Down Cellar Studio Podcast BostonJen

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 276 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes can be found on my website.
 
This week's segments included:
 
 
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
From the Armchair
In my Travels
KAL News
Events
On a Happy Note
Quote of the Week
 
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
 
 
Christmas in July Socks
Yarn: Area 51 Fibres Sturdy Alien Base in the Christmas in July 2023 Colorway
Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
Ravelry Project Page
 
Modern Classic Baby Blanket
Pattern: Modern Classic Baby Blanket by Kristin Holloway ($8 crochet pattern available on Ravelry: free version w/ ads available on this website)
Hook: I (5.5mm)
Yarn: Big Twist Tweed in White (7 skeins- I used just shy of 5 skeins)
Size: Crib Blanket: 36 x 50”
The blanket is worked in 2 halves that you seam together at the center to make it symmetrical. The pattern features some crochet cables.
 
Auntie Krissy's Chickens
Pattern: Chicken Family by Kensey Davis ($5 crochet pattern on Etsy)
Hook: G (4.0 mm)
Yarn: Premier Yarns Chunky Parfair in Mushroom, White, Ruby and Mustard.
Ravelry Project Page
Thanks to Riley for joining me to talk about this joint project.
 
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
 
Let the Mystery Unravel 2023 Blanket of Calm
Pattern: Blanket of Calm by Casapinka (free crochet pattern)
Yarn: Woolen Women Fibers- Let the Mystery Unravel subscription + Cascade Heritage Sock yarn in the Forged Iron Colorway
Hook: 3.25 mm (D)
Ravelry Project Page
You can find my Let the Mystery Unravel Unboxing Video on YouTube in this Playlist
This subscription is not available to new subscribers but I hope you'll watch each month and see how my blanket comes along. Stay tuned to Woolen Women for all of the fun kits they have!
Progress: I finished my March squares (month 6) and unboxed month 7!
 
Woolen Camelot socks
Yarn: Woolen Women Fibers Sock (80/20 SW Merino/Nylon) in the Woolen Camelot colorway from the May 2024 Woolen Yarn Box.
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
Check out my Unboxing Video for this May 2024 Woolen Yarn Box. If you're thinking of joining, please purchase using my Affiliate Link.
It won't cost you any extra. I will make a small commission.
 
Colleen's Baby Blanket
Pattern: Crochet Modern Boho Granny Blanket by Tiffany Brown (free crochet pattern available on this website)
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft in Blue Mint, Soft Green, Riviera (Speckle), Kelly Green, Robin's Egg, White Sage (Speckle) & White
Hook: H (5.0 mm)
Progress: I've finished 3 colors, doing 7 pairs of DC/DC3 tog per color. On the 3rd color, Riviera, I ran out of yarn, so couldn't complete the last row, so I ripped back and had to start with the Kelly Green early.
 
Riley's 16th Birthday Flower Top
Pattern:  Riley found in this TikTok video
Hook: G (4.0 mm)
Yarn: Caron Skinny Cakes in the Grape Raisin UVA colorway (purchased 3)
Ravelry Project Page
YouTube Video
Linked instructions
 
From the Armchair
Booth by Karen Joy Fowler. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link.
None of This is True by Lisa Jewell. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link.
I'll Be You by Janelle Brown. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link.
 
Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.
 
In My Travels
 
I took my nieces Riley and Aila to Connecticut for their birthday weekend sleepover. We got an AirBnB in Litchfield. Friday night, we stayed in and watched Gilmore Girls on Netflix (the inspiration for our adventure). Saturday we toured around! Here are some hand

