Episode 27- Knitting Machine

Thanks for tuning in to Episode 27!

This Week’s Segments Included:

On the Needles

Off the Needles

Brainstorming

From the Armchair

In My Travels

Events

On a Happy Note

Knitting in Passing

Quote of the Week

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On the Needles

Caribbean Blue Socks- specific pattern TBD (or not)

Tasa Bag

Off the Needles

Light and Up Shawl by Caroline Weins

A Bit of Winter Glitz Scarf

No pattern. My own design.

Autumnal Mitts

Brainstorming

-A blanket for my niece. Debating these patterns (or others!) for Cascade 220 Superwash in Mystic Purple

Pattern ideas- from 60 Quick Baby Blankets

Baby Makes Three or Lavender Lace

From the Armchair

9 Months of Knitting from Tin Can Knits

Summary- A great eBook with patterns for babies, toddlers, children and their parents. Favorite patterns: Gramps cardigan & Lumberjack socks. I think for about $13 US there's a lot of great patterns in a wonderful range of sizes for your money. Definitely give this a look!

In My Travels

-Had a great time giving a talk on Knitting and Technology at the Plimoth Plantation Knitter’s Guild Meeting on Wednesday April 24th

-I taught a class on how to use the GoodReader App to manage and makes notes on your knitting patterns at the Stitch House on Sunday May 5th

Events

-I'll be going to NH Sheep & Wool this Saturday (May 11th. Fair also runs on Sunday 5/12)! If you see me, please say hi and make sure to ask for a Podcast Button

-Other local events coming up soon:

Rhode Island Sheep & Wool on May 18th 9a-5p

MA Sheep & Wool on May 25 & 26

Stitches East will be held Nov 7-10th in Hartford CT

May 14th Preview for Classes online/ May 20th- early registration opens

Thanks again to everyone who participated in the Out of this World KAL which we co-hosted with the OhLoops group! Congrats again to our 3 winners and to our sponsors- Oh Loops & The Silver Pumpkin Etsy Shops

Shout out to some really inspiring projects:

Anjanette’s Hitchhiker using OhLoops yarn in the Starry Night Colorway

Lisa’s April Scarf using OhLoops Platinum Sock in the Gertrude McFuzz colorway

Announcing our June Sock KAL
Rules

• Cast on June 1st or later. Finish and post your FO photos to the KAL thread by June 30th.
• Must be an adult sock with at least a 2 inch cuff.
• Any weight of yarn. Any pattern.
• One entry per person

On a Happy Note

Coconut oil is great for shaving (instead of soap or shaving cream) and mixed with an equal amount of baking soda for deodorant.

Knitting in Passing

Dan and I had our niece and nephew for the weekend.  

After a fun-filled exciting morning out they were more excited to get back to our house. Why? So they could do 3 things.

Clean the toilet with baking soda and vinegar (volcano!!). Ride in the big yellow truck (aka the backhoe). Use the knitting machine (aka wind yarn with my swift). Too cute!

Quote of the Week

If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it. The more things you do, the more you can do.

Lucille Ball


p.s. Sorry for a bit of background noise in a couple of the segments. I was playing around with recording in the car. Apparently I still need to tweak that!

Thanks for listening! Talk to you soon!

Contact Info:

Ravelry: BostonJen

Ravelry Group: search Down Cellar Studio Podcast

Twitter: @BostonJen1

email: downcellarstudio@gmail.com

Show Notes:

Facebook: Down Cellar Studio Podcast

Pinterest: BostonJen

Episode 26- Beaches & Bombers

Hi Everyone! Thanks for tuning in for this very overdue episode.

Today's segments included:

On the Needles

Off the Needles

Events

In My Travels

Life in Focus

On a Serious Note

Knitting in Passing

A Contest

On the Needles

• Caribbean Blue Socks. Pattern: Top Down Basic Ribbed Sock by Kate Atherley [Not much progress]
  
  
  
  
• After-Thought Heel Socks by Laura Linneman
• My April entry for the Out of This World KAL using Oh Loops Platinum Sock yarn in the Cindy Lou Who !! LOVE THESE!

Off The Needles

• First up- the socks I was knitting for Dan using Theresa Gaffney’s Socks pattern from the Wearwithall Book. Results: he absolutely loves them. They have pilled a little bit but so far are wearing well even with machine washing.
• I knit two of the Cornwell Park Shrugs by Kelly Brooker for the flower girls in my friend Erika's wedding! They came out so cute and were such a fun knit.
  

  

  

  
  
• I test knit the Twisted Coast Mitts pattern by Lori Schaffer of the HappyCrafter207 Podcast. Love the cable detail!!
  

  

  
  
• I knit the Oak Trail Hat by Alana Dakos out of her new Botanical Knits Book for my best friend Krissy's birthday.

Events

• The Out of this World KAL is nearing its end. Kudos to those of you who have made it this far! I'm having so much fun with all of you!
• Post your April FO in this thread before the end of the day on 4/30 to be entered to win these fabulous prizes.
• On Sunday May 5th from 3-5p I'm teaching a class on how to use the GoodReader App for your knitting patterns at the Stitch House in Dorchester. The class is $20. For more details, visit their website or call (617) 265-8013. 
• NH Sheep and Wool Festival is coming up on May 11 & 12 at the Deerfield Fairgrounds in Deerfield, NH. I’ll be attending on Saturday 5/11 with my friend Ryan, and maybe Mom!

