Down Cellar Studio https://www.downcellarstudio.com your home for creativity, simplicity & efficiency Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:49:42 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 70909830 Episode 318: Springtime & Shows https://www.downcellarstudio.com/318-2/ https://www.downcellarstudio.com/318-2/#respond Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:49:41 +0000 https://www.downcellarstudio.com/?p=15086 Thank you for tuning in to Episode 318 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
  • KAL News
  • Events
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Northern Lights Socks

  • Yarn: Patons Kroy in the Northern Lights Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Started November 2024, but I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned them on the podcast.
  • About the yarn- thin stripes of cream broken up 3 shades of teal/light blue, 2 grays and 1 deep purple.

October 2025 Sock Club Socks

  • Yarn: agirlandherwool Sock Yarn in the October 2025 Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Mystery self-striping sock yarn club- stripes of peach, orange, yellow and green.

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

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 podcast episode. She bordered with cream before seaming. I love it. You can see a peek in this Instagram post.
  • Progress- 23 squares

Inclinations Cowl

  • Inclinations Cowl by Andrea Mowry ($7.00 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry & her website.
  • Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm)
  • Yarn: 2 skeins of handspun Color A: Fiber Addict Designs 100% Merino in the Wild Plum Colorway- Ravelry link. Color B: Candombe, I think the fiber is from Malabrigo- Ravelry link.
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: Nearly done with the increase section!

Midnight Orchid Socks

  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Patons Kroy Stripes in the Midnight Orchid colorway
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the yarn: skinny stripes of cream with contrast colors- greens, ochre and mauvy purples.
  • Progress: Cast on both socks on two separate needles.

Pollen Party Socks

  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Pollen Party colorway + 20g mini (I think it’s Legacy Fiber Artz mini)
  • 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 am nearly done with sock 1

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 & 20 ounces of Grey Shetland from Forever in Fiber on Etsy
  • 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 started spinning the Shetland and its so dreamy. I’m still working on the first 4 oz bump.

From the Armchair

Books

Musical: The Outsiders

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

Making a flower arrangement to put under the headstone/bench at the cemetery for Mom.

KAL News

Splash Pad Party will start Friday May 22nd and run through July 31st.

Sponsor call has gone out to email subscribers. Will share on social soon. Click here to learn more about sponsor options for Splash Pad ’26.

Events

On a Happy Note

  • Connecting with our nephew Oisin over a re-watch of West Wing.
  • Seeing Rent- but especially how much Riley enjoys it. The show fell on Eme’s 22nd birthday so that was fun too!
  • Riley turned 18! So proud of that kid!
  • Katie’s Randomness (Pigskin sponsor) was having a winter sale. I splurged on two winter bags- one Gilmore Girls themed and the other Christmas chickens!
  • I checked out a new to our area secondhand shop- Uptown Cheapskate.
  • Despite cooler temps and rain, we had a lovely Easter dinner at my Dad’s.
  • A text from my SIL after Easter dinner saying that Zach (who turns 4 in May) went to bed Easter night asking if my dad was coming to his birthday party.
  • I inadvertently made a ridiculously large batch of Superhero muffins because I added too much salt. Turns out I can make 94 muffins in about 3 hours. Not too shabby! Good thing they freeze well.
  • Warming temps and quieter weekends after a stressful work week.
  • My Monday morning workout turned into a country music jam! Such a fun way to start the week.

Quote of the Week

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.

-William Arthur Ward

——

Thank you for tuning in!

Contact Information:

]]> https://www.downcellarstudio.com/318-2/feed/ 0 15086 Episode 317: Motivational Media https://www.downcellarstudio.com/317-2/ https://www.downcellarstudio.com/317-2/#respond Tue, 31 Mar 2026 16:16:42 +0000 https://www.downcellarstudio.com/?p=15061 Thank you for tuning in to Episode 317 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • Brainstorming
  • From the Armchair
  • Knitting in Passing
  • In my Travels
  • Events
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu & shop with them at the Fiber Witch Festival– April 24-26th in Salem, MA

Thank you to this episode’s sponsor The Yarn Sellar & check out details for their Fiber Marketplace (April 11, 2026) here

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

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

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)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Back to the Future Sock set- gifted to me by Sue & Chelsea- part of their 4 Sundays of Advent yarn in 2025.

Treysta

  • Pattern: Treysta by Jennifer Steingass $8.50 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & the Laine publishing website
  • Yarn: MC- Lion Brand Fishermen’s Wool in Oatmeal. CC1: Handspun (Ravelry Project Page) dark blue.  CC2: Harrisville Designs New England Highland in #34 High Aster (pink). CC3: Brown Sheep Company Prairie Spun DK in Rain Cloud (gray)
  • Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 6 (4.0 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

October 2025 Sock Club Socks

  • Yarn: agirlandherwool Sock Yarn in the October 2025 Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Mystery self-striping sock yarn club- stripes of peach, orange, yellow and green.
  • Progress: finished sock 1 and cast on sock 2. I’m a few inches into the leg.

