Down Cellar Studio Podcast: October 2013

Thank you for tuning into Episode 36 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast

This Week’s Segments Included:

Off the Needles

On the Needles

Brainstorming

Crafty Adventures

From the Armchair

Life in Focus

In my Travels

Events

On a Happy Note

A Contest

Quote of the Week

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Off the Needles

Heartbreak Shawl by Lisa Mutch

I had so much fun knitting this. Last section the rows got really long but I loved the construction. As you start each section you work short rows and they start out really short, which feels achievable and I love how squishy the fabric is!

Gray textured shawl

Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk Aran

Edited this pattern as I went along. Love how squishy and warm it is. Still needs blocking and better photos.

On the Needles

Paton’s Kroy socks - I'm onto the foot of the second sock (still need to work both heels though).

I started a blanket based on the Barnraising square pattern. Playing with stockinette and various stitch patterns. It likely won't become the blanket for my niece but I'm going to keep it on my needles and play with stitch patterns until I get sick of it.

Socks for Dan are nearly done. Just one toe to finish!

Cascade 220 superwash on US 3 (3.25 mm) needles

Grayhaven Hat by Robin Ulrich

Brainstorming

I fear my order from Patons may not arrive. Looking to cast on socks with Paton's Kroy in the colorway- Mean Green Stripes- but I may just get some worsted weight and go with something else.

I told you I liked the Prim Cardigan from Yarn Play but thought it would be too much purling. Thank you Donita for reminding me that Reverse stockinette is no extra purling. You’re just using the “wrong side” for the front.

I've been using my Tix Trinkets shawl clip to hold ends of shawl underneath. You can't see how beautiful it is that way, but its really functional! I've taken to keeping it in my wallet!

Crafty Adventures

I've been working on some scrapbook layouts- Project Life style.

We painted pumpkins with the nieces and nephews. Mine do NOT look like Pinterest ;) but we had so much fun!

I talked about the spreadsheet I use for tracking Christmas ideas and actual spending.

Last week I organized all of my memory boxes from 1980 to 2003. It was a huge project but it was well worth it. I sorted the items (cards, report cards etc) by year in ziplocks. Need to do this with photos too, and then I hope to cull through it again and put the best stuff into a Project Life style album

From the Armchair

This week I reviewed Cascadia kindly provided to me for review by Cooperative Press.

This book is edited by Amanda Milne and Fiona McLean of Knit Social

11 pattern collection 110 pages

$16.95 eBook

$26.95 eBook and print copy

It contains a great visual index, has a great mix of designers and patterns.

I highly recommend that you check this out. Great, versatile patterns and beautiful photography!

ENTER TO WIN!

Come over to the contest thread for this book in our Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group. Tell us which of the patterns is your favorite and who you’d knit it for. One entry per person; must be a member of the group to win.

Life in Focus

Festival Photography Challenge

Entries must be submitted by November 18th

To be entered to win you must enter in the Contest Thread:

Tell us the name of the event you attended (link to it, if possible)
Submit your 5 photos (or more) and tell us which category they fit

5 Categories:
1. Festival Food
2. Festival Faces
3. Festival Atmosphere
4. Wild Life (if no animals present- take more photos of anything else that’s “wild” or the people at the fair)
5. Festival Close-up

Come chat in the chatter thread about ideas you have or events you're going to.

Prizes:

Beginner Photography Class from the Improve Photography Website

Skein of Highland Handmades Pumpkin Everything Color in the Silver Maple Sock base

Cream, orange, mustard, and rust combine in this variegated skein of sock yarn. Yardage: 425 yards Composition: 60% SW Merino, 30% Bamboo 10% Nylon

Lens Pet

Check out these cute camera accessories. If you've ever had trouble getting the kiddos to LOOK at the camera lens when trying to take a picture you'll know how handy this can be! All handsewn!

In my Travels

I had a great time in NYC with one of my best friends! She kicked my butt in a private pilates session. Then it was on to fun at the Hester Street Fair.

I bought some fun things.

This jewelry is from SdV Designs

Then we walked to and over the Brooklyn bridge. I totally forgot to bring my camera. Fail! Thank goodness for iPhone.

Events

I am teaching my Goodreader Class at The Stitch House in Dorchester on Sunday 10/27- 3-5p $20

Sweater KAL

Cast on July 15 or later. Finish and post FO in thread by the end of the day on 10/15/13

You can knit any adult sized sweater of your choosing- cardigan, pullover, whatever you like! Just needs some sleeve, no vest. MUST BE A MEMBER OF THE GROUP TO WIN.

3 patterns by Brenda Castiel
2 patterns by Lisa Mutch of Northbound knitting
Beautiful skein of yarn from Shasta Daisy Knits - Shimmer sock base in a colorway she calls Cranberry
A pattern of your choice from Estella Haines. Check her out- she has a blanket, 2 hats, mittens, fingerless mitts and a child’s vest. All really cute! Winner will have their pick.
Copy of Wrapped in Color eBook by Deborah Tomasello

NY Sheep & Wool in Rhinebeck is this weekend (October 19-20). There will be a podcaster meet up on Saturday at 1p on the hill to left after you enter through the main gate. You can't miss it.

The Vendor list is up!

Don’t forget to get your tickets online and save yourself the wait! And make sure your knitting apps that you plan to use work even when you're in Airplane mode (aka no signal) because you may not have cell reception at the fairgrounds. Its VERY spotty!

Podcaster Throw Down

I'm not going to form a team, but please do knit a hat following the Halos of Hope Guidelines. Many podcasters are participating and offering fun prizes.

Stitches East will be held November 7-10

If I go, it will just be for the day, likely on Saturday.

On a Happy Note

Apple picking at Applecrest in Hampton Falls, NH