Thursday, July 11, 2013

Episode 31- Bunny Parts


Thanks for tuning into Episode 31!
And thanks to Mom for joining me this week!



Off the Needles


Planche Vest by Meghan Jones
Learned the 3 Needle Bind Off (its WAY easier than it sounds)

Working on the last of this top down in the Down Cellar Studio 
(to beat the heat)

Its Done!

After-Thought Heel Sock Pattern by Laura Linneman
--Mom thinks afterthought heel socks look more like puppets than socks


On the Needles
Socks by Theresa Gaffey from Wear With All Book


Started socks with Opal Sock yarn, but they're too narrow, so I'm turning them into fingerless mitts.


Sugar Bunny by Raynor Gellatly
Using leftover Lion Brand Baby Soft yarn & US 6 needles
Apparently it has a few more parts than I realized. But not as many as Mom alludes to.

Brainstorming
Mom is looking for a way to sell craft items from her former craft & gift store online. Do you have any insight you can share about how best to do this without a huge investment of time, even with items that may only be available once?
Please message Mom on Ravelry as BostonJensMom or email us at downcellarstudio@gmail.com

 Mom has a blog drafted which can be found here.


From the Armchair
Tapgurlonthego Podcast & blog
Carmen is GREAT! Give her a listen!

WhatsApp Messenger is a cross-platform mobile messaging app which allows you to exchange messages without having to pay for SMS. WhatsApp Messenger is available for iPhone, BlackBerry, Android, Windows Phone and Nokia and yes, those phones can all message each other! 
We highly recommend this book. 60 great blankets- a good variety for all skill level of knitters and all kinds of babies. Plus one really cute sheep

We were also fortunate to receive a shawl gem to review from Tix Trinkets. These little gems are a great way to keep your shawl on your shoulders or pinned together... or just to add some glitz. Terri (Mom to Katie from the Knitting on the Fly Podcast) has a great selection of colors and styles. She also offers a product called Better Than a Button which is a shorter version that will easily and stylishly close up your open front cardigan. Thank you Katie and Terri for this beautiful piece of functional jewelry! I recommend that you go check these out right away!

Events

Sweater KAL -- chatting has begun! Come join us here.

Rules:
Cast on July 15 or later.
Finish and post FO in thread by the end of the day on 10/15
Adult sized sweater of your choosing- cardigan, pullover, whatever you like


On a Happy Note

We have family coming to visit to help us continue enjoying a very fun, relaxing summer. We've played cards, swam in the pool, played with the kids. We're having a ball.






Silly hat times!

A glimpse of summer in my backyard
The first buck I've ever seen in our yard!



Maine Lemonade (serves 8-12)
16 oz lemonade
14 oz blueberry vodka
12 oz blue curaçao
Mix together. Add lots of ice and enjoy!


Here's my Summer bucket list (Added text and graphics to photo in Over app). Have you made one?


Contact Info:
Ravelry: BostonJen
Ravelry Group: search Down Cellar Studio Podcast
Twitter: @BostonJen1
Instagram: BostonJen1
email: downcellarstudio@gmail.com
Show Notes:
Facebook: Down Cellar Studio Podcast
Pinterest: BostonJen
Posted by at 1 comment:

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

Posted by at 3 comments:

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



Posted by at 2 comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)