Pollen Party Socks

  • Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Pollen Party colorway + 20g mini (I think it’s Legacy Fiber Artz mini)
  • 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’ve knit most of the leg of the first sock.

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 & 20 ounces of Grey Shetland from Forever in Fiber on Etsy
  • 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.
  • Progress: I started spinning the Shetland and its so dreamy. I’m about half way through the first 4 oz bump.

Brainstorming

  • Cream DK weight yarn from Aunt Florence will pair well with mustard handspun for another colorwork yoke sweater!
  • I received the latest subscription yarn from Woolens & Nosh in the mail this weekend and I’m itching to cast it on. The colorway is called Sunday Brunch at the Breakfast Club

From the Armchair

Books

Movie: Project Hail Mary

Musical: Suffs Check out this Time Magazine article.

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 got a lot of great compliments on the new flower granny square ski balaclava (Ravelry Project Page) I crocheted last month. I wore it skiing at Sunday River.

In My Travels

  • I shared about our recent ski trip to Sunday River in Maine. We enjoyed dinner at the Brick & Stone Tavern in Rumford on Friday night, Dance party at VRBO house Friday night, Steam Mill Brewing in Bethel (right near the mountain) on Saturday night and breakfast at Terry & Maxine’s in Turner, ME
  • Riley and I visited the Boston Public Market’s 2026 Fiberfest on March 22. I think they had about 20 vendors there, some free demos, and a great atmosphere. Parking is only $3 for 3 hours. It was my first real outing wearing my Traveler Sweater!

Events

Life in Focus

A few updates

26 in 2026 Updates

  • B- Blood- donate at least 4 times (1/20, 3/17)
  • D- Declutter 26+ items- delivered a trunk full in February
  • E- Events- go to at least 26 ticketed events 9 as of now)
  • F-Find 2-6 new things and try them out! 1) Live music at The Cottage
  • J- Journal- Write 365 entries in my I Remember Journal about Mom (inspired by Liz Craft who talked about it on Ep 451 of Happier in Hollywood podcast)
  • K- Knit at least 2 projects with handspun (Treysta sweater, Inclinations Cowl in progress)
  • L- Literary pursuit- read at least 65 books (18 as of March)
  • N- NYC- go visit Laura at least once (scheduled for April)
  • R- Restaurant- try at least 1 new local restaurant (Blu in Theater District 3/26)
  • S- Socks- knit 26 pair- 6 done so far.
  • W- Wheel- sit down at my spinning wheel every month (put reminders on my calendar at the beginning of each month to help remind me) Jan, Feb, March done

On a Happy Note

  • Ski weekend at Sunday River. At the igloo we ordered a chocolate chip cookie from the gluten free food truck and it was HUGE (and delicious).
  • There was a very low ceiling in our rental house- and I just looked back at photos to get ready for to record and there’s a funny one of Riley and me touching the ceiling- I knew Hattie jumped in for the last one but I didn’t realize she was holding a kids sized pool cue to touch the ceiling too! Hilarious.
  • Jeff, Megg, Riley and I all did a word search on the breakfast menu after skiing- we all took it so seriously which was just so fun!
  • Lost power after a big wind storm, but it came back on earlier than expected- Dan and I still went out to dinner at fav local Italian restaurants (pro tip- it was a great choice on St. Patrick’s Day)
  • Broadway soundtrack for Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York came out on the SAME day as the Project Hail Mary movie released in theater (yes, we went opening day).
  • Megg and I renewed our Broadway in Boston subscription for 2027! It’s a great line up- Hell’s Kitchen, Phantom of the Opera, A Beautiful Noise, Tommy, Death Becomes Her, Maybe Happy Ending, Operation Mincemeat & The Notebook. There are a few other shows available that we may add on.
  • My friend Marta booked her plane tickets to come visit from Barcelona this summer!
  • Going out for Live Irish music at a local pub
  • My friend Nancy Kelley’s second book just came out! The Courage of Two: Anne Hutchinson, Mary Dyer and the Fight for Freedom of Conscience in Early America.

Quote of the Week

“The beautiful spring came; and when Nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also.”

-Harriet Jacobs

——

Thank you for tuning in!

Contact Information:

]]> https://www.downcellarstudio.com/317-2/feed/ 0 15061 Episode 316: Cast it On, Work it Out https://www.downcellarstudio.com/316-2/ https://www.downcellarstudio.com/316-2/#respond Sun, 15 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.downcellarstudio.com/?p=15057 Thank you for tuning in to Episode 316 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week’s segments included:

  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • From the Armchair
  • Knitting in Passing
  • In my Travels
  • Events
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Thank you to this episode’s sponsor The Yarn Sellar & check out details for their Fiber Marketplace (April 11, 2026) here.

