finished a few Halloween themed projects Links below go to Ravelry: * Karen805 finished a Spiders in the House MKAL Shawl that is super cool! It even includes a colorwork spider motif! *Chiamira finished a Halloween Party Cowl that is all over colorwork and includes cats dressed up like pumpkins! * Cbass and Adrie9 finished Gnettle and Gnumpkin gnomes (from sponsor Imagined Landscapes) * and following up on a previous report, Sandima finished the Wednesday costume for her porch goose...so cute!   I am always amazed by the huge variety of projects that pigskin partiers complete!  It is so fun to see what everyone likes to create!   Events The Fiber Festival of New England. November 1 & 2 Sunkissed Fiber Festival: January 24-25, 2026- just outside Tampa, FL   Life in Focus I shared a bit about my recent fibromyalgia pain flare.   On a Happy Note 300 Paintings at ART Bethany of the Wandering Purl sent me 2 of her Pigskin exclusive bags with notions pouches! Dad and I went to my nephew Garret's hockey game together. The foliage is gorgeous this year. I signed up for Lauren (agirlandherwool) self striping club and got my first skein! Its great! Love is Blind Season 9- it was a wild and crazy season. I enjoy chatting about it with my friend Laura and am thrilled that the reunion will air while I'll be in NYC with her. So many deer in the yard in the last week and even a buck who has made a few appearances. We had fun at a friends' movie night watching Young Frankenstein.   Quote of the Week   "When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always."   ― Mahatma Gandhi   ------ Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouT

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 307 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair In my Travels KAL News Events On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Katie's Randomness, Heart & Squirrel & Paper Daisy Creations   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Sweetly Striped Hat Pattern: Sweetly Striped Hat by Chit Chat Knits. $4.50 knitting pattern available on Ravelry Yarn: Berroco Vintage in colorway 5185 Tide Pool Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) & US 8 (5.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page Pattern: Snack Shack Sponsor- Chit Chat Knits- 20 points Project Bag & Notions Pouch- Pro Shop Sponsor The Huckleberry Girl- 40 pts each= 80 points Check out this video on how to do a 1x1 left & right cross without a cable needle from my YouTube Channel   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Traveler Sweater Pattern: The Traveler by Andrea Mowry ($9 pattern available on Ravelry & the designer's website) Yarn: Hazel Knits Small Batch Sport (90/10 SW/Nylon) Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) & US 4 (3.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress:  I finished the front & back and seamed up shoulders and under arms. I cast on sleeve 1 for ride home from PA and was hoping to finish for Rhinebeck but there simply isn't time.   Born to Be Mild Socks Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Born to Be Mild Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress- Nearly to the toe on sock #2. About the yarn: tan base with browns and robin's egg. It reminds me of a robin's nest.   Granny Square Chicken Yarn: Knit Picks Felici Worsted in the Palm Springs Colorway Pattern: Granny Square Chicken by Sweet Softies- $3.99 crochet pattern on Ravelry. Hook: G (4.0 mm) Progress & Plans: I didn't change color between rounds- I just let the self striping yarn do its thing. almost done last round on the second square then I need to seam it together. I am planning to use some pantyhose with stuffing inside.   Yarn Cozy Lite Yarn: Cascade Heritage Yarn (75% SW Merino 25% Nylon) in the Highlighter Guava colorway Pattern: Yarn Cozy Lite by Knitty Natty- $6 pattern available on Ravelry Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm) Cast on to be ready for our Zoom cast on party on 10/2! Thanks to Natalie for coming to hang out. Such a fun kick off to this month's event. If you'd like the Pigskin Cozy version- it is included in this pattern for free through 10/31/25. Get 10% off any of Natalie's patterns through February 9th, 2026 with the code "PIGSKINPARTY". Brainstorming   A goose bag for Aila. I may use the notes from this Ravelry Project Page. Or there's a pattern available for $4 on Ravelry & another for $5.48 on Etsy. A Christmas Stocking for my cousin Chris's daughter.   From the Armchair The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose. Amazon Affiliate Link.   Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.   In My Travels Yarn Stores I visited with Riley & Aila Knit Tuck & Purl Another Yarn Stitch House Wicked Good Yarns Sit & Knit Boston Fiber Co Tight Knit Apple picking at Applecrest Farm & Orchard SoWa Market   Want to see more about this fun & yarny filled weekend? Our 2025 MA Yarn Crawls + Side Quests Part 1 video is available on YouTube (Part 2 coming after Rhinebeck).   Our trip to Philadelphia Dan and I stayed with friends in suburbs outside Philly. We had a great dinner at East Branch Brewing Company We visited Yarnphoria (check them out on Facebook) & purchased yarn from Essence of Autumn Rockwell & Rose (restaurant)   KAL News   Pigskin Party '25 Event Dates: KAL Dates- Thursday September 4, 2025- Monday February 9, 2026 Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Official Rules Registration Form  (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes) Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc. Coupon Codes are listed in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com Our Official Sponsor for Quarter 1 (October): Love in Stitches with Knitty Natty is hosting a Cozy Up Challenge. The challenge doesn't start until 10/1 but you can start planning now. Check out the details in this Ravelry Thread. Official Sponsor for Quarter 2 (November)- Twice Sheared Sheep Official Sponsor for Quarter 3 (December)- Suburban Stitcher Official Sponsor for Quarter 4 (January)- Yarnaceous Fibers Charity Challenge (runs through Thanksgiving)- details in this Ravelry Thread Pink Challenge (runs through 10/31)- details in this Ravelry Thread. Thanks to Sarah for starting a Pigskin Tips Ravelry Thread!   Updates In This Episode Official Sponsor for Quarter 2 (November)- Twice Sheared Sheep. Row Counter Challenge- details in this Ravelry Thread. Click here for a video on how to use a chain row counter Purchase a Twice Sheared Sheep Row Counter Commentator Report from Mary- links below all go to Ravelry Recently I've been spending time in the Mark it Monday thread.  If you are interested in a thread where the topic of conversation is almost exclusively about the crafting, this is a great thread for you!  It also moves a bit slower than the main huddle thread, so a little easier to keep up.  I find perusing this thread to be great for inspiration. It brings a smile to my face to see other players' projects coming to life. This week, I realized that player Scitchr is making 5 adorable animals. She is making them all Buffalo Bills clothing! So far, she has made an otter, a woodland duck, a hedgehog, and a woodland badger!  You must check them out...they are so adorable. Plus, she plans on making them Halloween costumes! Speaking of Halloween costumes, Sandima made a Wednesday (from Addams' Family) costume for her porch goose: https://www.ravelry.com/projects/sandima/goostavo-porch-goose-sweater   So cute!   In other news...players are busy with the three challenges that are going on right now: * 25 players have already submitted for points for pink challenge, with 5 players already submitting 2 entries!   * over 50 players have submitted for points for the Q1 challenge, with over 15 of them already submitting 2 entries! * 2 people have already submitted for points for the charity challenge!   Don't forget you still have plenty of time to participate in these challenges!   Events Indie Untangled. October 17 CAKEpalooza. October 17 A Woolen Affair. October 17 NY Sheep & Wool (aka Rhinebeck). October 18 & 19. Down Cellar Studio Meet up at Saturday 2p at the Pavilion to the left of the beer tent! Come and say hi. The Fiber Festival of New England. November 1 & 2 Sunkissed Fiber Festival: January 24-25, 2026- just outside Tampa, FL   On a Happy Note Apple picking & yarn crawling with Riley and Aila Megg and I went to see Hamilton in Boston (my second time seeing the show) We celebrated my dad's birthday with a bonfire Trunk show at my LYS I had a blast chatting with Natalie in an interview for the Love in Stitches Membership Haymakers for Hope- Belles of the Brawl. My cousin Kirstin raised $20,363.23 for cancer research that will benefit MGH's research into how non-small cell lung cancer transforms into small-cell. Overall the event raised over $465k! Jewelry 4 person puzzle time with Christine & Seamus Mini Grilled cheese & creamy tomato soup appetizer at Gary's wedding; it was so delightful! Getting new headphones after my right ear bud was broken for a good month. Getting a text from my SIL with photos of my niece and nephew on their way to their first movie with their handmade toys in hand.   