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
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
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:
Knit tulle scrubbie
Brainstorming
Goals and plans for 2013
From the Armchair
This week I reviewed Beyond Knit and Purl by Kate Atherly.
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.
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!
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
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!
Friday, December 14, 2012
Episode 21- Ghost of Christmas Crafting Past
Thanks again to Mom for joining me on this episode!
Knitting Patterns Discussed:
Basic Cuff Up Mitten pattern by Patti Pierce Stone
4 new headbands Bow Headband- free pattern by Erin Kate Archer
Sewing:
Drawstring bag using this tutorial.
Ball spinner to review from the Yarn Sellar in ME
To order call: 207-351-1987
I have the Large version.
A more thorough review to come, but this wood spinner is beautiful. Inquire with Carrie at the Yarn Sellar website.
Christmas Crafting- the good, the bad and the hideous!
Decorations!
I forgot to mention this on the show, but don't forget about our Holiday KAL in progress!
Any holiday gifts you finish and post before 12/31/12 will be entered into the contest for a prize.
Prizes
Knitting Patterns Discussed:
Basic Cuff Up Mitten pattern by Patti Pierce Stone
4 new headbands Bow Headband- free pattern by Erin Kate Archer
- Pichous for my nephew (made 2 pair because the first pair seemed to small)
- Parkspin Slippers pattern- basically the same slipper pattern I used for the adult sized slippers that I talked about in the last episode. I was going to modify that pattern myself to make them for the kiddos, but this pattern already had the math done for me.
- Vancouver Fog Mitts- free pattern by Jen Balfour
Drawstring bag using this tutorial.
Ball spinner to review from the Yarn Sellar in ME
To order call: 207-351-1987
I have the Large version.
A more thorough review to come, but this wood spinner is beautiful. Inquire with Carrie at the Yarn Sellar website.
Christmas Crafting- the good, the bad and the hideous!
- Remember the potholders, trivets, placemats and coasters you could make on these looms? You can still buy these from Love and Money Looms.
- Pipe cleaner, beads & lace ribbon ornaments- remember these?
- Mom did a lot with macrame. Both plant hangers and even wreaths-- pattern she used is shown here!
- Salt dough ornaments
- Fabric flowers
- Organza (burnt edge flowers)
- fabric folded flowers
- Iron On Transfers + Puffy Paint!
Decorations!
My Favorite Advent Calendar
(whose poor mouse never gets to move- unless I come to visit)
I forgot to mention this on the show, but don't forget about our Holiday KAL in progress!
Any holiday gifts you finish and post before 12/31/12 will be entered into the contest for a prize.
Prizes
- The Crafter’s Guide to Taking Great Photos by Heidi Adnum
- Oak Grove Mitts by Alana Dakos- includes a fingerless glove and a fingerless mitt option. Beautiful pattern with an oak leaf design on the top of the hand
Thanks again for listening! Wishing you much joy no matter which holiday you celebrate (or don't) this holiday season. I am truly grateful for each of you!
Friday, November 30, 2012
Episode 20- The iPad Episode
Thanks for tuning in this week! This was a quick recording before a busy weekend....
This Week’s Segments Included:
On the Needles
Off the Needles
Brainstorming
From the Armchair
Life in Focus
Events
Crafty Adventures
On a Happy Note
Knitting in Passing
Quote of the Week
------------------------------
On the Needles
Basic Cuff up Mittens - free pattern by Patti Pierce Stone
Gray & Black version- still need thumbs
Vancouver Fog pattern by Jen Balfour
Off the Needles
Basic Cuff up Mittens - free pattern by Patti Pierce Stone
Hunter green Cascade 220 superwash version
My Grandmother’s Slippers Pattern- by Kathy North
Brainstorming
Kids pichous
Another bow headband
From the Armchair
Check out both of these amazing books!
Annie and the Swiss Cheese Scarf- by Alana DakosThe Hardcover Book is $18.95, but I recommend the Deluxe Gift Set for $26.95
Check out this episode of Alana's podcast Never Not Knitting to hear an excerpt read by her daughter.
Comfort Knitting and Crochet Babies and Toddlers by Norah Gaughan and the Berroco Design Team
Life in Focus
I highly recommend the Improve Photography podcast.
Are you interested in doing a photo challenge series? Let's chat. I've started a thread in the Ravelry group.
Events
Karrie, host of the Knit Purl Gurl Videocast passed away suddenly this week. Please consider participating in one of these events.
Snowflake Ornaments for Karrie’s Family
There’s also a KAL going on in Friends of Knit Purl Gurl Group on Ravelry. Folks are knitting along with any of Karrie’s pattern. Karrie has 5 beautiful shawl patterns- please note that the proceeds of the pay for patterns will go to her family, so that’s also a nice way to contribute if you’re so inclined.
Karrie started a project back in early October called Random Acts of Patterns Tuesday.
So again, if you’re interested in passing along some good in the midst of tragedy then please consider paying it forward on an upcoming Tuesday.
