Tuesday, August 5, 2014

I've Moved!




If you're looking for the Down Cellar Studio Podcast & Blog, we've moved here! Come check it out today!










Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Episode 49: Stitches Bound!



Thank you for tuning in to Episode 49. If you haven't listened yet, see the links to the right to download.


This Week’s Segments Included:

  • Off the Needles
  • On the Needle
  • From the Armchair
  • Crafty Adventures
  • Events
  • Close Knit Family
  • Because You Asked
  • On a Happy Note

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Off the Needles


Baby Boy Blanket


 OMG Heel Socks
  • Yarn: Socks that Rock Lightweight
  • Colorway: Positive Energy
  • Needles: US 1.5
  • Modifications: 54 stitches, 3x3 rib





On the Needles


  • Yarn: Schoppel-Wolle Crazy Zauberball
  • Colorway: Fliederduft
  • Needles: US 1.5
  • Pattern: improvised (56 stitches, 2x2 ribbing, after-thought heel)




  • Yarn: (leftovers of) Cascade 220 Superwash
  • Needles: US 3
  • Pattern: top down, after-thought heel sock edited each time I make them in the attempt to find the perfect fit.


Needles: US 1.5
Referred to the Head to Toe book Katya Frankel to determine the right foot/leg circumference for a kid aged 4-6 and how many stitches to cast on based on that.



Pattern: Working out another triangular shawl design
Yarn: Lotus Yarns Silky Cashmere Fingering 400 yards of  55% silk, 45% Mongolian Cashmere in a tan color (#16)
Needles: US 5



From the Armchair

by Julie Turjoman
Patterns referenced: 

I definitely recommend you take a look at this book! It does a great job of explaining how to use and substitute plant based fibers in garments and provides 12 great wearable, fashionable, timeless patterns!

Check out the 12 patterns, and let me know which you like best to be entered to win a copy of this eBook.


Crafty Adventures

I had a great time scrapbooking. Even if I ran out of photos on day 2 of 3.



Events

Tan House Brook Shawl KAL. To be entered to win you must finish by July 31st!
Finish by July 31st
Prizes!

If you haven't yet knit the pattern, check out the kit Allison from the Hollywood Knitter Podcast has put together. If you win this contest, you'll receive the 
Tan House Brook Shawl, a skein ofMarigoldJen Sock Yarn in Santa Fe (435 yds of 80% Merino/10%Nylon/10%Cashmere) and a gorgeous project bag from Brown Dog Bags.
Check out the Contest Thread,


Allison’s contest- put together a kit


Local Event: Fiber Revival is Saturday August 9 in Newbury, MA

I will not be able to go because I'm going to Stitches Midwest instead.
  • The event runs August 7-10 in Shaumburg, IL
  • If you see me, please say hello! I would love to meet you. Let me know if you'll be there in the chatter thread in our Ravelry group.
  • There will be a podcaster meet up. Learn more here.

Close Knit Family

SPOILER ALERT: My nephew, Will, did not get a handknit Rhino for his birthday. So, Aunti Jen better get a move on before Christmas!
(it's NOT a Rhino)


Rhino Pattern Options:

Because You Asked

Thanks to everyone who asked questions on my recent Instagram post. I'll be answering more questions next time. This time I gave you a little update about Mom! Thanks for asking. She's doing really well and enjoying lots of fun with her grandkids!



For Episodes where Mom joins me, check out:

Mom has a Creations Unlimited Facebook Page where you can see some of her items for sale.


On a Happy Note
  • I am on week 5 of my running program. Thanks for all of the inspiration and motivation on Instagram! It is getting harder but I'm doing it!!!



  • I made it through my crazy work project, but I'm so happy about the great teamwork my co-workers exhibited, and my hugely supportive boss (everything didn’t go right but he 100% had my back and I’m so grateful for that).

  • I'm happy to see a few of you are going to try out Stitch Fix- the monthly clothing/accessories box subscription that I mentioned on Episode 47. I defered my July shipment because it was due to arrive right in the midst of my busy time at work but I'm looking forward to my next one!
    • If you're interested in trying Stitch Fix, I think its a great no risk way to see about adding new, fun pieces to your wardrobe. The stuff I have I’ve worn a number of times now and I’m really impress with the quality!  If you’re interested in trying it out please use this link to check it out

THANK YOU
for listening!
If you enjoyed this show or learned something from me today, I'd ask to you to please take a moment of your time to leave a star rating or quick review on iTunes to help others find the show too!

Happy Knitting!
Talk to you soon!

Sunday, July 6, 2014

Episode 48- Mindless Knitting

Thanks for tuning in to Episode 48 of the podcast!



This Week’s Segments Included:


Off the Needles
On the Needle
From the Armchair
Events
On a Happy Note


-----------------------------


Off the Needles


Enchanted Knoll Farm Common Grackle Self Striping Socks
US 1.5 needles
Yarn: Enchanted Knoll Farm




Perry’s Hat
Pattern: Jared Flood’s Turn a Square hat.
Yarn: Malibrigo: Vaa colorway

Baby Blanket


Crochet Baby blanket using Lion Brand Baby’s First.
Chained 81, worked alternating rows of single and double crochet and added a simple single crochet border.


Spinning Wheel dishcloths. Super easy & addictive (I've finished 4 in just a few days)
Needles: US 8
Yarn: Premiere Home Cotton (3 cloths from 1 skein)






It still needs a name…
And I need to write up the pattern and have it test knit. Hope to have it available in the next couple months!