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Neckerchief

  • Pattern: none (inspired by Sophie Scarf by Petite Knit (paid pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Yarn: Kingdom Fleece & Fiberworks,  Dream base (80% Merino, 10% Cashmere goat, 10% Nylon). No colorway name listed. Variegated yarn with a tan base, pinks, greens, purples and mustards.
  • Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm)
  • Because I’m using fingering weight yarn, I decided to use the cast on from my Millie Margaret Shawl and figure it out as I go.
    • Millie Margaret Shawl (fingering weight)-Ravelry
  • I did the increases up to 5 inches the pattern calls for and now I’m knitting straight. I’ll reverse my increases w/ decreases on the other side and see how I like it.

Inclinations Cowl

  • Inclinations Cowl by Andrea Mowry ($7.00 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry & her website.
  • Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm)
  • Yarn: 2 skeins of handspun Color A: Fiber Addict Designs 100% Merino in the Wild Plum Colorway- Ravelry link. Color B: Candombe, I think the fiber is from Malabrigo- Ravelry link.
  • My Ravelry Project Page
  • I love working with my handspun, but I don’t necessarily love 1×1 ribbing every other row. Still I’m making progress and I know I’ll love wearing it.

Treysta

  • Pattern: Treysta by Jennifer Steingass $8.50 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & the Laine publishing website
  • Yarn: MC- Lion Brand Fishermen’s Wool in Oatmeal. CC1: Handspun (Ravelry Project Page) dark blue. CC2: Harrisville Designs New England Highland in #34 High Aster (pink). CC3: Brown Sheep Company Prairie Spun DK in Rain Cloud (gray)
  • Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 6 (4.0 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Progress: I finished the colorwork section and have split for the sleeves.

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
  • Progress: finished first sock during Hattie’s birthday sleepover. Worked on sock #2 while Megg, Rose and I saw Cabaret.

Northern Lights Socks

  • Yarn: Patons Kroy in the Northern Lights 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- thin stripes of cream broken up 3 shades of teal/light blue, 2 grays and 1 deep purple.
  • Finished sock 1 recently. Cast on sock 2. 

October 2025 Sock Club Socks

  • Yarn: agirlandherwool Sock Yarn in the October 2025 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: beyond the heel on the first sock

From the Armchair

Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.

Knitting in Passing

I traded socks for handmade bowls with my new friend Rose! What a great trade!

In My Travels

Ryan, Millie and I went to Farm Fiber Days at Russell’s Gardens Center in Wayland, MA. Some highlights include:

  • It was our 3rd year of wearing overall’s- Millie’s choice for our somewhat matching outfits.
  • 3rd year without Mom. She didn’t come in 2024, the last one she was here for, because she was in St. Maarten. Good for her! But we obviously missed her last year and this year too.
  • I purchased 3 plants. Millie picked out a plant for her mom.
  • I bought 20 ounces of Gray Shetland from Forever in Fiber (Etsy).
  • Millie got to show Ann Weaver of Plied Yarns the hat she knit for her Dad for Christmas.
  • We needlefelted with the folks from Blue Heron Farm
  • We enjoyed lunch at The Local across the street after.

Events

On a Happy Note

  • Chris Stapleton concert with Jeff, Riley & Dad
  • Seussical with Megg and Hattie
  • Hattie’s birthday sleepover- trampoline park, pizza, cookies, Cat & the Hat pancake, pompoms and rehearsing for her Seussical audition
  • A quieter week!
  • Starting a March Madness Challenge at the gym + taking an adult ballet class from my friend Kris
  • Chatting with my friend Marta about her trip back to America this summer
  • Seeing Cabaret
  • Karaoke night in a private room for my friend Megg’s birthday.
  • I got to see my nephew Garret on his 16th birthday. I got a text of him driving with his learner’s permit a few days later.

Quote of the Week

“Community is much more than belonging to something; it’ about doing something together that makes belonging matter.” — Brian Solis

Thank you for tuning in!

Contact Information:

]]> https://www.downcellarstudio.com/316-2/feed/ 0 15057 Episode 315: Short & SWEET https://www.downcellarstudio.com/315-2/ https://www.downcellarstudio.com/315-2/#respond Sat, 28 Feb 2026 17:29:24 +0000 https://www.downcellarstudio.com/?p=15026 Thank you for tuning in to Episode 315 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
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Thank you to this episode’s sponsor: Stitched by Jessalu

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Gus the Dino

  • Pattern: Gus the Dino by KP Crochet Patterns. $8.50 US Pattern on Etsy
  • Yarn: Bernat Blanket in Misty Green & Parfait Chunky in White
  • Hook: J (6.0 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • The original eyes were too big, so I ripped off his head, made a new one and used smaller eyes which look great. Millie loves him.