Quote of the Week   "Leaves descending to the ground, Orange, magenta, green & brown The cool crisp breezes in the air, Autumn season must be here" -Charmaine J. Forde    ------ Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 306 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair Some Years Later In my Travels KAL News Events Ask Me Anything On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu, Fibernymph Dye Works & AdoreKnit   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Mayor of Halloween Town Socks Yarn: Woolens & Nosh Targhee Sock in the Mayor of Halloween Town colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Sweetly Striped Hat Pattern: Sweetly Striped Hat by Chit Chat Knits. $4.50 knitting pattern available on Ravelry Yarn: Berroco Vintage in colorway 5185 Tide Pool Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) & US 8 (5.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page Pattern: Snack Shack Sponsor- Chit Chat Knits- 20 points Project Bag & Notions Pouch- Pro Shop Sponsor The Huckleberry Girl- 40 pts each= 80 points Check out this video on how to do a 1x1 left & right cross without a cable needle from my YouTube Channel Progress: I need one more repeat & will begin crown decreases   Traveler Sweater Pattern: The Traveler by Andrea Mowry ($9 pattern available on Ravelry & the designer's website) Yarn: Hazel Knits Small Batch Sport (90/10 SW/Nylon) Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) & US 4 (3.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress: 18 purl ridges done; blocking to see if I have enough of the body knit or if I want to add more length.   Born to Be Mild Socks Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Born to Be Mild Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress- Part of the way through the cuff on sock #2. About the yarn: tan base with browns and robin's egg. It reminds me of a robin's nest.   Game Day Party Socks Yarn: Mandi's Makings SW Merino Fingering Weight Yarn in the Pigskin '25 Exclusive Game Day Party Colorway. Green mini skein for heel from Goosey Fibers (Wizard of Oz Advent Calendar yarn) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Ravelry Project Page Yarn: Pigskin '25 Exclusive- 60 points Progress: just beyond the heel on the first sock   Log Cabin Blanket Pattern: Log Cabin Square by Julie Harrison. Free crochet pattern available on Ravelry. Video tutorial available on the Little Woollie Makes YouTube Channel Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Minis (mostly from Advent calendars 2023 & 2024) Hook: I (5.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Inspired by Rachel (treehousefiberarts on Instagram) and Sue & Chelsea (Legacy Fiber Artz on Instagram). Check out the Floss Toss Ravelry Group for details on their Scrappy Blanket CAL; you do not have to use this pattern. Any scrappy crochet blanket counts. My color placement is inspired by this project/pattern available on Ravelry. The basic idea is that you use 1 main color for Rounds 1 & 3 (center and outer square), and then 4 separate colors for the 4 sides of the middle square) Round 1 & Round 3 done using same colors (2 sock yarns held together)- totals about 22g (11g of each colorway) Contrast Colors: total weight of yarns used (reminder- yarns are held double so I only need half the weight listed for each mini). CC 1 & 2: 2g needed. CC 3 & 4: 4g needed Progress: 9 so far - 2 new ones this month   Hot pink spinning Fiber: Mountain Vewe Coopworths Fiber in hot pink (no specific colorway name)- three 4oz bumps Ravelry Project Page Twist direction: singles = Z plied = S This means when I'm spinning, my wheel is spinning clockwise and when plying my wheel is moving counter-clockwise. Progress: ~3/4 way through first bump. 1st bobbin full and the second is well underway   Brainstorming Check out these designs by our Pigskin Sponsors that call for Super Bulky Yarn- Ravelry Link I may try the Fabled Hat pattern by Maggie of Yarnaceous Fibers-$6 Ravelry pattern or the Copper Foxes Super Bulky cowl by Kacey Knits, a $7 Ravelry Pattern Tiny scarf like the Sophie Scarf (Ravelry Pattern) but I likely won't use a pattern since many of my shawls that are knit side to side start off similarly. Christmas gifts- toys for the littlest of the nieces/nephews. More to come on the next episode.  The Love in Stitches Membership is working on colorwork sweaters and cozies.   From the Armchair The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. Amazon Affiliate Link. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. Amazon Affiliate Link. Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green. Amazon Affiliate Link. The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand & Shelby Cunningham. Amazon Affiliate Link. The Night She Disappeared by Lisa Jewell. Amazon Affiliate Link.   Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.   Some Years Later   Mini Skein Hexagon Blanket Pattern: Basic Crochet Hexagon Pattern & Tips from Make Do and Crew Website & YouTube Tutorial Hook: F (3.75 mm) Yarn: Mini skeins from 2022 agirlandherwool Advent Calendar, 24 Days of Cheer Swap minis + other scraps/swap yarn Ravelry Project Page I've been closing the end of each hexagon with this join- link to Instagram post Learned double magic circle from this YouTube video. Update: I took this blanket camping in Vermont, washed it when it came home and many of the centers burst open. So frustrating. I thought the double magic circle was the key but no, perhaps not. I will do a chain/slip stitch beginning moving forward.   In My Travels I shared a bit about our recent trip to Vermont.   KAL News   Pigskin Party '25 Event Dates: KAL Dates- Thursday September 4, 2025- Monday February 9, 2026 Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Official Rules Registration Form  (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes) Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc. Coupon Codes are listed in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com Check out this Ravelry Thread with helpful tips for the event, crowd sourced from our incredible players.   Updates In This Episode Our first Official Sponsor of the Quarter is Love in Stitches with Knitty Natty is hosting a Cozy Up Challenge! Check out all of the details in this Ravelry Post. Join Knitty Natty & me for a special zoom hangout Thursday 10/2 at 8p Eastern. Cast on, chat, learn about some of Natalie's cool cozy patterns and have some fun. Use code "PIGSKINPARTY" to save 10% on Natalie's cozy patterns. Details in the Start Here Thread. Official Sponsor for Quarter 2 (November)- Twice Sheared Sheep Official Sponsor for Quarter 3 (December)- Suburban Stitcher Official Sponsor for Quarter 4 (January)- Yarnaceous Fibers The Pink Challenge also kicks off 10/1/25. Check out the challenge details in this Ravelry Thread & don't forget to make an appointment if you're due for a mammogram or other screening. The Charity Challenge is also ready- check out the details in this Ravelry Thread.   Events Vermont Sheep & Wool. October 4 & 5 Indie Untangled. October 17 CAKEpalooza. October 17 A Woolen Affair. October 17 NY Sheep & Wool (aka Rhinebeck). October 18 & 19. Down Cellar Studio Meet up at Saturday 2p at the Pavilion to the left of the beer tent! Come and say hi. The Fiber Festival of New England. November 1 & 2 Sunkissed Fiber Festival: January 24-25, 2026- just outside Tampa, FL   Ask Me Anything   Tune in to hear answers MikkaelaB asked about the Pigskin Party.  Check out the Ask Me Anything Thread in Ravelry to ask a question and hear my answer on an upcoming episode.   On a Happy Note Dinner in Plymouth with my Mom's cousins Adult Ballet Class Vermont Trip Seeing the Mrs. Doubtfire musical Finding out my niece Hattie was cast as Gretl in a local production of The Sound of Music Going to the movies! Laura & I saw The Long Walk, based on a 1979 Stephen King novel Participating in a Clothing Swap & doing second-hand shopping with friends. Raffa Life in Cranston, RI- saunas, steam rooms & cold plunge   Quote of the Week "With every choice, you create the life you'll live; with every decision you design it." Mollie Marti   ------   Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.  