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 275 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included:
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair In my Travels KAL News Events Life in Focus Ask Me Anything On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu & The Yarn Sellar
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Thumper Hat
Yarn: Berrocco Ultra Alpaca in the Light Grey colorway Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) & US 8 (5.0 mm) Pattern: Thumper Hat by Jennifer Lassonde- $5 Knitting pattern available on Ravelry & LoveCrafts The Thumper Hat is a worsted weight slouchy hat with a diamond lace pattern. For the size Large/XL, I used 66g of yarn (around 144 yards/132 meters) LFA Mystery Shortie Socks
Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About 12 rounds of ribbing. 1 round of knitting before starting the heel I used 35 grams of yarn. Hair bow
Pattern: Cottage Hair Accessories (Bow Tie) by Wool & Pine. $5 pattern available on Ravelry or on the Wool & Pine website) Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Glitz Toes- multicolor mini skein from Christmas 2023 Advent Calendar. Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) Ravelry Project Page Pattern was a part of my May 2024 Woolen Yarn Box package. Watch my unboxing video here. If you’re thinking of joining, please purchase using my Affiliate Link. It won’t cost you any extra. I will make a small commission. On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Modern Classic Baby Blanket
Pattern: Modern Classic Baby Blanket by Kristin Holloway ($8 crochet pattern available on Ravelry: free version w/ ads available on this website) Hook: I (5.5) Yarn: Big Twist Tweed in White (7 skeins) Size: Crib Blanket: 36 x 50” The blanket is worked in 2 halves that you seam together at the center to make it symmetrical. The pattern features some crochet cables. Woolen Camelot socks
Yarn: Woolen Women Fibers Sock (80/20 SW Merino/Nylon) in the Woolen Camelot colorway from the May 2024 Woolen Yarn Box. Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Check out my Unboxing Video for this May 2024 Woolen Yarn Box. If you’re thinking of joining, please purchase using my Affiliate Link. It won’t cost you any extra. I will make a small commission. Let the Mystery Unravel 2023 Blanket of Calm
Pattern: Blanket of Calm by Casapinka (free crochet pattern) Yarn: Woolen Women Fibers- Let the Mystery Unravel subscription + Cascade Heritage Sock yarn in the Forged Iron Colorway Hook: 3.25 mm (D) Ravelry Project Page You can find my Let the Mystery Unravel Unboxing Video on YouTube in this Playlist Progress: My January (Month 4) squares done and seamed and the border is in progress. My February (Month 5) squares are in progress. Be Fearless Socks
Yarn: Area 51 Fibres Sturdy Alien Base in the Be FearLess Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) About the Yarn: pink, peach yellow, green and blue stripes to look like the colors in our FearLESS Living Fund logo. Pet of our February fundraiser. Progress: more than half way done with leg on the first sock Christmas in July Socks
Yarn: Area 51 Fibres Sturdy Alien Base in the Christmas in July 2023 Colorway Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Ravelry Project Page Area 51. Snack shack sponsor. Progress: finished first sock. Beyond the heel on the second sock. Brainstorming Keeping a “creative projects” list in Evernote is really helping me. With everything going on, I don’t always have the mental energy to decide on something but making feels good and I’m happier when I do it. Thinking ahead to upcoming birthdays and listing p***e

 
Thank you for tuning in to Episode 274 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. 
 
This week's segments included:
 
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
From the Armchair
In my Travels
Events
Contest, News & Notes
On a Happy Note
Quote of the Week
 
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
 
FearLESS Socks (DK)
Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz DK (75% Merino, 25% Nylon) in the FearLESS Colorway
Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm)
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
Size: XS
Ravelry Project Page
About the Colorway- FearLESS is a special colorway by Legacy Fiber Artz for our February Fiber Community FearLESS Living Fund Fundraiser.
Made for Mom
 
FearLESS Socks (Steel Toes)
Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz DK Steel Toes (75% Merino, 25% Nylon) in the FearLESS Colorway
Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
Size: M
Ravelry Project Page
About the Colorway- FearLESS is a special colorway by Legacy Fiber Artz for our February Fiber Community FearLESS Living Fund Fundraiser.
Made for my Mom's chemo nurse, Nicole, who also cared for my Aunt Florence.
 
Greyhaven Hat
Pattern: Greyhaven hat by Robin Ulrich ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 7 (4.5 mm)
Yarn: Berocco Ultra Alpaca in the Avocado Colorway
Ravelry Project Page
Made for my niece's Aila's 15th birthday after she saw and like the grey one I wear a lot.
 