On the Needles


Pattern: Dream Catcher Baby Blanket by Susan B Anderson
Needles: US 7

I've attached 3 more squares that made up the third row and seamed that in. One more row to go!




OMG Heel Socks
Yarn: Socks that Rock Lightweight in the Positive Energy Colorway
Needles: US 1.5
Modifications: 54 stitches 3x3 rib.




Worsted weight socks for Dan
Yarn: Leftover Cascade 220 Superwash 
Needles: US 3
Modifications from my usual formula: trying an afterthought heel


Needle: US 1.5
CO:




Crafty Adventures
Cleaning studio after winter and finally hanging art on the walls!!

My comfy armchair with the new collage above
(note: yes that bottom left canvas is blank. it will be filled soon)

my expedit bookshelf from IKEA with my photo albums, scrap yarn storage, books, magazine and memories

collage wall above my table. some more empty frames and blank canvas.
oh the possibilities!

the right side of my desk. a new backboard with hooks &
the rack for my threads
(some love notes from Willy & Aila on my tack board)

my workspace. where i edit, check emails and fun stuff like that.
a handpainted canvas next to my monitor was made by my best friend Kris!


Events

Tan House Brook Shawl KAL

Hope you’re enjoying the KAL. We have a very active chat thread going on right now!
Finish by July 31st

Prizes!
On a Happy Note

c25k free app for iPhone (couch to 5k training program)


I just finished Week 4
I'm enjoying the armband option for phone. If you're playing it aloud, be sure to face the bottom up towards your face so you can hear it. And if it rains, put a Ziplock bag over it! Voila. Dry phone!

There's almost nothing that makes me happier than pool time on the weekend! Especially before my big work project ramps up!

Silly kids!

Watching 7 kids in a pool can be a little tricky, but its worth every second!
Finally- clean house makes me really happy!



Thanks for listening! Talk to you soon!


Contact Info:
Ravelry: BostonJen
Instagram: BostonJen1
email: downcellarstudio@gmail.com

Monday, June 16, 2014

Episode 47- Summer Breeze

Episode 47
HELLO! How is everyone today?
My name is Jen and I’d like to welcome both new and returning listeners to Episode 47 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast.


This Week’s Segments Include:


On the Needles
Brainstorming
From the Armchair
Events
On a Happy Note


---

On the Needles


Enchanted Knoll Farm Common Grackle Self Striping Socks
US 1.5 needles
Top-down after-thought heel socks with 60 stitches
Using black for the toes & heels
2 heels left to go





New Shawl Design.
Not ready to talk about it yet but its almost done! Stay tuned.


Dream Catcher Baby Blanket by Susan B Anderson
Needles: US 7 
I've seamed together 2 rows of 3 squares. Two more to go.



Vanilla Socks


I'm going to try the OMG heel by Megan Williams of Stockinette Zombies.





Hat from the formula I've developed over time. See pattern notes for details.



Brainstorming


My aunt always made these… my last one is getting holes…. time to work on some replacements.


From the Armchair


Up, Down All-Around Stitch Dictionary
More than 150 stitch patterns to knit top down, bottom up, back and forth and in the round
by Wendy Bernard

Price: $29.95 US/ $32.95 Canadian
288 pages, hardcover book with spiral binding inside


There are stitch patterns for all different knit patterns:
Knits & purls
Ribs
Textured, slipped and fancy
Yarnovers and eyelets
Cables
Lace
Colorwork
Hems and edging
Projects (some great patterns in here too!)

Key features: clear color photos. Stitch patterns that are written and charted (from top down and bottom up both flat and in the round). At the end there is a Stitch Multiples Index which is really handy!

Highly recommend you give this book a look.

---------------


Collaboration by Connie Chang Chinchio, Tanis Gray, Margaux Hufnagel, Melissa LaBarre + Kate Gagnon Osborn
I won this on Susan B. Anderson’s blog a month or so ago. Thanks Susan!
It's a 15 pattern collection that retails for $24.95 US


My favorite patterns:


Bluebell Pullover by Kate Gagnon Osborn


Isadora Lopapeysa by Kate Gagnon Osborne


Lulu Long Vest by Melissa LaBarre

Sid Scrap Hat by Melissa Labarre

Definitely check it out!
----------


This week I reviewed the new fashion box shipment I've subscribed to. It's called Stitch Fix.

Here's an example of the styling guide they provide.


Here's the outfit I liked best:


If you're interested, please use this link to check it out!



Events


Tan House Brook Shawl KAL
Must be a member of the group to win
Finish by July 31st and post your project in the FO thread in the group on Ravelry.


Prizes!
  • a skein of Neighborhood Fiber Company Studio Sock (in winner's choice of color ways)
  • the InfiniTAM pattern by Deborah Tomasello
  • Set of Vintage Rose Stitch Markers
  • Pattern of your choice from Sarah Stevens of OhLoops- 5 sock patterns, mitts, 3 hats to choose from! Winner can pick!
    • Corvinus Family Mitts one of my favorites which Sarah kindly gifted me and I haven’t had a chance to cast on yet. cable fingerless mitt pattern



On a Happy Note


c25k free app for iPhone (couch to 5k training program)


My niece, Riley, will be home from St. Louis TODAY!


I got a Global Keratin treatment for my hair! Love it!
Even looks ok after a sweaty hour of Zumba!!


Thanks for listening! Talk to you soon!


Contact Info:
Ravelry: BostonJen
Instagram: BostonJen1
email: downcellarstudio@gmail.com