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 305 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins From the Armchair KAL News Events Ask Me Anything On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Skein & Co and Handmade Hygge   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Tie Dye Day Socks Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes base in the Tie Dye Day Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page 262.3 meters for Stash Dash   Four Leaf Clover Granny Square Blanket Pattern: Four Leaf Clover Granny Square by Apinya Roszko Hook: H (5.0 mm) Yarn: Knit Picks Brava 500 in colorway Mint & Loops and Threads Impeccable in Colorway 01808 Center square (in darker green)- 4g. Three rounds on outside of clover (in mint)- 12g Size:  6 inch square. 5x7 blanket (30x42") before border. Modification- the pattern calls for attaching new yarn (at the end of the square) to make the stem for the clover. I just chain to get to the center, make the stem and cut the yarn. I find it easy to crochet the granny square around it in Mint. No issues and one less end to weave in. I am joining squares as I go. I used this YouTube tutorial to remind me how to do this. 1186.1 meters for Stash Dash   10,426.8 meters for Stash Dash this year.   716 Splash Pad Socks Yarn: 716 Knit Sock Set  in the 716sock base in the colorway: It needs to be ok with getting on a boat with Levar Burton and never coming back. Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the yarn: stripe of black, stripe of bright poolside colors (orange, yellow, peach, greens & aquas . 344.2 yards/ 86 grams used.   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Sweetly Striped Hat Pattern: Sweetly Striped Hat by Chit Chat Knits. $4.50 knitting pattern available on Ravelry Yarn: Berroco Vintage in colorway 5185 Tide Pool Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) & US 8 (5.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page Pattern: Snack Shack Sponsor- Chit Chat Knits- 20 points Project Bag & Notions Pouch- Pro Shop Sponsor The Huckleberry Girl- 40 pts each= 80 points   Traveler Sweater Pattern: The Traveler by Andrea Mowry ($9 pattern available on Ravelry & the designer's website) Yarn: Hazel Knits Small Batch Sport (90/10 SW/Nylon) Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) & US 4 (3.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress: 5 purl ridges done   Mayor of Halloween Town Socks Yarn: Woolens & Nosh Targhee Sock in the Mayor of Halloween Town colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Cast on 9/4 for Pigskin Party Project bag: Pro Shop Sponsor Wandering Purl (40 pts) Yarn: Pro Shop Sponsor Woolens & Nosh (40 pts) About the yarn: Light gray- larger stripes with smaller stripes of dark gray, white and orange   Born to Be Mild Socks Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Born to Be Mild Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress- just into the leg of the first sock. About the yarn: tan base with browns and robin's egg. It reminds me of a robin's nest.   From the Armchair   Writers & Lovers by Lily King. Amazon Affiliate Link. Check out Season 3 Episode 6 of the Books, Beach & Beyond podcast with Elin Hilderbrand with Lily King Euphoria by Lily King. Amazon Affiliate Link. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. Amazon Affiliate Link. One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune. Amazon Affiliate Link. In the Likely Event by Rebecca Yarros. Amazon Affiliate Link.   Lily King talking on Books, Beach & Beyond (2025)-  on love "Love is really the most important thing to us and possibly the thing, the only thing that is going to save us from our other impulses. I am extremely concerned about the state of mind of this country and what we are allowing and what we have voted in and what we are experiencing and, in in some ways, our lack of resistance to it, and our our silence and our complicity. And it all really comes down to love. And if we lose that ability, I don't think AI is going to help us with love, I don't think Instagram is going to help us with love. I feel like all of our habits that are increasing and increasing are pulling us apart even giving us the illusion that its not, but we are, and we have to remember what it is like to love people. In all of those forms. It is the thing that makes us human. And we have to stay human." Lily King   A few of my other favorite quotes from Writers & Lovers "When my mother died, I sort of felt her inside me sometimes,' I say. 'Like I'd swallowed her.' He laughs. 'Swallowed her.' 'I still have moments when I feel that, when it feels like she's inside me, and there's no difference between us or that the difference doesn't matter." ― Lily King, Writers & Lovers   "I can tell he lost someone close somehow. You can feel that in people, an openness, or maybe it's an opening that you're talking into. With other people, people who haven't been through something like that, you feel the solid wall. Your words go scattershot off of it." ― Lily King, Writers & Lovers   "When I was visiting her a few years ago she hugged me and said, 'Tomorrow after you leave I will stand here at this window and remember that yesterday you were right here with me.' And now she's dead and I have that feeling all the time, no matter where I stand." ― Lily King, Writers & Lovers   "I look into my eyes, but they aren't really mine, not the eyes I used to have. They're the eyes of someone very tired and very sad, and once I see them I feel even sadder and then I see that sadness, that compassion, for the sadness in my eyes, and I see the water rising in them. I'm both the sad person and the person wanting to comfort the sad person. And then I feel sad for that person who has so much compassion because she's clearly been through the same thing, too. And the cycle keeps repeating. It's like when you go into a dressing room with a three-paneled mirror and you line them up just right to see the long narrowing hallway of yourselves diminishing into infinity. It feels like that, like I'm sad for an infinite number of my selves." ― Lily King, Writers & Lovers   Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.   KAL News   Pigskin Party '25 Event Dates: KAL Dates- Thursday September 4, 2025- Monday February 9, 2026 Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Official Rules Registration Form  (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes) Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc. Coupon Codes are listed in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com Our Official Sponsor for Quarter 1 (October): Love in Stitches with Knitty Natty is hosting a Cozy Up Challenge. The challenge doesn't start until 10/1 but you can start planning now. Check out the details in this Ravelry Thread. Join Knitty Natty & me for a special zoom hangout Thursday 10/2 at 8p Eastern. Details will be shared in the Start Here Thread. Check out this Ravelry Thread with helpful tips for the event, crowd sourced from our incredible players.   Updates In This Episode Thanks to Mary for her Commentator report. She talked specifically about these 2 large projects that have already been finished. 904Stephanie (my teammate!) has already finished a blanket- Ravelry photo & cmfamigli has already finished a pullover- check out her Ravelry Project Thanks to Sarah for starting a Pigskin Tips Ravelry Thread! Add your Super Bowl Prediction- details in this Ravelry Thread Our first Official Sponsor of the Quarter is Love in Stitches! Check out all of the details in this Ravelry Post. Join Knitty Natty & me for a special zoom hangout Thursday 10/2 at 8p Eastern. Cast on, chat, learn about some of Natalie's cool cozy patterns and have some fun. Official Sponsor for Quarter 2 (November)- Twice Sheared Sheep Official Sponsor for Quarter 3 (December)- Suburban Stitcher Official Sponsor for Quarter 4 (January)- Yarnaceous Fibers   Events DFW Fiber Fest Sept 19-21 in Irving Texas Adirondack Wool & Arts Festival September 20 & 21 in Greenwich, New York. Greater Boston Yarn Crawl. September 26-28 - 16 shops Cape and South Shore Yarn Haul. September 25-28- 8 shops Vermont Sheep & Wool. October 4 & 5 Indie Untangled. October 17 CAKEpalooza. October 17 A Woolen Affair. October 17 NY Sheep & Wool (aka Rhinebeck). October 18 & 19. Down Cellar Studio Meet up at Saturday 2p at the Pavilion to the left of the beer tent! Come and say hi. The Fiber Festival of New England. November 1 & 2 Sunkissed Fiber Festival: January 24-25, 2026- just outside Tampa, FL   Ask Me Anything Tune in to hear my answer to kjkrochet's question: How did you come up with the concept for Pigskin Party?   On a Happy Note Saturday of Labor Day weekend- Clear the Needles Event w/ Love in Stitches group 2 fun pool days over Labor Day Weekend complete with cornhole tournament  I gifted my friend Megg her "I'll bring the dance moves" hat to go with my "I'll bring the alcohol" hat since my dad always teases her for d

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 304 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins From the Armchair Knitting in Passing In my Travels KAL News Events Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu. Check out Stitched by Jessalu bags and so much more at the Adirondack Wool & Arts Festival September 20 & 21 in Greenwich, New York. & Love in Stitches   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   The Muses Socks Yarn: Woolens & Nosh SW Targhee Sock in the colorway The Muses Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the Colorway- 3 stripes in pink, green and purple. In between each color, there are thin stripes of white, gray, white. Cuff, heel & toe all knit in gray contrast mini Total for Stash Dash- 263.2 meters   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Same as it Ever Was Hat Yarn: fingering weight yarn from stash (no ball band); maybe MCN base Needles: US 2 Pattern: Same as it Ever Was by Sarah Jordan $6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry Ravelry Project Page About the yarn: all different shades of gray with blips of a mustardy/rust and turquoise   Traveler Sweater Pattern: The Traveler by Andrea Mowry ($9 pattern available on Ravelry & the designer's website) Yarn: Hazel Knits Small Batch Sport (90/10 SW/Nylon) Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) & US 4 (3.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress: I'm in a few inches into the body   Tie Dye Day Socks Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes base in the Tie Dye Day Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress: on the heel of sock #2   716 Splash Pad Socks Yarn: 716 Knit Sock Set  in the 716sock base in the colorway: It needs to be ok with getting on a boat with Levar Burton and never coming back. Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the yarn: stripe of black, stripe of bright poolside colors (orange, yellow, peach, greens & aquas . Jenna of 716 also sent me the mini skein set which is part of her SPP Exclusives. Progress: on the heel of sock #2   Four Leaf Clover Granny Square Blanket   Pattern: Four Leaf Clover Granny Square by Apinya Roszko Hook: H (5.0 mm) Yarn: Knit Picks Brava 500 in colorway Mint & Loops and Threads Impeccable in Colorway 01808 Center square (in darker green)- 4g. Three rounds on outside of clover (in mint)- 12g Size:  6 inch square. Planning 5x7 blanket (30x42") before border. Modification- the pattern calls for attaching new yarn (at the end of the square) to make the stem for the clover. I just chain to get to the center, make the stem and cut the yarn. I find it easy to crochet the granny square around it in Mint. No issues and one less end to weave in. I am joining squares as I go. I used this YouTube tutorial to remind me how to do this. Progress: Nearly done with 6 of 7 rows. 6 squares left. Should be finished Labor Day weekend.   From the Armchair   stitchintime82-Dani recommended: Gmorning, gnight!: Little Pep Talks for Me and You by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Amazon Affiliate Link. I finished: The Safekeep by Yael Van Der Wouden. Amazon Affiliate Link. Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson. Amazon Affiliate Link. The Last Flight by Julie Clark. Amazon Affiliate Link.   Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.   Knitting in Passing I shared stories about 2 ready to wear items we saw in Seattle, a crochet dress & a granny square style tank. I visited 8 local yarn stores to creat Social Media videos for Cape & South Shore Yarn haul which you'll see on my Instagram feed soon.   In My Travels Tune in to hear a bit about Flock Fiber Festival. Check out my Vlog video for much more.    KAL News Pigskin Party '25 Event Dates: KAL Dates- Thursday September 4, 2025- Monday February 9, 2026 Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Official Rules Registration Form  (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes) Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form Check your Teams & Score on the Scoreboard Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc. Coupon Codes are listed in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread Check out the Ravelry Bundle of Patterns from our Sponsors Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com Our Official Sponsor for Quarter- 1st one will be Knitty Natty/Love in Stitches (stay tuned for more details in next episode)   This Episode Join us for Zoom Kick Off events- Friday September 5 & Saturday September 6. Detailed schedule here. AdoreKnit has the only official Pigskin '25 logo items for sale this season.   Events Boston Fiber Festival September 6 & 7 on Thayer Street in Boston (market & classes) Adirondack Wool & Arts Festival September 20 & 21 in Greenwich, New York. Greater Boston Yarn Crawl. September 26-28 - 16 shops Cape and South Shore Yarn Haul. September 25-28- 8 shops Vermont Sheep & Wool. October 4 & 5 NY Sheep & Wool (aka Rhinebeck). October 18 & 19. Indie Untangled. October 17 CAKEpalooza. October 17 A Woolen Affair. October 17 The Fiber Festival of New England. November 1 & 2 Sunkissed Fiber Festival: January 24-25, 2026- just outside Tampa, FL   Life in Focus   Tune in for an update on my 25 in 2025 list.   On a Happy Note I hit 200 workouts at my gym this summer Dinner at Yvonne's before seeing The Wiz Drinks with Dan's cousins Quality time with Laura in Seattle I managed NOT to contract Covid Celebrating my grandmother's 91st birthday. I watercolored a birthday card for her. Cool mornings and evenings. I wore wool socks during the day last week and it was kind of fun! Back to school photos on Facebook! Thanks to everyone who shares them (or texts me with them). I bought these huge denim with painted flower overalls in Seattle and I love them SO MUCH. Whatsapp texts from my friend Marta in Barcelona.   Quote of the Week "I can tell he lost someone close somehow. You can feel that in people, an openness, or maybe it's an opening that you're talking into. With other people, people who haven't been through something like that, you feel the solid wall. Your words go scattershot off of it." ― Lily King, Writers & Lovers   ------ Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.  

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 303 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins From the Armchair Knitting in Passing In my Travels KAL News Ask Me Anything On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Gabriella's Unicorn Pattern: Shy Little Unicorn by Ana Paula Rimoli Hook: C (2.75 mm) Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver (white), Knit Picks Brava Worsted (cotton candy & various solids) Ravelry Project Page Total for Stash Dash: 116 meters   Sum-Sum-Summertime socks Yarn: Woolens & Nosh SW Targhee Sock in the colorway Sum-Sum-Summertime Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the Colorway- thinner stripes- 2 colors of aqua, lime green, pink and an orange/peachy yellow. CC mini in lime Total for Stash Dash: 293.3 meters   Stash Dash Total for this episode: 8,715.2 meters   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Hot pink spinning Fiber: Mountain Vewe Coopworths Fiber in hot pink (no specific colorway name)- three 4oz bumps Ravelry Project Page Twist direction: singles = Z plied = S This means when I'm spinning, my wheel is spinning clockwise and when plying my wheel is moving counter-clockwise. Progress: ~1/2 way through first bump. 1st bobbin full and the second is started I've now spun in July and August so I've only missed 2 months so far this year.   Log Cabin Blanket Pattern: Log Cabin Square by Julie Harrison. Free crochet pattern available on Ravelry. Video tutorial available on the Little Woollie Makes YouTube Channel Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Minis (mostly from Advent calendars 2023 & 2024) Hook: I (5.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Inspired by Rachel (treehousefiberarts on Instagram) and Sue & Chelsea (Legacy Fiber Artz on Instagram). Check out the Floss Toss Ravelry Group for details on their Scrappy Blanket CAL. Ends December 21st (but you don't have to finish. 2 prize drawings will be done). My color placement is inspired by this project/pattern available on Ravelry.     From the Armchair   Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister. Amazon Affiliate Link. My Friends by Fredrik Backman. Amazon Affiliate Link.   Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.   Knitting in Passing   I shared a story about a little girl in the nail salon who asked her mom if they could come talk to me because she wants to learn to knit.   In My Travels Travel packing tips Packing cubes- here's an Amazon affiliate link to the set I purchased 6 years ago and still love! I always pack some clothes pins/ metal or wood that I use for snacks/drink mix pouches and/or to keep curtains closed in hotel. I have a standard packing list in Evernote that I customize for each trip. It saves so much time and frustration. Pack a travel power strip- to keep all of those chraging cords in one place (also less likely to leave one behind) Knitting project approach At least 2 socks/stockinette hats for waiting, sitting etc. A project that occupies my brain and makes a long flight go by easier. Queue the audiobooks & download podcasts   KAL News   Splash Pad Final Winners were announced!   Pigskin Party '25 Sponsor Sign Up is Open- click here for details Key Dates: Registration starting Thursday August 20, 2025 KAL Starts- Thursday September 4, 2025 KAL Ends- Monday February 9, 2026 Form Teams- starting Monday August 25, 2025 Virtual Kick Off- Friday September 5 & Saturday September 6   Ask Me Anything   Tune in to hear the answers to these questions: Pat- loonyhiker asked: I know you have probably told this before, but I'd love to hear how you and your honey met. I also would love to hear how your parents met. (bonus audio of my parents talking about this by the pool in 2017) Sandy, sjh801 asked:  Favorite children's book? Both as a child and now as an adult. Children's Book (purely for sentimental reasons): Walk Rabbit Walk by Colin McNaughton. Amazon Affiliate Link. Hardcover available for ~$20 & paperback for around $7 Adult book: Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. Amazon Affiliate Link.John Lee does the audiobooks for what is now this series of books. Book 1 of 5 now in this series. I love them all. Dianne, woohoogirl asks: Do you have a Dream project that you'd really like to make that you just haven't made the time, or plans, for yet? The Traveler by Andrea Mowry ($9 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & the Drea Renee Knits website). This may be my favorite version:a handspun Traveler knit by Emily Curtis. Check out her Instagram post. Click here for a post about the handspun yarn Carrie, Gooberdawn asks: Do you have a project you have created that you feel most proud of? If so, which one and why? ETA: it doesn't have to be yarn-related. Laura, LauraKnitsPA asks: What is one book you would read over and over, and one movie you would watch over and over? Book- The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab. Amazon Affiliate Link Movie: You've Got Mail Dani, stitchintime82-  Any updates on designing? I've enjoyed your patterns and am wondering if you have any plans to make more patterns.   On a Happy Note I was able to get my Apple watch to charge again after I thought it was dead. Oikos yogurt shake/drinks with 23g of protein. My friend Nathan had a heart and kidney transplant just over 1 year ago. He's still learning to walk again after ECMO caused major nerve damage in his legs- and we just went to see the musical he directed. Sometimes this world feels so dark right now but this made me incredibly happy. The night we had tickets for the show, we lost power, so we made it a full date night and went for dinner too. A visit from my cousin Gayle. We enjoyed a great pool day on Sunday and dinner in our town Monday night followed by a walk along the harbor. Gayle chose Mom's Trickle shawl as the item she wanted of hers. I took a photo of her and Google photos turned it into a pop-out. Trickle Shawl- Ravelry | LoveCrafts I gifted Gayle the pair of Stranger Things 2 socks from DVD as an early birthday gift and she sent me a cute photo of her wearing them the next morning. Great customer service from an Etsy maker to order pins. I had fun putting together photos Millie, Teaghan and Rhiannon asked me to take a couple weekends ago at the pool of them jumping off the diving board and making their bodies into the shape of the letters of the alphabet. Fun memories!   Quote of the Week "It's not hotels and nightclubs I crave, or even spectacular beaches -- it's isolation and solitude, time away from the human world and a chance to measure life on a different kind of yardstick." ― Peter S. Adler   ------ Thank you for tuning in. Remember show notes for this episode can be found at www.downcellarstudio.com/# If you have a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, I'd greatly appreciate it. I can be found on Ravelry as BostonJen and I'd love it if you came over to join our lively and engaged Down Cellar Studio Ravelry Group. Check me out on Instagram at BostonJen1 if you want to see what I'm up to between episodes. Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Email me at [email protected]   For website: Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.  