Emotional Support Chicken
Pattern: Emotional Support Chicken by Annette Corsino ($6.50 US Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry & this website)
Yarn: Various DK scraps
Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm)
Ravelry Project Page
 
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
 
Modern Classic Baby Blanket
Pattern: Modern Classic Baby Blanket by Kristin Holloway ($8 crochet pattern available on Ravelry: free version w/ ads available on this website)
Hook: I (5.5)
Yarn: Big Twist Tweed in White (7 skeins)
Size: Crib Blanket: 36 x 50”
The blanket is worked in 2 halves that you seam together at the center to make it symmetrical. The pattern features some crochet cables.
 
Let the Mystery Unravel 2023 Blanket of Calm
Pattern: Blanket of Calm by Casapinka (free crochet pattern)
Yarn: Woolen Women Fibers- Let the Mystery Unravel subscription + Cascade Heritage Sock yarn in the Forged Iron Colorway
Hook: 3.25 mm (D)
Ravelry Project Page
You can find my Let the Mystery Unravel Unboxing Video on YouTube in this Playlist
This subscription is not available to new subscribers but I hope you'll watch each month and see how my blanket comes along. Stay tuned to Woolen Women for all of the fun kits they have!
 
LFA Mystery Shortie Socks
Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
Ravelry Project Page
About 12 rounds of ribbing. 1 round of knitting before starting the heel
Progress: Finished first sock and beyond the heel on the second sock.
 
From the Armchair
 
Tuesday Mooney Talks to Ghosts by Kate Racculia. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link.
Big Swiss by Jen Beagin. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link.
 
Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.
 
 
In My Travels
I traveled to Orlando with my friend Megg who was going there for a conference. We stayed at the Gaylord Palms, visited Epcot one evening and had a great time.
I had a couple interesting conversations with people at the pool. One lady was fascinated by my knitting and we had a rather awkward chat when I told her I was knitting a chicken.
My poolside

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 273 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. 
 
This week's segments included:
 
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
From the Armchair
KAL News
Contest, News & Notes
Life in Focus
On a Happy Note
Quote of the Week
 
Thank you to this episode's sponsor: Stitched by Jessalu
 
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
 
Jenny's Blanket
Pattern: Modified Sedge Stitch Blanket by Nicole Mansfield ($2 crochet pattern available on Ravelry)
Yarn: Big Twist Value Solids in Sky Blue, Teal, Mint, Cyan, Jade Green and Aqua
Hook: I (5.5 mm)
Ravelry Project Page
I first used this border on a Cozy Clusters Blanket  (Ravelry project page here). I learned about this edge technique on this website.
 
Millie's 2nd Squishmallow
Pattern: None. I did base some of the basic shaping on this pattern on Etsy
Hook: D (3.25 mm)
Yarn: worsted weight acrylic yarn in brown, tan, white & pink
I worked bottom up with the brown, adding in a patch of white at the belly. I created the face out of tan/white and added safety eyes and sewed it on. I added 2 brown ears and a pink and white headband like this Squishmallow: Andres the Sheltie Dog (Amazon Affiliate Link)
 
Declan's 2nd Socks
Yarn: Patons Kroy in the Greener Pastures Colorway
Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
Ravelry Project Page
Green, black, gray, cream, mustard stripes + gray/green/white self patterning stripe.
Thanks for all the tips for his care package! Definitely taking some of those into account.
 
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
 
FearLESS Socks (DK)
Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz DK (75% Merino, 25% Nylon) in the FearLESS Colorway
Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm)
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
Size: XS
About the Colorway- FearLESS is a special colorway by Legacy Fiber Artz for our February Fiber Community FearLESS Living Fund Fundraiser. Special Colorway “FearLESS” available in DK, Steel Toes (sock) and Cozy Toes (sock)
Progress: 1st sock is finished. I'm knitting on the foot of the second sock.
 
FearLESS Socks (Cozy Toes)
Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz DK (75% Merino, 25% Nylon) in the FearLESS Colorway
Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
Size: M
About the Colorway- FearLESS is a special colorway by Legacy Fiber Artz for our February Fiber Community FearLESS Living Fund Fundraiser. Special Colorway “FearLESS” available in DK, Steel Toes (sock) and Cozy Toes (sock)
Progress: Finished the first sock and the cuff of the second. These socks will be gifted to my Mom's chemo nurse, Nicole, who also cared for my Aunt Florence.
 