Manta Ray

  • Pattern: Mega Ray & Sea Friends by Theresa’s Crochet Shop- $15.50 pattern on website or Etsy
  • Hook: I (5.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Two versions available- I chose the one with an inner pocket. it looks like a  hot water bottle that opens up at the mouth, which makes the ray a pocket for all of the other toys (well, barely).

Nemo

  • Pattern: Mega Ray & Sea Friends by Theresa’s Crochet Shop- $15.50 pattern on website or Etsy
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava minis in Orange, Black & White
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Clown Fish

Gill

  • Pattern: Mega Ray & Sea Friends by Theresa’s Crochet Shop- $15.50 pattern on website or Etsy
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava minis in Custard, Black & White
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

Pearl

  • Pattern: Mega Ray & Sea Friends by Theresa’s Crochet Shop- $15.50 pattern on website or Etsy
  • Yarn: Big Twist Value Solids in Pink Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Octopus

Bubbles

  • Pattern: Mega Ray & Sea Friends by Theresa’s Crochet Shop- $15.50 pattern on website or Etsy
  • Yarn: Big Twist Value Solids in Yellow
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • Yellow Tang fish

Angelfish

  • Pattern: Mega Ray & Sea Friends by Theresa’s Crochet Shop- $15.50 pattern on website or Etsy
  • Yarn: Big Twist Value Solids in White & Yellow
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

Seahorse- Sheldon

  • Pattern: Mega Ray & Sea Friends by Theresa’s Crochet Shop- $15.50 pattern on website or Etsy
  • Yarn: Big Twist Value Solids in Yellow & Orange
  • Hook: C (2.75 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

Arielle’s Socks

  • Yarn: Edelweiss Fibres Standard Sock (75% SW Merino/25% Nylon), 425m for 100g in the Hillside Heather 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- maroons, browns and greens.

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

Flower Ski balaclava

  • Pattern: none
  • Yarn: Big Twist Value Solids & Knit Picks Brava Worsted
  • Hook: I (5.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • My Blizzard of 2026 project. I wanted another colorful balaclava. I wanted more peripheral vision. I’m excited to wear this skiing and decide if I like the fit better than my first ski helmet balaclava (Ravelry Project Page).

On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Northern Lights Socks

  • Yarn: Patons Kroy in the Northern Lights 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- thin stripes of cream broken up 3 shades of teal/light blue, 2 grays and 1 deep purple.
  • Progress: I finished sock 1 recently. Cast on sock 2. 

October 2025 Sock Club Socks

  • Yarn: agirlandherwool Sock Yarn in the October 2025 Colorway
  • Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
  • Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

Brainstorming

  • I really want to cast on a sweater ideally using at least some handspun and I keep getting stuck. UGH.
  • I may swatch for this tank with cream handspun- Camisole No 7 pattern by My Favourite Things- Ravelry Pattern Page

From the Armchair

  1. Wuthering Heights by Emma Bronte. Amazon Affiliate Link.
  2. All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker.  Amazon Affiliate Link.
  3. Tough Guy by Rachel Reid (Book 3 in Game Changer series). 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 Wrap Up—–Thank Yous!

  • Wendy (socalknitgirl)- Umpire
  • Heather (zoomdogknits)- Sheep Conference
  • Emily (ElsaandEm)- Llama Conference
  • Alicia (almariecraft)- Alpaca Conference
  • Mary (Maryklute)- Commentator
  • Nicole (knitternicole)- Utility Player

Thank you to ALL of our sponsors and especially our official sponsors for each of our 4 Quarters:

Pigskin ’25 By the Numbers

  • 1 Awesome event!
  • 3 Conferences, comprised of
  • 12 Teams!
  • 43 Projects completed during the WIP challenge
  • 70 Projects completed on the most popular completion date: 12/31/25
  • 75 Support Forms addressed
  • 146 Projects started on the 2nd most-popular starting date: 12/1/25  (Advent projects, anyone?!)
  • 184 Projects completed during the Pink Challenge to support Breast Cancer Awareness
  • 200 Most popular yardage reported for projects
  • 224 Projects started on Kick Off Day 9/4/25
  • 276 Projects completed for the most popular challenge (Q1 Challenge)
  • 578 Participants!  New high!  41% reported being first timers
  • 730 Charity projects completed!  Charity was the most popular of the Special Teams
  • 1,301 Non-project submissions (challenges, bonuses, draft)
  • 4,736 Projects started and completed during the event
  • 19,148 Total points for the leader 904Stephanie.  She made 79 projects and is frequently crocheting blankets for charity.

12 Grand Prize Winners Announced! Tune in to hear if you won big!

On a Happy Note

  • Skiing with Jeff and Millie. Great weather, great conditions, lines weren’t too long!
  • We had Hattie for a sleepover
  • Millie’s birthday sleepover
  • Blizzard of 2026
  • Dinner with my cousins

Quote of the Week

“I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says, “Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again.”

― Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland / Through the Looking-Glass

——

For website:

Thank you for tuning in!

Contact Information:

]]> https://www.downcellarstudio.com/315-2/feed/ 0 15026 Episode 314: Rip It! https://www.downcellarstudio.com/314-2/ https://www.downcellarstudio.com/314-2/#respond Sun, 15 Feb 2026 15:09:44 +0000 https://www.downcellarstudio.com/?p=15006 Thank you for tuning in to Episode 314 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week’s segments included:

  • Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
  • Brainstorming
  • From the Armchair
  • Knitting in Passing
  • KAL News
  • Contest, News & Notes
  • Life in Focus
  • On a Happy Note
  • Quote of the Week

Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins

Hattie’s Rainbow Mittens

  • Pattern: Little Waiting for Winter Mittens by Susan B. Anderson- $4 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Felici Worsted in the Vegas Baby colorway
  • Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page
  • About the colorway- stripes of gray, blue, green, mustard, red and pink.

Hattie’s Sparkly Mittens

  • Pattern: Little Waiting for Winter Mittens by Susan B. Anderson- $4 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry
  • Yarn: Fingering yarn held double- 1 sparkle & 1 non-sparkle base (sparkles are 20g minis from Legacy Fiber Artz Advent calendars of years past)
  • Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm)
  • Ravelry Project Page

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.
  • Finished. Washed it. Sleeves were too big. I had 28 purl ridges on the sleeves, I ripped back 7 and then worked the ribbing.
  • Wore to Hattie’s birthday dinner. Very comfy cozy. I am finding the weight of the hood wants to pull it back on my neck which I’m not sure I love. Have you found this?

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
  • Finished right after I finished the last episode. Love these so much!

Dory

  • Pattern: Mega Ray & Sea Friends by Theresa’s Crochet Shop- $15.50 pattern on website or Etsy
  • Yarn: Knit Picks Brava minis in Celestial, Custard, Black & White
  • Hook: C (2.75 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
  • 35 mm eyes were too big! I bought smaller ones, beheaded Gus and gave him a new head with new eyes!

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.
  • Progress- just about to toe of sock 1

Arielle’s Socks

  • Yarn: Edelweiss Fibres Standard Sock (75% SW Merino/25% Nylon), 425m for 100g in the Hillside Heather 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- maroons, browns and greens.
  • Cast on both on separate needles. Progress- a few inches into leg on one sock, ready to work the toe on the other
    • US 6 shoe. 7.25 inches before toe. About 8.5 inches total foot length.

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
  • Progress- turned heel on sock 2

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 8.5grams of the BFL with the Finnsheep. 23 wraps (690 inches/19 yards) .3 ounces / around 8.5 grams
  • I’ve been keeping my wheel next to my spot on the couch and spinning if not every day, then more days than not.

Handspun documentation

  • I went through nearly all of my handspun skeins of yarn. I made updates in each page on Ravelry to add skein information. You can enter length and weight and it add that to your stash.  I also ended up changing the names of the finished projects to include the weight and length! I wrote yarn weight (dk sport etc) on physical tags i have on the yarn. So much easier for me to work with.

Brainstorming

  • I have 3 skeins of Lion Brand Fisherman’s Wool that I used to start a Waverly Cardigan (but the gauge is just too tight)- click here for my Ravelry Project Page. I think it might be good for the Lakes Pullover by Ozetta (Ravelry Pattern- $8 knitting pattern). I found this by searching the yarn on ravelry then doing the advance pattern search to look for sweaters people knit with this yarn.
    • Related- Eileen recently asked if someone in our group had knit a certain pattern she had questions about before purchasing/committing to. If you look at the pattern on Rav and click the Projects Tab. You can use the filters there to select “Made by Group Members” and then click on the Rav group you want to look in. You can use that to see who you want to chat w/ about it.
  • ElizabethisKnitting (on Instagram- shared her Winter Soul Sweater in this post. Its so beautiful! Why are you not all knitting this? Great question. You can find this pattern on Ravelry.

From the Armchair

  1. Greenwich by Kate Broad. Amazon Affiliate Link.
  2. Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino. Amazon Affiliate Link.
  3. The Maid by Nita Prose. Amazon Affiliate Link.
  4. Little One by Olivia Muenter. Amazon Affiliate Link
  5. Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid. Amazon Affiliate Link.
  6. The Widow’s Husband’s Secret Lie (A Satirical Novella) by Freida McFadden. 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

At Hattie’s birthday dinner, Emelyn asked for help crocheting a circle. They were making a stuffed animal to look like a stage like and had everything done but the center bulk part. Aila also ended up working on it with us.

OMG Sock Classes are finished! All of my students turned their heels, some did both socks. Many did their toes and kitchenered. They all had fun and were far more successful than they anticipated so that was very exciting.