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 302 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair Crafty Adventures KAL News Events On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu (2nd Episode of the Month) check out her new prints now in the shop! Check out Stitched by Jessalu bags and so much more at Fiber Revival in Newbury, MA- August 16th   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Tom's Cozy Pattern: Ball Band with a Twist by Jennifer Lassonde. $2 Crochet pattern available on Ravelry & LoveCrafts Hooks: G (4.25 mm) Yarn: Loops & Thread Classic Cotton in Tomato & Royal Blue. Lion Brand Re-up in White Ravelry Project Page Modified from the original Ball Band pattern to fit this larger sized cup. 38g/ 58 meters   Let the Mystery Unravel 2023 Blanket of Calm Pattern: Blanket of Calm by Casapinka (free crochet pattern) Yarn: Woolen Women Fibers- Let the Mystery Unravel subscription + Cascade Heritage Sock yarn in the Forged Iron Colorway Hook: 3.25 mm (D) Ravelry Project Page You can find my Let the Mystery Unravel Unboxing Video on YouTube in this Playlist Border: 2 rounds of half-double crochet- first in charcoal, second in teal. Stash Dash total: 2,368 meters   Woolens & Nosh 2024 Advent Socks #2 Yarn: Woolens & Nosh SW Targhee Sock Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Used contrast mini (dark gray) for heels and toes Stash Dash: 263.2 meters   Bayside Shirt Pattern: Bayside Shirt by Briana Luppino ($9 pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 4 (3.5 mm) US 3 (3.25 mm) Yarn: Handspun Yarn from 2 bumps from Wild Air Farm Shetland & Pygora- Melody & Cadence + 4 ounce braid from Jakira Farms 85/15 Polwarth/Silk (Ravelry Project Page for handspun) Finished in 2023. Size: 32" bust Ravelry Project Page 200 grams used. 324 meters   Stash Dash Total for this episode - 8,305 meters   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Granny Stripe Top Yarn: MC= Woolen Women Fibers 80/20 Sock in the Watermelon colorway. CCs= Hedgehog Fiber Sock in Harvest Colorway + Legacy Fiber Artz minis from advent calendars Hooks: F (3.75 mm) to cast on & D (3.25 mm) for body Pattern: none Ravelry Project Page Goal is 36" around Progress: I did rip out and start again.  With MC: 156 Foundation SC/ 52 clusters.   Log Cabin Blanket Pattern: Log Cabin Square by Julie Harrison. Free crochet pattern available on Ravelry. Video tutorial available on the Little Woollie Makes YouTube Channel Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Minis (mostly from Advent calendars 2023 & 2024) Hook: I (5.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Inspired by Rachel (treehousefiberarts on Instagram) and Sue & Chelsea (Legacy Fiber Artz on Instagram). Check out the Floss Toss Ravelry Group for details on their Scrappy Blanket CAL; you do not have to use this pattern. Any scrappy crochet blanket counts. My color placement is inspired by this project/pattern available on Ravelry. The basic idea is that you use 1 main color for Rounds 1 & 3 (center and outer square), and then 4 separate colors for the 4 sides of the middle square) Round 1 & Round 3 done using same colors (2 sock yarns held together)- totals about 22g (11g of each colorway) Contrast Colors: total weight of yarns used (reminder- yarns are held double so I only need half the weight listed for each mini). CC 1 & 2: 2g needed. CC 3 & 4: 4g needed   Dirty Crayon Box Socks Yarn: Fiber Stash Strong Toes Sock (80% SW Merino/ 20% Nylon) in the Dirty Crayon Box Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress: I turned heel on the first sock at the pool last weekend.   Sum-Sum-Summertime socks Yarn: Woolens & Nosh SW Targhee Sock in the colorway Sum-Sum-Summertime Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the Colorway- thinner stripes- 2 colors of aqua, lime green, pink and an orange/peachy yellow. CC mini in lime Progress: finished first sock. Several inches into the second sock. Cuff, heel and toe in lime contrast color.   716 Splash Pad Socks Yarn: 716 Knit Sock Set  in the 716sock base in the colorway: It needs to be ok with getting on a boat with Levar Burton and never coming back. Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the yarn: stripe of black, stripe of bright poolside colors (orange, yellow, peach, greens & aquas . Jenna of 716 also sent me the mini skein set which is part of her SPP Exclusives. Progress: Finished sock 1, with contrast (aqua) for cuff, heel and toe. Cast on for the second sock. Riley knit on them a bit last weekend.   Brainstorming Seattle travel knitting musings What to buy at Flock Fiber Festival? Rhinebeck Sweater Plans- do you have any yet? I'm not even 100% sure I'm going but I'm thinking about it.   From the Armchair   A Walk in the Park: The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon by Kevin Fedarko. Amazon Affiliate Link. The Answer is No by Fredrik Backman (Short Story). Translated by Elizabeth DeNoma. Amazon Affiliate Link. Flirting Lessons by Jasmine Guillory. Amazon Affiliate Link.   Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.   Crafty Adventures   A Crafty Day with Emelie was on my 25 for 2025 list and I'm happy to say I checked that off. Emelie (almost 7) came over with her mom, my cousin Kara, and her brother Teddy (5). Millie and Riley also joined in the fun. We ended afternoon with ice cream! Learned from Gretchen Rubin's newsletter that July in World Watercolor Month! I've been looking for resources, inspiration etc and there's lots of cool things there.   KAL News   Splash Pad Party '25 Splash Pad Party Registration is open View Stats and/or Verify Registration here. Check out our Sponsor List Splash Pad Official Rules Enter your FOs using the Summer Celebration Form. Then come over to this Ravelry Thread to share pics and let us ooh and ahh with you! Submit something incorrectly? Need help? Fill out this Support Form & we'll be in touch. Projects must be finished by the end of the day July 31st, but you can enter your FOs using the form through 8/5.   Splash Pad RAVELRY Links Start Here Thread Pro Shop Exclusive Items Thread Coupon Codes Thread Questions Thread   Pigskin Party '25 Sponsor Sign Up is Open- click here for details Key Dates: Registration starting Thursday August 20, 2025 KAL Starts- Thursday September 4, 2025 KAL Ends- Monday February 9, 2026 Form Teams- starting Monday August 25, 2025 Virtual Kick Off- Friday September 5 & Saturday September 6   Events Stash Dash hosted by the Knit Girllls- May 29th-August 30th Summer Bingo with the Craft Cook Read Repeat Podcast . Get your Bingo Card on Instagram. Summer Spin In hosted by Marsha & Kelly of Two Ewes Fiber Adventure. May 31- September 1. All spinning and making with handspun yarn counts. Preparing fleeces also counts. Flock Fiber Festival in Seattle, WA- August 8-10 Saturday August 9th at 1:30p- Meet up with Knitty Natty in the Summit Building lobby- 1st floor Fiber Revival in Newbury, MA- August 16th Greater Boston Yarn Crawl. September 26-28 - 16 shops Cape and South Shore Yarn Haul. September 25-28- 8 shops   On a Happy Note Finally getting my hair cut & colored (and combining that with a fun night at the pool) Impromptu date night with Dan to a local brewery and restaurant Our nephew Will turned 18. We got beautiful weather for his party. My friend Christine & her family came to stay for a long weekend. We all crashed with my Dad. Pool time, Penny Drop (game), a Plymouth harbor cruise, night swims and lots of laughs. Millie knit on her hat & scarf a little bit. Riley knit on my socks. My cousin Chris's wife Kim delivered a beautiful and healthy baby girl- Vivienne! I got an adorable Strawberry Shortcake sweatshirt on clearance at Target for $7 Going to The Snug for live Irish music   Quote of the Week "I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness for it shows me the stars."   ― Og Mandino   ------ Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.  