Modern Classic Baby Blanket
Pattern: Modern Classic Baby Blanket by Kristin Holloway ($8 crochet pattern available on Ravelry: free version w/ ads available on this website)
Hook: I (5.5)
Yarn: Big Twist Tweed in White (7 skeins)
Size: Crib Blanket: 36 x 50”
The blanket is worked in 2 halves that you seam together at the center to make it symmetrical. The pattern features some crochet cables.
 
Let the Mystery Unravel 2023 Blanket of Calm
Pattern: Blanket of Calm by Casapinka (free crochet pattern)
Yarn: Woolen Women Fibers- Let the Mystery Unravel subscription + Cascade Heritage Sock yarn in the Forged Iron Colorway
Hook: 3.25 mm (D)
Ravelry Project Page
You can find my Let the Mystery Unravel Unboxing Video on YouTube in this Playlist
This subscription is not available to new subscribers but I hope you'll watch each month and see how my blanket comes along. Stay tuned to Woolen Women for all of the fun kits they have! Don't forget, they're Pro Shop Sponsors.
Progress Notes- I finishe

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 272 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Show notes with photos can be found on my website- www.downcellarstudio.com/272
 
This week's segments included:
 
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
Brainstorming
Knitting in Passing
From the Armchair
KAL News
Events
Contest, News & Notes
Life in Focus
On a Happy Note
Quote of the Week
 
 
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
 
Same as It Ever Was Hat
Pattern: Same as It Ever Was by Sarah Jordan ($6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Beatnik colorway
Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm)
Ravelry Project Page
 
Nimbus Vest
Pattern: Nimbus by Berrocco Design Team (free knitting pattern)
Yarn: Worsted Weight 100% Wool (from Rhinebeck 2022) held double
Needles:  US 10 (6.0mm)
Ravelry Project Page
Notes: I added length to the body before the underarms. I worked 13 inches before the sleeves (4 inches longer than called for)
Goofed up working on front left.  Didn't read the instructions well and I bound off stitches for the underarm on the RS of the piece instead of the WS. Thankfully the rows were very short after that, so ripped back and was able to fix it in less than an hour.
Seaming- I seamed the shoulders and then the sides before setting in the sleeve. I should have done it in this order 1) shoulders 2) sleeves, 3) sides. This post from Amy Herzog was helpful re: Setting in Sleeves.
Collar- added a row of SC around the collar to make it look a little neater.
Finished Project 700g.
 
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
 
Jenny's Blanket
Pattern: Modified Sedge Stitch Blanket by Nicole Mansfield ($2 crochet pattern available on Ravelry)
Yarn: Big Twist Value Solids in Sky Blue, Teal, Mint, Cyan, Jade Green and Aqua
Hook: I (5.5 mm)
Ravelry Project Page
Progress: Finished all 5 color-block sections. I am using the 6th color for the border because the blanket was already long enough with 5 colors. The pattern has 2 border options, a scalloped edge & a modified picot edge. The latter is what I was planning but I think instead I'll use a bobble edging.
I first used this border on a Cozy Clusters Blanket  (Ravelry project page here). I learned about this edge technique on this website.
 
Same as It Ever Was Hat #2
Pattern: Same as It Ever Was by Sarah Jordan ($6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
Yarn: Kingdom Fleece and Fiberworks. No colorway listed.
Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm)
Ravelry Project Page
About the colorway- pink/mauve base with taupes, blues, greens and other pinks/maroons.
 
Declan's 2nd Socks
Yarn: Patons Kroy in the Greener Pastures Colorway
Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
Ravelry Project Page
Green, black, gray, cream, mustard stripes + gray/green/white self patterning stripe.
Progress- I finished the first sock and turned the heel on the second sock this weekend.
 