KAL News

Pigskin Party ’25 is over!

  • Event Dates: KAL Dates- Thursday September 4, 2025- Monday February 9, 2026

Updates In This Episode

  • Official Sponsor for Quarter 4 (January)- Yarnaceous Fibers– winner announced
  • Commentary from Mary
  • January Participation Prize Winners Announced
  • Grand Prize winners will be announced in the next episode.

Commentator Update

  • Thanks to everyone for another fantastic season! The February huddle has been full of chatter about all the projects people rushed to finish before the deadline. However, one of my favorite conversations has been in response to beachsideknits2’s question: What is weirdest/most random thing you’ve ever made?  Here are some fantastic answers (prepare to be wowed!)
  • Beachsideknit2’s succulent pillow- Ravelry Project Page
  • Tanksoup’s Tiktaalik (in case you are like me and had no idea what a tiktaalik is, it “is a 375 million year old fossil fish that was discovered in the Canadian Arctic in 2004” according to this site. Check out Tanksoup’s Ravelry Project Page
  • Leahbothe’s nose sweaters- Ravelry Project Page
  • And socalknitgirl’s top hat—Ravelry Project Page

I hope everyone has as much fun as I did this season!  See you all this summer for splash pad party!

Mary

Contest, News & Notes

Ross Farm – Check out this news article with details about their devastating barn fire.

Click here if you’re interested in donating or consider purchasing yarn, fiber etc and letting these sheep live on even after they’re gone.

On a Happy Note

  • I bought a new car!
  • I went to see Sleepwalker at a local theater.  Here’s a link to a review that sums up some of my thoughts.
  • I went to see Some Like it Hot in Boston. Megg & I got a fabulous dinner beforehand at Yvonne’s. Our waitress even brought over a delicious dumpling dish for us to try (sans lobster).
  • Friday date nights with Dan
  • Running into Riley & her bestie Ellie at Lucky Finn, my current local favorite coffee shop- after the gym on a Saturday morning. It was so hilarious!
  • Very much enjoyed Pluribus on Apple TV+. 
  • Seeing Millie in Finding Nemo Jr. and an early dinner after with family.
  • Mani/pedis with Megg, Eme & Hattie for Hattie’s birthday.
  • Super Bowl- while we lost it’s always fun to watch. I enjoyed the commercials, and had fun cheering on the Seahawks kicker Jason Myers who played football at Marist where I went to college (now Marist University)
  • Hattie’s 8th birthday dinner. Dad and I did a Zoom beforehand in celebration of what would have been Mom’s 70th with a few of her cousins.

Quote of the Week

Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.

-Dalai Lama

——

Thank you for tuning in!

Contact Information:

]]> https://www.downcellarstudio.com/314-2/feed/ 0 15006 Episode 313: Fresh https://www.downcellarstudio.com/313-2/ https://www.downcellarstudio.com/313-2/#respond Sat, 31 Jan 2026 15:29:35 +0000 https://www.downcellarstudio.com/?p=14991 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

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

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:

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

Life in Focus

26 in 2026 List

  1. A-Aim for one night at week at the pool in July and August- make it regular and invite friends to pop over
  2. B- Blood- donate at least 5 times
  3. C- Christmas Sleepover
  4. D- Declutter 26+ items
  5. E- Events- go to at least 26 ticketed events
  6. F-Find 2-6 new things and try them out!
  7. G-Go on a trip with Dan (just us)
  8. H- Headshots for Hattie
  9. I- Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum- GO!
  10. J- Journal- Write 365 entries in my I Remember Journal about Mom (inspired by Liz Craft who talked about it on Ep 451 of Happier in Hollywood podcast)
  11. K- Knit at least 2 projects with handspun
  12. L- Literary pursuit- read at least 65 books
  13. M- Museum- go to at least 1
  14. N- NYC- go visit Laura at least once
  15. O- Organize a FearLESS Living Fundraiser
  16. P- Puzzle- do at least 1 with Dan
  17. Q-Quarterly review of calendar/photos & goals (to make Year in Review easier and faster)- calendar it!
  18. R- Restaurant- try at least 1 new local restaurant
  19. S- Socks- knit 26 pair
  20. T- Tattoo
  21. U- Up the amount of muscle in my body- at least 1 pound by end of the year.
  22. V- Vlogmas- take the year off (even if you’re tempted)
  23. W- Wheel- sit down at my spinning wheel every month (put reminders on my calendar at the beginning of each month to help remind me)
  24. X- Cross 1 thing off this list that no longer serves me
  25. Y-Yoga at least 2-6 times
  26. Z- Create Zone to keep important papers

On a Happy Note

  • Wonder at ART- extended through 2/5. Check out their website for tickets.
  • Sound of Music at the Boston Opera House
  • Game night with Liz, Jay, Riley and Dan.
  • A snowy slow MLK weekend.
  • Car shopping.
  • I’ve been able to hack 3 classes a week at my gym.
  • A cold walk with Megg at Wompatuck.
  • A cute message about Miles enjoying his Christmas gifts- “emotional support calendar”
  • A pipe broke while I was washing woolies on Sunday during snowstorm. Silverlining was that Dan had the part we needed on hand and was able to fix it so quickly.