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 301 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair Crafty Adventures Knitting in Passing KAL News Events Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Fitness by Mara   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Same as It Ever Was Hat Pattern: Same as It Ever Was by Sarah Jordan ($6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock (Yarnable Box January 2025) in the Intergalactic colorway Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) Ravelry Project Page 94 grams of yarn Stash Dash: 376 meters   Kim's Trenta Ball Band Pattern: Ball Band with a Twist by Jennifer Lassonde. $2 Crochet pattern available on Ravelry & LoveCrafts Hooks: G (4.25 mm) Yarn: Loops & Thread Classic Cotton in Royal Blue and Aqua Ravelry Project Page Modified from the original Ball Band pattern to fit this larger sized cup. 38g/ 58 meters   Felici Granny Stripe Blanket Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in Colorways: Punky, Whatits Galore (50g), Space Disco, Carrot Cake, Base Jump, Game Over, Secret Garden, Fiesta Pattern: Granny Stripe by Attic 24. Free crochet pattern on Attic 24 website. Hook: I (5.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page 7 colorways with 100g, 1 with 50g. Size: 11.64 skeins-  582 grams 2316.4 meters   Stash Dash Total for this Episode: 5,291 meters   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Let the Mystery Unravel 2023 Blanket of Calm Pattern: Blanket of Calm by Casapinka (free crochet pattern) Yarn: Woolen Women Fibers- Let the Mystery Unravel subscription + Cascade Heritage Sock yarn in the Forged Iron Colorway Hook: 3.25 mm (D) Ravelry Project Page You can find my Let the Mystery Unravel Unboxing Video on YouTube in this Playlist All of the 9 block squares now have been seamed and have their 3 round gray border. Border- undecided.   716 Splash Pad Socks Yarn: 716 Knit Sock Set  in the 716sock base in the colorway: It needs to be ok with getting on a boat with Levar Burton and never coming back. Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the yarn: stripe of black, stripe of bright poolside colors (orange, yellow, peach, greens & aquas . Cast on June 1 for SPP Kick off. Jenna of 716 also sent me the mini skein set which is part of her SPP Exclusives. What should I do with my minis?? Progress: Cuff and heel are in contrast aqua. Approaching 1st toe (will also be aqua)   Granny Stripe Top Yarn: MC= Woolen Women Fibers 80/20 Sock in the Watermelon colorway. CCs= Hedgehog Fiber Sock in Harvest Colorway + Legacy Fiber Artz minis from advent calendars Hooks: F (3.75 mm) to cast on & D (3.25 mm) for body Pattern: none Ravelry Project Page Progress: I crocheted a few inches but its coming out too large. I will likely rip back and restart.   Dirty Crayon Box Socks Yarn: Fiber Stash Strong Toes Sock (80% SW Merino/ 20% Nylon) in the Dirty Crayon Box Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Picked back up old WIP- started October 2024. Nearly to heel of sock 1   Over the Rainbow Socks Yarn: Cashmere & Coconuts MCN Sock yarn in the Somewhere Over the Rainbow colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the colorway: Yarn- gift from Kris on Mom's 1st heavenly birthday. Part way through the leg of sock 1   Woolens & Nosh 2024 Advent Socks #2 Yarn: Woolens & Nosh SW Targhee Sock Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Passed heel on second sock (contrast heel)   Same as it Ever Was Hat Yarn: fingering weight yarn from stash (no ball band); maybe MCN base Needles: US 2 (LOOK UP NEEDLE SIZE MM) Pattern: Same as it Ever Was by Sarah Jordan $6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry Ravelry Project Page About the yarn: all different shades of gray with blips of a mustardy/rust and turquoise 8g for the crown increases   Bayside Shirt Pattern: Bayside Shirt by Briana Luppino ($9 pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 4 (3.5 mm) Yarn: Handspun Yarn from 2 bumps from Wild Air Farm Shetland & Pygora- Melody & Cadence + 4 ounce braid from Jakira Farms 85/15 Polwarth/Silk (Ravelry Project Page for handspun) Finished in 2023. Size: 32" bust Ravelry Project Page   Brainstorming   The Traveler by Andrea Mowry ($9 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & the Drea Renee Knits website) Started stalking in October 2024. Esp love Knitty Natty's (check out her Ravelry project page here) This may be my favorite version:a handspun Traveler knit by Emily Curtis. Check out her Instagram post. Click here for a post about the handspun yarn   Log Cabin Blanket Sue and Chelsea from Legacy Fiber Artz are making the Log Cabin Square by Julie Harrison (free crochet pattern)  Ravelry Pattern Page. I've had this pattern in my favorites for more than 2 years. I was looking for the Julie Harrison pattern and came across this Ravelry pattern by hookloopsarah which features a log cabin layout that's more of a background color with 4 pops of color that seem to leap up from it. Love this idea!   From the Armchair   One-Hit Wonder by Lisa Jewell. Amazon Affiliate Link. Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance by Alison Espach. Amazon Affiliate Link.   Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.   Crafty Adventures Watercolors are still keeping my creative attention. Loving it!   Knitting in Passing   On a July 3 MBTA ferry commute, I sat with a crocheter. We talked about our projects and fav LYSs. I showed her how simple magic loop knitting is. Laura brought socks to her client David when she got back to NY. He sent me a photo asking if they were Cashmere because they were so soft and noting how great they looked with the pants he had on. Then I got a pic of his foot under his desk at work the next day. (Ravelry Project Page) On July 7, a man chatted with me on the Red Line about memories of his mother, sisters and daughters crocheting. Emelyn has been wanting to crochet again but is feeling rusty. On July 4th I reminded them how to single & half-double crochet. Last weekend, they started a star project so we worked with DC and how to work corners and getting used to reading a pattern.   In My Travels Splash Pad Party Registration is open View Stats and/or Verify Registration here. Check out our Sponsor List Splash Pad Official Rules Enter your FOs using the Summer Celebration Form. Then come over to this Ravelry Thread to share pics and let us ooh and ahh with you! Submit something incorrectly? Need help? Fill out this Support Form & we'll be in touch.   Splash Pad RAVELRY Links Start Here Thread Pro Shop Exclusive Items Thread Coupon Codes Thread Questions Thread   Tune in to hear if you won a participation prize!   Events Stash Dash hosted by the Knit Girllls- May 29th-August 30th Summer Bingo with the Craft Cook Read Repeat Podcast . Get your Bingo Card on Instagram. Sock Week hosted by Knitty Natty- July 20-27 Goal is to complete 1 adult sock during Sock Week Summer Spin In hosted by Marsha & Kelly of Two Ewes Fiber Adventure. May 31- September 1. All spinning and making with handspun yarn counts. Preparing fleeces also counts. Let's go! Flock Fiber Festival in Seattle, WA- August 8-10 Fiber Revival in Newbury, MA- August 16th   Life in Focus   July 2- half way day   25 in 2025 List Donate Blood at least 4 times (January, March, May, ) - on track Go shopping for plants with Dan 4 times in the year (my Christmas gift from him) - not yet Buy new ski boots- DONE Go camping- DONE Kayak 2-5 times- DONE Do at least 5 walks with others- DONE Take 2-5 yoga classes (outside of the house)- not yet Do at least 30 lessons in Mondly- not yet Spend a day at Raffa Life- scheduled for September Record 2-5 things I'm grateful for each day before bed (more days than not counts)- I've fallen off. Looking forward to getting going again. Read all of Simple Abundance (ideally daily or close to)- not loving it. some parts are more religious than I expected... may pop back in, but I've gotten out of this. Read at least 60 books- all books count (even poetry etc)- 28 books by end of June. It's possible! Get at least 2 massages at Oasis - DONE See 2-5 movies in the theater (Paddington in Peru) Knit 2-5 garments for me - 1 done, # WIPs Finish and enjoy my Christmas Granny Square Blanket- on pause until after Stash Dash Crochet at least 5 toys- DONE Use my spinning wheel at least once a month (January-April done, I think I forgot to spin in May and June. Going to get back in. Will still be better than most years! Have a crafty day with Emelie- talked to her mom about this. Knit a slouchy hat for myself- not yet Try out 3 new to me podcasts (Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend, White Lotus official podcast, severance official podcast, Cramped) - DONE Watch White Christmas with Jenny & Kara (bringing the tradition back) -- talks have begun! Buy a firebox and put important papers inside (working with Dan on list of things to put in it)- not yet https://www.thenokbox.com (Debbie, dea