FearLESS Socks
Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz DK (75% Merino, 25% Nylon) in the FearLESS Colorway
Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm)
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
Cast on for the smallest size and that fits well.
About the Colorway- Special Colorway “FearLESS” available in DK, Steel Toes (sock) and Cozy Toes (sock). Sue & Chelsea are donating 50% of sales to our FearLESS Living Fund.
Progress: Leg of the first sock is almost done!.
 
Brainstorming
Greyhaven Hat by Robin Ulrich. $5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry
Chicken Family Crochet Pattern by Atomic Crochet Shop on Etsy. $5 crochet pattern on Etsy.
 
Knitting in Passing
Millie finished the headband she'd started for Mom.
Riley made Mom a chemo hat on a knitting loom in craft class at school.
I cast on for a hat with the Plied Yarn we bought for M

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 271 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website- www.downcellarstudio.com/271 
 
This week's segments included:
 
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
From the Armchair
Crafty Adventures
In my Travels
KAL News
Events
Life in Focus
On a Happy Note
Quote of the Week
 
Thank you to this episode's sponsor: Stitched by Jessalu
 
Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
 
I Love You More Socks
Yarn: Malabrigo Arroyo in the Azules colorway (medium denim blue)
Needles: US 3(3.25 mm)
Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry )
Ravelry Project Page
For these DK socks, I cast on 48 sts and followed the OMG heel instructions for that stitch count. I worked more ruonds of ribbing than I usually do and used that as the whole leg of the sock, then worked heel, and foot as usual.  I included some colorwork in a neon coral DK yarn to say " I love" on the left sock and "you more" on the right sock. When squished up it looks like it says I Love You Mom which is also perfect!
 
On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins
 
Jenny's Blanket
Pattern: Modified Sedge Stitch Blanket by Nicole Mansfield ($2 crochet pattern available on Ravelry)
Yarn: Big Twist Value Solids in Sky Blue, Teal, Mint, Cyan, Jade Green and Aqua
Hook: I (5.5 mm)
Ravelry Project Page
Progress: nearly done with color 2 of 6.
 
Same as It Ever Was Hat
Pattern: Same as It Ever Was by Sarah Jordan ($6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Beatnik colorway
Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm)
Ravelry Project Page
Knit wit designs. Snack shack sponsor.
Progress: nearly ready for the decreases.
 
Same as It Ever Was Hat #2
Pattern: Same as It Ever Was by Sarah Jordan ($6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry)
Yarn: Kingdom Fleece and Fiberworks. No colorway listed.
Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm)
Ravelry Project Page
Progress: more than half way done.
 
Nimbus Vest
Pattern: Nimbus by Berrocco Design Team (free knitting pattern)
Yarn: Worsted Weight 100% Wool (from Rhinebeck 2022) held double
Needles:  US 10 (6.0mm)
Ravelry Project Page
Notes: I added about 4 inches to the body before the armholes.
 
From the Armchair
Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewel. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link.
The Ruin by Dervla McTiernan. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link.
 
Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.
 
Crafty Adventures
 
We recently had a crafty sleepover at my parents- Kris, Aila, Megg, Hattie, Millie, Riley (Jeff for a bit), Mom & her long-time friend Lin.
Needle felting & Alcohol Inks + Fire on Glass (click here for a related video tutorial if you're curious)
 
Stitched by JessaLu is the home of handmade project bags in a variety of fun, floral, geeky, or pop-culture themed prints. All bags are made by one woman - JessaLu - on an antique Singer sewing machine in her home in Western Massachusetts. JessaLu has been making quality project bags and an assortment of sewn accessories since 2008 and has recently begun to design her own exclusive prints! Check them out at StitchedbyJessalu.com and stay tuned for a special FearLESS Living Fund themed bag coming soon as part of the February Fundraiser for BostonJensMom.
 
In My Travels
 
Mom, Millie and I met up with our friend Ryan at the Farm Fiber Days Event at Wayland Farmers Market at Russells Garden Center.
Millie was looking for yarn to knit a hat for her dad. We found it in one of the first booths- Plied Yarns. Always great to see Ann Weaver. We did a full loop and went back to purchase yarn.
I bought a handsewn chicken potholder set.
The Blue Heron Farm (in Ve