Quote of the Week

“Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.”

-Nathaniel Hawthorne

—-

Thank you for tuning in!

Contact Information:

]]> https://www.downcellarstudio.com/313-2/feed/ 0 14991 Episode 312: Crafting & Contemplation https://www.downcellarstudio.com/312-2/ https://www.downcellarstudio.com/312-2/#respond Thu, 15 Jan 2026 13:44:16 +0000 https://www.downcellarstudio.com/?p=14971 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

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

Updates In This Episode

  • Official Sponsor for Quarter 3 (December)- Suburban StitcherMini 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

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

  1. Donate Blood at least 4 times (January, March, May, Sept)
  2. Go shopping for plants with Dan 4 times in the year (my Christmas gift from him)
  3. Buy new ski boots
  4. Go camping (scheduled for June)
  5. Kayak 2-5 times (Saco- 2 days)
  6. 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 
  7. Take 2-5 yoga classes (outside of the house)— option- https://balancestudiocohasset.com/book-a-class/
  8. Do at least 30 lessons in Mondly (had 25 done in 2024)- does not include daily lessons
  9. Spend a day at Raffa Life-  September 21 with Laura and Megg
  10. Record 2-5 things I’m grateful for each day before bed (more days than not counts)- fallen off.
  11. Read all of Simple Abundance (ideally daily or close to)(10)
  12. Read at least 60 books- all books count (even poetry etc)
  13. Get at least 2 massages at Oasis (1 in April, 1 in June, 1 in September)
  14. See 2-5 movies in the theater (Paddington in Peru, The Long Walk, Blue Moon, Wicked for Good)
  15. Knit 2-5 garments for me (Aurealis – WIPs-Monsoonee Sweaters, granny stripe tank, Bayside tank) Granny tank, Bayside Shirt
  16. Finish and enjoy my Christmas Granny Square Blanket
  17. Crochet at least 5 toys (1: hedgehog 2& 3: Love Bugs, 4 pop-tart, 5 butterfly- another butterfly WIP, and TRex)
  18. Use my spinning wheel at least once a month (Jan, Feb & March, April,  July, August, September, Oct, Nov (forgot May & June)
  19. Have a crafty day with Emelie
  20. Knit a slouchy hat for myself
  21. Try out 3 new to me podcasts (Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, White Lotus official podcast, severance official podcast, Cramped)
  22. Watch White Christmas with Jenny & Kara (bringing the tradition back)
  23. Buy a firebox and put important papers inside (working with Dan on list of things to put in it)
  24. Create a list of things to pack in case of an evacuation
  25. Purge at least 20 items of clothing/accessories/shoes

On a Happy Note

  • Dad’s knee replacement was a big success! I stayed with him from December 5-21.
  • Dad and I had a lovely visit from our friend Merry who came with an unexpected gift- a bracelet with beads made from my mom’s funeral flowers in red (ruby slipper), yellow (yellow brick road) and white for home.
  • Dan and I had a lovely double date night at the Irish pub with friends.
  • I was able to see my 7 year old niece Hattie as Gretl in Sound of Music (twice!!!)
  • Making Aunt Milly’s cookies with Riley and Millie (and having a sleepover with them).
  • Christmas Eve & Christmas Day were both lovely. Definitely different without my Mom and grandmother there but it was still a joy to be together. Our friend Gail joined us as she usually does and brought all sorts of fun games for us to play.
  • The Sunday after Christmas, I was able to spend all afternoon with my grandmother, some of that alone. My friend Megg came over because she wanted to visit and say goodbye. We had dinner together after.
  • My friend Laura came in for NYE. Small get together with friends at my Dad’s turned into a real party, though most didn’t stay until midnight. Megg wanted it to be a sparkly kind of night so Laura and I got outfits for the three of us at the consignment shop on the way over! Very silly fun.
  • My cousin Mike and his husband Kyle came up from Florida.
  • My grandmother’s services were beautiful with contributions from lots of family members. While it was more stressful than mom’s, and it was the worst form of deja vu having the same schedule for that exact same Thur/Fri two years in a row- my grandmother would be happy with how it all turned out. 
  • Skiing on Saturday after the funeral. 7 of us, impromptu trip, icy conditions but we still had a blast.

Quote of the Week

“Amidst the normal hard stuff is the abnormal hard stuff. You may be doing great, but no one great always had it great. At the end of each day, as you prepare for the next, I hope you take an inventory of your life, your thoughts and where you’re headed. The wind can take you some cool places, but so can your paddle.”