In My Travels

Dan and I went to Montego Bay, Jamaica in March. Here are some photographs from our trip.

On a Serious Note

This is not a regular segment on this podcast, but with the events of the Marathon Bombing in Boston this past week it seemed right to do a little retrospective on what happened and my experience. Apologies for rambling but it wasn't something I had the heart to sit and write out notes for, so I went off the cuff. In doing so I forgot to mention a very important point. Please visit The One Fund for information on how you can help those in need following the tragic events in Boston. Four have died, and so many have been severely injured; their lives will never be the same. If you're able to help, please consider donating.

A Contest

Tune in to hear if you've won the Episode 25 contest for the copy of the Vide eBook.

Thanks for listening! Talk to you soon!

Episode 25- Snow & Socks

Thanks for tuning into Episode 25!

This Week’s Segments Included:

• On the Needles
• Brainstorming
• From the Armchair
• In My Travels
• Life in Focus
• Crafty Adventures
• Events
• On a Happy Note
• A Contest
• Quote of the Week

On the Needles

Improv Stripy Scarf

Socks by Theresa Gaffney

Finished Sock #1

Cascade 220 superwash on Size 3 dpns

Brainstorming
Cornwell Park Shrug
Test knit for Lori from Happycrafter 207 podcast

From the Armchair
Botanical Knits: Twelve Designs Inspired by Trees and Foliageby Alana Dakos
-- I highly recommend this book! Gorgeous patterns, beautiful photography and layout, clear concise instructions in the style that Alana is known for!

Vide by Nicolina Docksjö
5 pattern ebook with leafy colorwork pattern motif that repeats across designs to give you a set of knitwear to coordinate perfectly! Love these simple yet beautiful designs. Check them out!
And look to the Contest section for how you can win a copy!

In My Travels
I had a fantastic time in Raleigh, NC visiting with friends at the Scrappin' & Yappin' Retreat.

Knitting on my socks with my friend Nicki!

Making Valentine's for my nieces and nephews and for the Oh Loops Extra Credit (as part of the Out of this World Knit a Long)

And yes, actually scrapbooking!

These photos aren't great- snapped them with my iPad as I finished each double-page layout, but you can get the idea.

Life in Focus

Photo Challenge #4 Get outside! Show us a cityscape, landscape, even your own backyard.
Show us the world you live in and post your new photos in this thread.

Crafty Adventures

Started sewing some bunting for my desk at work. Photos to come.

Mom has been far more crafty, piecing together a jacket from an old jacket, a sweater, a pair of jeans and another top! Didn't it come out great?!

This project was inspired by Crispina, a lovely lady who met vending at Rhinebeck this past fall. 
Remember her? She was so much fun-- playing along with our Traveling Underpants!

Events
Oh Loops KAL- Knit something for your feet or legs and chat about it in our February Thread.
Post your finished projects for February here.

March challenge should be announced next week to give you time to get prepared! I'll keep you posted.

On a Happy Note
We’ve got SNOW. 

A Contest!
To enter to win a copy of the eBook Vide, come on over to our Ravelry Group and enter a comment in this thread.

Quote of the Week
Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.
John Ruskin

Thanks for listening! Talk to you soon!
Contact Info:Ravelry: BostonJenRavelry Group: search Down Cellar Studio PodcastTwitter: @BostonJen1email: downcellarstudio@gmail.comShow Notes: Facebook: Down Cellar Studio PodcastPinterest: BostonJen

Episode 23- On the Mend

Thanks for tuning in for Episode 23 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast.

This Week’s Segments Included:
Quick Update
Off the Needles
Brainstorming
Events
Crafty Adventures
From the Armchair
Life in Focus
Quote of the Week


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Thank you all for your kind messages. My wrist surgery on 1/7 went well. I'll know more after my folllow-up appointment with my doctor soon, but I'm officially on the mend.


Off the Needles

Diagonal Eyelet Mitts
Sheep Shop Yarn
US 6 Needles

Brainstorming

I'd like to create my own headband to use up last of Sheep Shop yarn using an i-cord cast on and i-cord edging and the diagonal eyelet pattern from the mitts.

Color work mitts - I have my eye on these Newfie Mittens

Lace jewelry frame

My next sweater??--- Oolong Cardigan by Laura Chau

Ripples shawl


Events- Out of This World KAL

Join us in the Out of this World Knit-a-Long with Sara & Lydia from Oh Loops!

4 month, 4 object knit a long
The challenge for each month will be posted in the last week of the previous month (January's is already posted here). Then you have the entire month to complete the 1 Object. You can post your FOs in both our group and in the OH Loops group to give you two chances to win!

Each month you will be asked to challenge yourself with new techniques, new colors and new patterns (all chosen at your discretion). There will be some guidance (example- in January you need to knit something for your hands) but otherwise you choose the specific pattern/yarn. You will only be required to purchase something new for the fourth and final project.

