Thursday, June 27, 2013

Episode 30- This Project is Tanking


Thanks for tuning in to Episode 30

This Week’s Segments Included:
Off the Needles
On the Needles
Brainstorming
In My Travels
Life in Focus
From the Armchair
Events
Crafty Adventures
On a Happy Note
A Contest
Quote of the Week

Off the Needles

by Virginia Rose-Jeanes


On the Needles

Planche Vest-- issues continue
This project has been fraught with frustration throughout. I was maybe 2/3s done and had to rip out most of my progress after I found this mistake.
See that weird diagonal on my right side (your left)? Yeah, that looks terrible!

Ironic- if only I took a photo on the train where I focused on the other half of this tank I might have seen the mistake sooner... Sigh.

Please cross your fingers for me that I can get this done! I really do want to wear this tank!

Brainstorming

Greyhaven Hat & Cowl Set   by Robin Ulrich


Wandering Cowl by Jennifer Lang


In my Travels
I visited my brother and his family in St Louis earlier this month. If you're in the area be sure to check out:










Life in Focus
Some photo highlights from St Louis

Let's see those muscles!






Shots from a recent wedding we attended


My grandmother. Isn't she sweet?

The bride's bouquet- and sunglasses!








I've also been enjoying the Over app. Here are some example shots.





June Photo-a-day Challenge doing ok so far. Missed a couple days between being busy with travel- and/or not having opportunity. Still enjoying it.

I have my eye on a lens that came recommended:

From the Armchair

I'm thoroughly enjoying the Knit to Flatter Craftsy class with Amy Herzog.
I'll be reviewing the Knit to Flatter Book soon but I can already tell you this is a great resource if you want to knit sweaters! Check it out.

Questions for you-- 


  • Do Ball Winders really work?? Do you have one you like? Come chat in the episode thread in our Ravelry Group.
  • Are you thinking about holiday gift giving and planning now? Are you interested in doing something together? KAL? Discussion? Place to share ideas? Let’s chat!

Events

June Sock KAL is nearly done. We’re having so much fun in chatter thread. Winners will be posted on the Ravelry Board so you don't have to wait until the next episode. One winner will receive the Spring Garden Tee pattern by Alana Dakos. A second winner will receive a downloadable Ravelry pattern of up to $7 US.

Up next- a Sweater KAL!

Rules:
Cast on July 15 or later.
Finish and post FO in thread by the end of the day on 10/15/13
Adult sized sweater of your choosing- cardigan, pullover, whatever you like!
(I am planning to knit the Twigs and Willows by Alana Dakos)


Crafty Adventures
More chatter about studio progress

I've been getting my scrapbooks in order....

And organizing buttons by color...



On a Happy Note

I am obsessed with bright colors. Especially turquoise, orange and yellow! Ideally together!


A Contest

Handmade in the UK luscious lace + artisan yarns  :::  by Emily Wessel
Thank you to Emily for sending an eBook copy for my review.

$16 CAD for eBook/$26 CAD for paper book Tin Can Knits Website
Listen in to see if you've won an eBook copy of this amazing book!

Quote of the Week

Life is like a mirror, we get the best results when we smile at it.  ~Author Unknown




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

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Episode 29- Socks & More Socks


Thanks for tuning in to Episode 29!

This Week’s Segments Included:
On the Needles
In My Travels
Life in Focus
Events
Crafty Adventures
From the Armchair
On a Happy Note
Quote of the Week

On the Needles
Just one heel left!
Pattern: After-thought Heel Socks by Laura Linneman


Free Pattern by by Virginia Rose-Jeanes
Did most of this knitting on my business trip this week.


Didn't work much on my Spring Green Garden Shawl

I've spent much of the past 2 weeks' focused knitting time on my Planche Vest by Meghan Jones. I've run into a number of issues understanding this pattern. Thankfully designer Meghan Jones has been extremely helpful in answering my questions.I’m now about 13-14 inches into the body and am increasing to get ready for the sleeves.


New Socks for Dan
Using Cascade 220 superwash in black and charcoal gray.
This pair will have gray cuff, toe and heel with black body.


In My Travels
This week I took a trip to Sarasota, Florida for work. I visited Siesta Key Beach & Lido Key Beach, then had a delicious dinner at The Shore Diner. Check out their Facebook Page.

Life in Focus
I am really enjoying the A Beautiful Mess App-See here for their FAQs. Its only 99 cents US. Currently this is available for iOS only.


I'm also using the prompts from Fat Mum Slim's June Photo-a-day Challenge. Its been a great creative challenge. Come join me and see my photos on Twitter.



Crafty Adventures
The Down Cellar Studio is finally move-in ready!

I bought this book case from Ikea- The Expedit (note- the white as listed is actually cream. Or at least it was in my store so I went with the birch instead).



I'm really looking forward to doing some craft projects to create my Collage Wall. Check out my ideas on Pinterest here.


I caught a Craftsy deal and signed up for Amy Herzog’s Knit to Flatter Class for only $10. I haven't had time to watch it yet, but will be reviewing this and Amy's Fit to Flatter book on an upcoming episode.


From the Armchair

Update on 2013 goals: 6 months in

-Knit a sweater for me-- in progress
-Knitting socks for Dan -- in progress
-Knit more than 6 items for me -- 4 done; 2 in progress!
-Try my hand at colorwork-- nothing to date
-Continue to look for new techniques when selecting projects (ideally while knitting down my stash)-- destashing= not so much. But I have tried new techniques: socks with 2 kinds of heels, designing the shawl lace pattern, an interesting construction on the Oak Trail Hat and knitting my first garment from the bottom up.

How are you doing with your goals? Let's chat!

Review of Handmade in the UK luscious lace + artisan yarns by Emily Wessel

I highly recommend you take a look at this book and support this wonderful designer & small business. 

$16 CAD for eBook- Ravelry Link
$26 CAD for paper book Tin Can Knits Website


For a chance to win a copy of this eBook, come on over to the Ravelry board, answer the question listed and you're entered to win (don't forget you need to be a member of our group to be eligible to win). I'll draw for the winner before I record next on Thursday 6/20.

Another amazing contribution Tin Can Knits is making to the knitting community is the Simple Collection. Its 8 free patterns in 16 plus sizes. They are ready to give you the basic items you'll need in your knit wardrobe with clear patterns, instructions and tutorials to help along the way! So cool. Please share the love for Tin Can Knits! And if you do, please let them know you heard about them here.


Events

Come join our June Sock KAL. The chat thread and FO thread are already hopping!


Local? Come join me- I'll be teaching my GoodReader Class at Yarn’s End in Hanover, MA on Tuesday June 25th from 6-8p. If you’re local, come join us
1112 Washington Street. Hanover, MA  02339. For details feel free to call: 781-924-5549.


On a Happy Note

Purely Elizabeth Granola- Ancient Grain
Delicious! (And I'm picky about granola)

Quote of the Week

The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach - waiting for a gift from the sea
Anne Morrow Lindbergh

If you have a minute, please consider going over to iTunes and writing a quick review of the Down Cellar Studio podcast.


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