― Richie Norton

——

Contact Information:

]]> https://www.downcellarstudio.com/312-2/feed/ 0 14971 Episode 311: Advents & Adventures https://www.downcellarstudio.com/311-2/ https://www.downcellarstudio.com/311-2/#respond Mon, 15 Dec 2025 19:22:57 +0000 https://www.downcellarstudio.com/?p=14957 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
  • I got 35 mm eyes from Amazon that I think are going to look amazing!

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

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 StitcherMini 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)

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.

Wishing you all a happy holiday season!

Contest, News & Notes

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:

]]> https://www.downcellarstudio.com/311-2/feed/ 0 14957 Episode 310: Of Goose & Turkey https://www.downcellarstudio.com/310-2/ https://www.downcellarstudio.com/310-2/#respond Sun, 30 Nov 2025 17:11:16 +0000 https://www.downcellarstudio.com/?p=14942 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

Check out Stitched by Jessalu in person on Friday Dec 19th from 5-8p at the Holiday Artisan Pop-up at 44 Graves Street South Deerfield MA.

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

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 StitcherMini 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,

What a talented group of players we have! 

Thanks to everyone who donated warm items for our November Charity Challenge!

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

  1. Donate Blood at least 4 times (January, March, May, Sept) – done
  2. Go shopping for plants with Dan 4 times in the year
  3. Buy new ski boots- done
  4. Go camping (scheduled for June)- done
  5. Kayak 2-5 times (Saco- 2 days)- done
  6. Do at least 5 walks with others- done
  7. Take 2-5 yoga classes- will not complete
  8. Do at least 30 lessons in Mondly- will still try
  9. Spend a day at Raffa Life-  done
  10. Record 2-5 things I’m grateful for each day before bed (more days than not counts)- I’ve fallen off.
  11. Read all of Simple Abundance- gave up. Got too religious for me.
  12. Read at least 60 books- – 58 books as 11/29
  13. Get at least 2 massages at Oasis- done
  14. See 2-5 movies in the theater- done
  15. Knit 2-5 garments for me- done
  16. Finish and enjoy my Christmas Granny Square Blanket- not happening this year.
  17. Crochet at least 5 toys- done
  18. Use my spinning wheel at least once a month- all but May & June! Calling this a win
  19. Have a crafty day with Emelie- done
  20. Knit a slouchy hat for myself-  not yet but it could still happen.
  21. Try out 3 new to me podcasts- done
  22. Watch White Christmas with Jenny & Kara- its on the calendar
  23. Buy a firebox and put important papers inside- working with Dan on finding the right one.
  24. Create a list of things to pack in case of an evacuation- not done yet
  25. 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:

]]> https://www.downcellarstudio.com/310-2/feed/ 0 14942 Episode 309: Hats & Stockings https://www.downcellarstudio.com/309-2/ https://www.downcellarstudio.com/309-2/#respond Sat, 15 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000 https://www.downcellarstudio.com/?p=14938 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

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

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

There’s still plenty of time for you to get your projects in for Q2. These finishers have definitely demonstrated that there are plenty of patterns with at least 60 rows that work up in a flash!

PepperRN added in Pigskin Party Tips Thread on Ravelry

If you are budgeting but still want to support sponsors buy something re usable. Stitch markers can be used in 1 project and then when finished in the next. I like knitting hats for charity so I bought a hat pattern from a sponsor. I put that pattern with a sponsor bag and sponsor stitch markers and can knit it over and over during the PSP.

On a Happy Note

  • New York City! I took the train this time which was a great option. Laura and I had dinner with two of her pilates clients.
  • We all enjoyed Gabriella and Zachary’s first sleepover. We watched the KPOP Demon Hunters movie and after going to bed early and reading the Hot Air Balloon book, wehad fun hunting for the orange eyed monster! Dan made the kids pancakes and we’ll put their photos on the collage wall in the guest room. Gabriella asked for a unicorn and a ghost Spiderman. Zach wanted Spiderman.
  • I received a really nice message from my cousin Gayle who was visiting her friend in NH and let me know that Mom’s shawl that she chose was keeping her warm. Love you Gayle!
  • My childhood friend Maribeth has shared a few photos of things her family has found when cleaning out her parents’ attic- costumes and things my mom made. It was sweet of her to send me those photos so we could reminisce.
  • I finally got to join Beth’s Karaoke Night Zoom (part of the Love in Stitches Membership).
  • Dad is recovering from a back injury but doing better.
  • We successfully moved my grandmother into the Memory Care side of the independent living home she’s lived at for 5 years. Hope this will be a good fit for her.
  • I got a massage this week!

Quote of the Week

“In November, the earth is growing quiet. It is making its bed, a winter bed for flowers and small creatures. The bed is white and silent, and much life can hide beneath its blankets.”

― Cynthia Rylant, In November 

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Thank you for tuning in!

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