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 300 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins From the Armchair Crafty Adventures Knitting in Passing In my Travels KAL News Events On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu- See Jessalu's bags at the The Warm Ewe in Chatham, NY through July 5, 2025 & at  Fiber Revival in Newbury, MA on August 16th Yumi Yarns whose Coastal Bloom Wrap Skirt is now available   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Miles' Montessori Toy Pattern: Montessori Colour Sorter by Lexie Warren. Free crochet pattern available on Ravelry & on Crochet River) Hook: D (3.25 mm) Yarn: Big Twist Value Solids in Purple, Orange, Teal and Cyan. Knit Picks Brava in Canary, Rouge and White. Ravelry Project Page 7 balls and 7 cups. 6 to create hexagon and white in the center. Stash Dash: 234 meters SPP-116 grams- 2 entries   Boss A$$ B|tc# Socks Yarn: Woolens & Nosh Superwash Targhee Fingering in the Boss A$$ B|tc# Colorway (purposely not spelled out here, though it is on the label) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page 90g of yarn to start About the Yarn: Self striping with yellow, tan, peach, pink, light aqua, teal & navy Stash Dash- 280.5 meters (306.8 yards), SPP- 75 grams 9.5 inch leg, 9.25 inch foot   Let's Get Basted Socks Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Let's Get Basted Colorway (Yarnable November 2024 colorway) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the colorway- cream with gray, purple, tan/brown and small blips or orange. Spiral pooling. Stash Dash: 256 meters 64 grams- 1 SPP Entry   Ball Band for Rachel #2- for Starbucks Venti Cup Pattern: Ball Band with a Twist by Jennifer Lassonde. $2 Crochet pattern available on Ravelry & LoveCrafts Hooks: F (3.75 mm) & G (4.25 mm) Yarn: Loops & Thread Classic Cotton in Pewter, Midnight Blue and Bubblegum Ravelry Project Page Midnight blue hdc through 3rd loop. 1 round of pink sc, body in pewter sc, one round of blue at top. 0.37 skeins = 40.3 meters (44.1 yards), 25 grams Stash Dash: 40.3 meters   Ball Band for Starbucks Venti Cup (Jen) Pattern: Ball Band with a Twist by Jennifer Lassonde. $2 Crochet pattern available on Ravelry & LoveCrafts Hooks: F (3.75 mm) & G (4.25 mm) Yarn: Loops & Thread Classic Cotton in Pewter and Bubblegum Project Page 0.57 skeins = 62.1 meters (67.9 yards), 39 grams   Adrift on an Inland Sea Socks Yarn: Woolens & Nosh SW Targhee Sock in the Adrift on an Inland Sea colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the yarn: 2 lighter/medium grays, cream, mustard and a thinner stripe of a charcoal bordering on black. Used the CC gray for cuff and will use for the toe. Finished on the ride to ME for camping. 0.8 skeins = 300.8 meters (329.0 yards), 80 grams 8.5 inch leg. 9.5 inch foot   Urth Yarn Hat 2 of 2 Pattern: Turn a Square by Jared Flood ($5 pattern available on Ravelry & Brooklyn Tweed website) Yarn: Urth Yarn Uneek Worsted Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) for ribbing. US 7 (4.5 mm) for body. Ravelry Project Page Cast on 92 sts. Used 48g of this skein for hat for Christmas gift Stash Dash: 0.56 skeins = 112.6 meters (123.1 yards), SPP- 56 grams- 1 entry Had to do decreases faster because I was running out yarn. Ended up with maybe 1 yard Hat is 8.25 inches tall. Still a great size.   David... Fold in the cheese socks #2 Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz in the David...Fold in the cheese!!!! colorway (with cream/gray mini skein) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the yarn- cream, pink and blue to match rose apron David wears in this episode of Schitt's Creek. Progress: started toe of first sock Cream/gray mini that came with it for cuff. purply/pink mini from LFA advent for heel and toe. Socks for Laura 0.58 skeins = 245.3 meters (268.3 yards), 58 grams 1 SPP for grams, 1 for Snack Shack LFA yarn, 1 for Snack Shack Sponsor- The Sensible Stitcher- cute butterfly bag.   Stash Dash Total for this episode: 2,541 meters   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Four Leaf Clover Granny Square Blanket Pattern: Four Leaf Clover Granny Square by Apinya Roszko Hook: H (5.0 mm) Yarn: Knit Picks Brava 500 in colorway Mint & Loops and Threads Impeccable in Colorway 01808 Size:  6 inch squares. Planning 5x7 blanket (30x42") before border. Modification- the pattern calls for attaching new yarn (at the end of the square) to make the stem for the clover. I just chain to get to the center, make the stem and cut the yarn. I find it easy to crochet the granny square around it in Mint. No issues and one less end to weave in. I am joining squares as I go. I used this YouTube tutorial to remind me how to do this. Progress: Last time I had 14 (of 35) squares done and seamed. Now I have 17 done. Baby due in September. Lots of time. Loving joining as I go but its less portable this way.   Let the Mystery Unravel 2023 Blanket of Calm Pattern: Blanket of Calm by Casapinka (free crochet pattern) Yarn: Woolen Women Fibers- Let the Mystery Unravel subscription + Cascade Heritage Sock yarn in the Forged Iron Colorway Hook: 3.25 mm (D) Ravelry Project Page You can find my Let the Mystery Unravel Unboxing Video on YouTube in this Playlist I dug this out while cleaning out my studio on one of the very hot days before we left for camping. I had 3 squares of 9 that were seamed up but that didn't have the 3 rounds of DC border on them that I'm doing in dark gray. I finished those over the course of the week's train rides, then got the rest out and found 1 more that needed the border. All of those are done now. The other 8 squares have already been steamed. Plan to steam the most recently finished 4 then start SCing the big squares together. Border- undecided. May do a few rounds of gray. May incorporate colors. Debating an iCord border. I can't decide. Before border- 44 inches long by 24 inches long 50g per square x 12 ~600g= 2,400 meters of sock yarn   716 Splash Pad Socks Yarn: 716 Knit Sock Set  in the 716sock base in the colorway: It needs to be ok with getting on a boat with Levar Burton and never coming back. Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the yarn: stripe of black, stripe of bright poolside colors (orange, yellow, peach, greens & aquas . Cast on June 1 for SPP Kick off. Jenna of 716 also sent me the mini skein set which is part of her SPP Exclusives. What should I do with my minis?? Progress: Finished leg. Cuff and heel are in contrast aqua. love them.   Sum-Sum-Summertime socks Yarn: Woolens & Nosh SW Targhee Sock in the colorway Sum-Sum-Summertime Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the Colorway- thinner stripes- 2 colors of aqua, lime green, pink and an orange/peachy yellow. CC mini in lime This is not a SPP colorway but its the perfect colorway for this year's SPP logo. Should have reminded Michele to sign up😉 Brought these camping. Several inches into the first leg     From the Armchair   All's Fair in Love and Pickleball by Kate Spencer. Amazon Affiliate Link. The Surrogate Mother by Freida McFadden. Amazon Affiliate Link. Audition by Katie Kitamura. Amazon Affiliate Link. It's a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan. Amazon Affiliate Link. The Exception to the Rule by Christina Lauren. Amazon Affiliate Link. Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry. Amazon Affiliate Link. Young Jane Young by Gabrielle Zevin. Amazon Affiliate Link.     Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.   Crafty Adventures I'm still having fun with watercolors but I have a lot to learn. Any tips on good learning resources?   Knitting in Passing I was on an inpatient unit at the hospital where I work and asked a woman if she had one of the phones I was looking to upgrade. She said no, but that she's seen me on the train knitting. We had a nice chat and I told her to say hi next time she sees me.   In My Travels 12 of us went camping up in Maine at On the Saco Family Campground.   KAL News Splash Pad Party Registration is open View Stats and/or Verify Registration here. Check out our Sponsor List Splash Pad Official Rules Enter your FOs using the Summer Celebration Form. Then come over to this Ravelry Thread to share pics and let us ooh and ahh with you! Submit something incorrectly? Need help? Fill out this Support Form & we'll be in touch.   Splash Pad RAVELRY Links Start Here Thread Pro Shop Exclusive Items Thread Coupon Codes Thread Questions Thread   Updates for this Episode: Prizes- chose from 4  cabanas this time and will choose from the other 4 next episode. At the end of the event, I'll pull 4 more from the most chatty Cabanas   Events Stash Dash hosted by the Knit Girllls- May 29th-August 30th Summer Bingo with the Craft Cook Read Repeat Podcast . Get your Bingo Card on Instagram. Single Bi