There are also Extra Credit Assignments which will only be posted in the Oh Loops Group. THey will be posted every other Friday. There will be smaller prizes up for grabs for doing the extra credit.

You must complete all 4 challenges to be entered to win

Prizes include
A skein of yarn from Oh! Loops Etsy Shop
Oh! Loops gift card
A coordinating project bag and notions bag from the amazing Silver Pumpkin Etsy shop (Don't forget-if you post your FO in both groups each month you have twice the chance to win)

Its not too late to enter- my mitts only took a couple hours!!

Come check out our January Chat Thread here.
January FOs should be posted here.

Crafty Adventures

I finally photographed my yarn stash!
I uploaded pics for a Shutterfly calendar and 2012 photo book

From the Armchair

-I finally started watching Downton Abbey, Homeland and The Mindy Project. Thoroughly enjoying them all.

-I also downloaded and started using these new apps
Wooly app
Afterglow app (heard about this from Elisa Blaha's Blog- check her out here)

Life in Focus
Challenge for the next 2 weeks-- take a self portrait
Don't forget to continue to think outside the box- take just your face, part of your face, another body part, maybe a silhouette. Get creative and post your photos here.

Quote of the Week
Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.
Stephen Hawking

Episode 22- Happy New Year

Happy New Year!
Thanks for tuning into Episode 22!


On the Needles
A Bit of Winter Glitz Scarf
Strib Hat for Dan

Off the Needles

Basic Cuff Up Mitten pattern by Patti Pierce Stone

Mom’s Christmas Gifts:

• XOXO Headband- free pattern by Amy O’Neill Hock
• Modified the Vancouver Fog mitt pattern to include the XOXO cable pattern. Here's a link to my project page: XOXO Fingerless Mitts

Knit tulle scrubbie

Crafty Adventures

Sachets with Balsam Fir

Last 2 monsters to be gifted to the nieces and nephews for Christmas

I made a project bag for me using this Drawstring Bag Tutorial

Brainstorming

Goals and plans for 2013

-Knit a sweater for me

-Knitting socks for Dan

-Knit more than 6 items for me

-Try my hand at colorwork

-Continue to look for new techniques when selecting projects (ideally while knitting down my stash)

From the Armchair
This week I reviewed Beyond Knit and Purl by Kate Atherly.

Thank you to Cooperative Press for providing the review copy.

I highly recommend this book (and/or eBook) for those who are beginners or intermediate knitters looking to learn new techniques.

Life in Focus
This year I enjoyed taking photos at Christmas even more thanks to my handy flash- Canon Speedlite 430

Photo Challenge #1 

The first challenge is something I think is in line with the New Year- which is to see things from a fresh perspective. Instead of shooting something from straight on- get up high or down low or from right or left. Find a new angle. You can shoot whatever subject  you like- just look at it differently.

Select your best photo (or a couple photos) and post to this thread in our Ravelry Group.
Photo Challenge #1- Find a New Angle

Link to Instructions for Uploading Photos into a Forum Thread on Ravelry


On a Happy Note

My handmade gifts were very well received! And I too was lucky to receive both some handmade gifts and some gifts to use in my own crafting. Check out some photos below.

Top Right: Bear from Dan with my new thread rack

Top Left: Singer Sewing book, quilting instructions guide, dish cloth pattern book

Bottom Left: Handsewn table runner with new dishware from my Mom

Bottom Right: Handmade pillows from my best friend (the big one has a big pocket on the front) Love it!

Gifts (from top left to bottom right):
Dishcloths I made, Table Runner I received, Snowman with Knit belly, pillows for my bed, knit scrubbie made out of tulle, 2 monsters, Twist-a-Lite (as modeled by Teddy Ruxpin (a staple in my Christmas decorating)


Events

I announced the prizes for our Holiday KAL- tune in to see if you won! And if so, please contact me!


NEW EVENT :)

I am excited to announce Out of this World Knit-a-Long with Sara & Lydia from Oh Loops!

4 month, 4 object knit a long
The challenge for each month will be posted in the last week of the previous month (January's is already posted here). Then you have the entire month to complete the 1 Object. You can post your FOs in both our group and in the OH Loops group to give you two chances to win!

Each month you will be asked to challenge yourself with new techniques, new colors and new patterns (all chosen at your discretion). There will be some guidance (example- in January you need to knit something for your hands) but otherwise you choose the specific pattern/yarn. You will only be required to purchase something new for the fourth and final project.

There are also Extra Credit Assignments which will only be posted in the Oh Loops Group. THey will be posted every other Friday. There will be smaller prizes up for grabs for doing the extra credit.

You must complete all 4 challenges to be entered to win


Prizes include
A skein of yarn from Oh! Loops Etsy Shop
Oh! Loops gift card 
A coordinating project bag and notions bag from the amazing Silver Pumpkin Etsy shop (Don't forget-if you post your FO in both groups each month you have twice the chance to win)

January Chat Thread in the Down Cellar Studio Group
January FO Thread in the Down Cellar Studio Group


Quote of the Week

Friends and good manners will carry you where money won’t go. - Margaret Walker

Thanks for listening! Talk to you soon!