Don't forget about our Holiday Knit-a-long. Any holiday gifts you finish and post before 12/31/12 will be entered into the contest for a prize.
Crafty Adventures
More monsters! 1 done. 1 in progress
Studio progress- the counter is finished! Just need to do some clean up and start moving in!
On a Happy Note
Thanksgiving traditions, a fun-fillled Thanksgiving weekend including Black Friday shopping, Dan's birthday party, crafting and Boston Ballet's The Nutcracker.
Knitting in Passing
Saw a lady on the train knitting a baby sweater in royal blue. Love seeing holiday knitting in action.
Quote of the Week
Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.
Howard Thurman
I’ll be back again in 2 weeks! Thanks for listening!
Contact Info:
Ravelry: BostonJen
Ravelry Group: search Down Cellar Studio Podcast
Twitter: @BostonJen1
email: downcellarstudio@gmail.comFacebook: Down Cellar Studio Podcast
Pinterest: BostonJen
This Week’s Segments Included:
On the Needles
Off the Needles
Brainstorming
From the Armchair
Life in Focus
Events
Crafty Adventures
On a Happy Note
Knitting in Passing
Quote of the Week
------------------------------
On the Needles
Basic Cuff up Mittens - free pattern by Patti Pierce Stone
Gray & Black version- still need thumbs
Vancouver Fog pattern by Jen Balfour
Off the Needles
Basic Cuff up Mittens - free pattern by Patti Pierce Stone
Hunter green Cascade 220 superwash version
My Grandmother’s Slippers Pattern- by Kathy North
Brainstorming
Kids pichous
Another bow headband
From the Armchair
Check out both of these amazing books!
Annie and the Swiss Cheese Scarf- by Alana DakosThe Hardcover Book is $18.95, but I recommend the Deluxe Gift Set for $26.95
Check out this episode of Alana's podcast Never Not Knitting to hear an excerpt read by her daughter.
Comfort Knitting and Crochet Babies and Toddlers by Norah Gaughan and the Berroco Design Team
Life in Focus
I highly recommend the Improve Photography podcast.
Are you interested in doing a photo challenge series? Let's chat. I've started a thread in the Ravelry group.
Events
Karrie, host of the Knit Purl Gurl Videocast passed away suddenly this week. Please consider participating in one of these events.
Snowflake Ornaments for Karrie’s Family
There’s also a KAL going on in Friends of Knit Purl Gurl Group on Ravelry. Folks are knitting along with any of Karrie’s pattern. Karrie has 5 beautiful shawl patterns- please note that the proceeds of the pay for patterns will go to her family, so that’s also a nice way to contribute if you’re so inclined.
Karrie started a project back in early October called Random Acts of Patterns Tuesday.
So again, if you’re interested in passing along some good in the midst of tragedy then please consider paying it forward on an upcoming Tuesday.
Don't forget about our Holiday Knit-a-long. Any holiday gifts you finish and post before 12/31/12 will be entered into the contest for a prize.
Crafty Adventures
More monsters! 1 done. 1 in progress
On a Happy Note
Thanksgiving traditions, a fun-fillled Thanksgiving weekend including Black Friday shopping, Dan's birthday party, crafting and Boston Ballet's The Nutcracker.
Knitting in Passing
Saw a lady on the train knitting a baby sweater in royal blue. Love seeing holiday knitting in action.
Quote of the Week
Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.
Howard Thurman
I’ll be back again in 2 weeks! Thanks for listening!
Contact Info:
Ravelry: BostonJen
Ravelry Group: search Down Cellar Studio Podcast
Twitter: @BostonJen1
email: downcellarstudio@gmail.comFacebook: Down Cellar Studio Podcast
Pinterest: BostonJen
Monday, November 19, 2012
Episode 19- Accessories Overload
Thanks for tuning in for Episode 19
Check out Mom, Ryan and me on Episode 89 of the Savvy Girls Podcast
On the Needles
-Bow Headband #3 in turquoise with striped bow [knitting is done, need to block & sew up]
-Color Affection- knitting is done. Need to bind off and block.
Off the Needles
-Boot Toppers {of my own design}
-Basic Cuff up Mittens - free pattern by Patti Pierce Stone
On a related note- idea- trace kids hands- note size, save as file for future reference + its a fun memory.
In My Travels
This week I shared audio from Marie from Maruska Farms who we met at Rhinebeck.
Crafty Adventures
Making monsters!!!! Lucy (left) + Max (back) and Callie (front)
Helpful video tutorial on how to sew a monster
My inspiration monsters
Studio Update:
Oak Counter installed, sanded stained.
Oak backsplash- Dan custom routered at our friend’s house to give it some nice detail. sanded and stained this past weekend. Installed!
Needs resin and it will be done.
Brainstorming
I'd like to make something using different weights of yarn. Know of any good patterns? Please let me know.
Do you have any ideas for crafting for men? Share your ideas here.
From the Armchair
Step up Knits by Vickie Howell
Take your skills to the next level with 25 quick and stylish projects
Events
KAL in progress
If you started in Sept/Oct and finish by 12/31/12 you're eligible to win. Check out this thread for details and post your FOs.