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 299 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included: Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins From the Armchair Crafty Adventures Knitting in Passing In my Travels KAL News Events Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Bella Fio and Wild Violet Fibers   Visit us at wildvioletfibers.com to shop our latest collections and sign up for shop updates. Splash Pad Party participants can use discount code SPLASH25 for 15% off their order.   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   103 Hat Pattern: 103 Hat by Jennifer Lassonde. $5 Knitting Pattern available on  Ravelry & LoveCrafts Yarn: Malabrigo Rios (worsted) in 845 Cirrus Gray Needles: US 5 & US 7 (3.75 & 4.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page 115.2 meters (126.0 yards), 60 grams used.   Ebb & Flow Socks Yarn: Woolens & Nosh SW Targhee Sock in the Ebb & Flow colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page This is the repeatable version of the 2023 Advent, with 16 of the original 24 colors. 259.3 meters (283.5 yards). 70 grams   Granny square top Yarn: MC- Cloudbourn Fibers Wool Fingering Twist in Natural (1 skeins), Advent Mini Skeins from Legacy Fiber Artz (Steel Toes Base) & Fibernymph Dye Works (Bounce Base)- both from 2024. Hook: D (3.25 mm) Pattern: none Ravelry Project Page 3 round granny squares: Round 1= more tonal color, Round 2= speckled, Round 3= natural Yarn organization: I put 2 sets of colors in each mostly clear zippered pouch from my Yarnable Subscription kits. It keeps the yarn from the mini skeins from getting tangled. Check out this Instagram reel which highlights. 60 squares total Cloudborn 371.7 meters (406.5 yards), 101 grams Legacy Fiber Artz- 162.9 meters (178.1 yards), 38 grams Fibernymph Dye Works- 60.4 meters (66.0 yards), 16 grams Total: 595 meters. 155 grams   Ball Band with a Twist Cozy Pattern: Ball Band with a Twist by Jennifer Lassonde. $2 Crochet pattern available on Ravelry & LoveCrafts Hooks: F (3.75 mm) & G (4.25 mm) Yarn: Loops & Thread Classic Cotton in Pewter, Midnight Blue and Bubblegum Ravelry Project Page Stash Dash: 40.3 meters You may also be interested in my more basic jar cozy pattern: Ball Band- Ravelry | LoveCrafts (free)   Stash Dash total for this episode- 1,009.8 meters   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Boss A$$ B|tc# Socks Yarn: Woolens & Nosh Superwash Targhee Fingering in the Boss A$$ B|tc# Colorway (purposely not spelled out here, though it is on the label) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page 90g of yarn to start About the Yarn: Self striping with yellow, tan, peach, pink, light aqua, teal & navy Progress: All but the toe of sock 2 is done   Miles' Montessori Toy Pattern: Montessori Colour Sorter by Lexie Warren. Free crochet pattern available on Ravelry & on Crochet River) Hook: D (3.25 mm) Yarn: Big Twist Value Solids in Purple, Orange, Teal and Cyan. Knit Picks Brava in Canary, Rouge and White. Ravelry Project Page I've gotten some great ideas in the Toy Cabana chat thread on Ravelry Progress: 6 cups and 4 balls are done. Need to do white for center (basket and ball)- then seam together. Clever pattern.   Felici Granny Stripe Blanket Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in Colorways: Punky, Whatits Galore (50g), Space Disco, Carrot Cake, Base Jump, Game Over, Secret Garden, Fiesta Pattern: Granny Stripe by Attic 24 Hook: I (5.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page 7 colorways with 100g, 1 with 50g. I have another 50g skein I could add in (more of a pain because you have to wind off half). I am matching up stripes so they end at same time or as close as possible. Foundation half-double crochet 101. 1 row of dc (probably could have skipped).   Four Leaf Clover Granny Square Blanket Pattern: Four Leaf Clover Granny Square by by Apinya Roszko Hook: H (5.0 mm) Yarn: Knit Picks Brava 500 in colorway Mint & Loops and Threads Impeccable in Colorway 01808 Size:  6 inch squares. Planning 5x7 blanket (30x42") before border. Modification- the pattern calls for attaching new yarn (at the end of the square) to make the stem for the clover. I just chain to get to the center, make the stem and cut the yarn. I find it easy to crochet the granny square around it in Mint. No issues and one less end to weave in. I am joining squares as I go. I used this YouTube tutorial to remind me how to do this. Progress: Last time I had seamed 7 full squares. Now I have 14 (of 35) squares done and seamed.   716 Splash Pad Socks Yarn 716 Knit Sock Set  in the 716sock base in the colorway: It needs to be ok with getting on a boat with Levar Burton and never coming back. Ravelry Project Page About the yarn: stripe of black, stripe of bright poolside colors. Cast on June 1 for SPP Kick off. Jenna of 716 also sent me the mini skein set which is part of her SPP Exclusives. What should I do with my minis?? Progress: Leg of first sock nearly finished   From the Armchair   Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall.  Amazon Affiliate Link. Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty. Amazon Affiliate Link. The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue. Amazon Affiliate Link.   Crafty Adventures I came home from a massage dying to paint. I pulled out my watercolors and painted the sensations of my pain and the colors I associated with each. I'll be playing with this concept more in the future (hopefully next time on actual watercolor paper and maybe using other media too).   Knitting in Passing A nice gentleman said my crochet was beautiful and that he crochets. I showed him my tank top which was nearly done at the time. We went to a grad party for my SIL and a friend of hers remembered me from Zach's birthday. She wants to crochet so we talked about resources etc. Reconnected with some of Dan's cousins recently. His cousin Melissa and I often talk books, so that was fun but she also said she'd like to learn to knit and/or crochet. Hoping to get together with her for lunch in Boston soon. Thank you to Suzanne- Sew Run It for the beautiful handknit hat and three knit hearts for my birthday. She started it shortly after my mom passed. Her notes say "The colors screamed Diane! The pattern is called Pair of Hearts and it too felt like a connection with her. I know you were and will remain close." Pattern= Pair of Hearts is by Chit Chat Knits and is available on Ravelry for $4.50. Lauren lbeth21 messaged me with Jess from Stitched by Jessalu at Central NY Fiber Fest Susie of The Huckleberry Girl offered to send me a bag. I was thinking of summer and Splash Pad when looking at her shop and she had a bag with Blueberries and Butterflies which made me think of Mom. So special. Thank you, Susie.   KAL News Splash Pad Party Registration is open View Stats and/or Verify Registration here. Check out our Sponsor List Splash Pad Official Rules Enter your FOs using the Summer Celebration Form. Then come over to this Ravelry Thread to share pics and let us ooh and ahh with you! Submit something incorrectly? Need help? Fill out this Support Form & we'll be in touch.   Splash Pad RAVELRY Links Start Here Thread Pro Shop Exclusive Items Thread Coupon Codes Thread Questions Thread   Events Stash Dash hosted by the Knit Girllls- May 29th-August 30th Summer Bingo with the Craft Cook Read Repeat Podcast . Get your Bingo Card on Instagram. Sock Week hosted by Knitty Natty- July 20-27 Goal is to complete 1 adult sock during Sock Week Tour de Fleece: July 5-July 27 . Tour de Fleece Ravelry Group. Rest Days: Tuesday, July 15 and Monday, July 21. Challenge Days: The first one is Stage 10, on Monday, July 14. The second is Stage 15, on Sunday, July 20. Summer Spin In hosted by Marsha & Kelly of Two Ewes Fiber Adventure. May 31- September 1. All spinning and making with handspun yarn counts. Preparing fleeces also counts. Let's go! Flock Fiber Festival in Seattle, WA- August 8-10 Fiber Revival in Newbury, MA- August 16th   Life in Focus   I shared about my Summer Bucket List and the graphic/template I created for my Patrons. Do you have any ideas for me? My Word of the Year for 2025 is Welcome. I recently received a beautiful cross stitched piece with the word Welcome on it from Heidi, Yarnitheidi on Instagram and Ravelry. Thank you, Heidi!   On a Happy Note   The Splash Pad Kick Off Virtual sessions were so much fun! The Waitress at the North Shore Music Theater (closes 6/15) Cellar clean out, using new shelves and bins to organize. We also gathered a lot of items to donate. Playing Five Crowns, totally exhausted, crushing the guys (had a score of 3 then 7 for most of the game) and then going home to sleep. Quality time at the nail salon with Riley Knitting by the pool as Riley, Garret & Millie took their first dip. Will's high school graduation party. Flowers for my birthday Red Sox game with my Dad. A stressful work project really ramped up on my birthday. My friend got yummy pastries for us to share in the office. Celebrating my birthday with Dan, Dad, Riley Garret and Millie. Really funny birthday videos from Gabriella & Zachary. Audible sale. I got a ton of great books and I'm really excited about reading again. Daisies are finally starting to come in. They grow wild in our yard but they're late this year.   Quote of the Week "A well-composed book is a magic carpet on which we are wafted to a