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

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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



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Thursday, May 23, 2013

Episode 28- Mistakes Happen


Thanks for tuning in to Episode 28


This Week’s Segments Included:

On the Needles
In My Travels
From the Armchair
Events
Brainstorming
On a Happy Note
Quote of the Week


On the Needles
US 7 - 4.5 mm

Based off the basic shape of the Light and Up Shawl by Caroline Weins
Still deciding what to do with it. Something lacy and interesting but still simple.


Decide to use After-Thought Heel Sock Pattern by Laura Linneman


Needles: US 6 - 4.0 mm and US 8 - 5.0 mm
First saw this at The Stitch House when I taught the GoodReader Class


Learned a new technique for joining yarn. First heard about the Double Knot on the Knitting Pipeline Podcast.  Here's a link to Jane Richmond’s YouTube Video on how to join yarn using a double knot. I was a little worried about doing this with a slippery cotton yarn, but I pulled as hard as I could and its not budging.


In My Travels


I had a great time at NH Sheep and Wool with my friends Lisa and Ryan.

My favorite purchases of the day were 2 skeins of yarn from Dirty Water Dyeworks in their Lillian base (and some kettle corn!)




From the Armchair


I used Madeline Tosh Vintage (I believe it was the Ink Colorway) for Dan’s Dark & Stormy Hat- which I finished in November 2011. Granted he wears this hat A LOT and machine washes it, but I would have expected this yarn to hold up better. Its only pilled a little bit but mostly its faded and dingy looking...


I don’t have a ton of experience with Mad Tosh yarn and I bet some of you do, so please feel leave me your thoughts and feedback in the Episode thread on the Ravelry group. Thanks!





Some new podcasts I'm watching and listening that I think you should check out.
Events

MA Sheep & Wool is this weekend- May 25 & 26

Maine Fiber Frolic will be held June 1 and 2 from 9a-4p
At the Windsor Fairgrounds in Windsor ME
I'm not sure yet if I'm going, but would be interested to see/meet Lori from the Happycrafter207 podcast & Hopewood Crafts, and Heather from Highland Handmades and the Fiberista Files podcast.


Nov 7-10th in Hartford CT
Registration is now open.
I’m thinking of going on Saturday and maybe taking a class. More details once I decide for sure.


Sock KAL
Rules: Cast on June 1st or later. Finish and post your FO photos to the KAL thread by June 30th. It must be an adult sock with at least a 2 inch cuff. Any weight of yarn. Any pattern. You must be a member of the Down Cellar Studio Ravelry group to enter.
The June Sock Chat Thread  already very active! Come chat with us
What some of the group members are thinking of casting on:
Socks on a Plane by Laura Linneman
Mock Cable Socks by Wendy D Johnson
Scylla Socks by Fiona Lucas
Short Sheep Socks by Audrey Bochantin

Brainstorming


2 color shawls I'm debating for my mustard and gray yarn. Any thoughts?

Heartbreak shawl by Lisa Mutch

Asunder by Lisa Mutch

Bolt by Veera Valimaki

Play by Veera Valimaki


On a Happy Note

New curtains. Have I mentioned I love Target? For $100 changed the feel of our livingroom/kitchen/diningroom which are all open to each other. Simple things can make a big difference.


Quote of the Week
Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.
Albert Einstein
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

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