The following prizes are up for grabs:
- The Crafter’s Guide to Taking Great Photos by Heidi Adnum
- Oak Grove Mitts by Alana Dakos
Knitting Brooklyn KAL/CAL Hurricane Sandy Relief is going on through 12/31/12
On a Happy Note
My new pink winter coat from Target!!
Quote of the Week
Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.
-Corrie Ten Boom
I’ll be back again in 2 weeks- but in the meantime, feel free to reach out to me!
Contact Info:
Ravelry: BostonJen
Ravelry Group: search Down Cellar Studio Podcast
Twitter: @BostonJen1
email: downcellarstudio@gmail.com
Show Notes: Downcellarstudio.blogspot.com
Facebook: Down Cellar Studio Podcast
Pinterest: BostonJen
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Episode 18- Rhinebeck Relived!
Thanks for tuning in for this non-traditional episode of The Down Cellar Studio Podcast, where Mom, Ryan and I recount our adventures at the NY Sheep & Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, NY. Hope you enjoyed the episode. This will be a long blog entry with lots of great photos and links to the beautiful things we purchased and contact details for people we met!
In my Travels:
Saturday at Rhinebeck
We met the Sheep Girls! Check out their adorable matching skirts! Thanks Tammy (second from right in photo) for sending this to me. It was GREAT meeting you!
In Crispina’s booth we met Leslie from the Wake Up Your Weird Videocast.
At the fair:
Around lunchtime we met up with my best friend from college, and her husband and son.
In my Travels:
Saturday at Rhinebeck
Mom, Jen & Nora Bellows from Noni Designs
Mom is now on Ravelry. Find her as BostonJensMom and friend her!
We met the Sheep Girls! Check out their adorable matching skirts! Thanks Tammy (second from right in photo) for sending this to me. It was GREAT meeting you!
We met the Savvy Girls- check out their podcast if you haven’t already listened. Mom, Ryan and I recorded with Deborah so you may hear us on there too.
Melanie and Jen
Jen bought Melanie’s CD Knitting All the Day which Melanie signed. Thanks!
Ryan bought Cast On & Bind Off by Leslie Ann Bestor
Ryan bought Cast On & Bind Off by Leslie Ann Bestor
Mom bought some children’s books by Nancy Shaw
Jen tried out spinning on a wheel at Mom’s encouragement.
We met Darren and Aimee from Knitting in Circles Podcast and Stephen from FL
Moo mini cards- source for my business cards
Mom fell in love {again} with a jacket from the Knit Swirl book. Strata Sphere was Mom’s personal favorite. Coat of Many Colors worked really well for Ryan.
One of our favorite vendors was a lovely lady named Crispina who sells recycled, hand-made clothing that she pieces together. She also sells pot-holder style looms to make rugs.
Crispina with The Traveling Underpants!
Some other fun photos from Saturday.
These sheep are from Maruska Farm. I interviewed Marie who owns this farm and will play this audio on an upcoming episode. Her sheep loved Mom.
Podcaster Meet-up!
Allison [Hollywood Knitter Podcast], Ryan, Jen & Emily [Whatcha Swatchin Podcast]
------
Sunday at Rhinebeck
We went to The Palace Diner for breakfast- one of my old college haunts!
Traveling Underpants Day 2
The three of us have a pretty strong Vera Bradley obsession!
Then we went across the street to Marist College where I went to school.
Mom and I got out quickly to take a picture of me in the Traveling Underpants in front of the Student Center.
At the fair:
First goal for Sunday was to get one of these baskets, but they were sold out. (link coming soon)
Jen bought Jennie the Potter earrings.
We watched a demo of these ladies naturally dyeing yarns.Jen bought Jennie the Potter earrings.
The sheep who loved Mom
Mom bought a rabbit puppet
Puppet from Sharon Lafera's booth
slafera@gmail.com (no website listed on tag)
Jessica, Jen, Mom and baby Brayden
Jen's Sunday yarn purchases were from
Holiday Yarns- Super Sheep (dk weight) in Badger Black Colorway
Brooks Farm Yarn- Fingering Weight- in charcoal gray (didn't realize until I got home that these are both from the same vendor in different weights!)
Jen's Sunday yarn purchases were from
Holiday Yarns- Super Sheep (dk weight) in Badger Black Colorway
Brooks Farm Yarn- Fingering Weight- in charcoal gray (didn't realize until I got home that these are both from the same vendor in different weights!)
A Contest
Two winners in the September/October Section of the Holiday KAL were announced. Tune in to see if you've won!
Check out our awesome prize sponsors:
OhLoops Yarn and Urban Forest Knits eBook
Please check out a contest sponsored by Maria of the Subway Knits Podcast and consider donating $5 to help with Hurricane Sandy relief and be entered to win one of many awesome prizes!
Click here for all of the details.
Quote of the Week
Our days are happier when we give people a bit of our heart rather than a piece of our mind.
Thanks for listening! Talk to you in 2 weeks!
Thanks for listening! Talk to you in 2 weeks!
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