Terrapin Creations

House keeping

2012-02-23T03:02:00.000-05:00

Which is something I'm truly bad at. On this blog it means that I'm trying to put in new pages and share all the places where my original designs are available. Currently I only have the things done for South West Trading Company. There will be another page to purchase my original self published designs, and one that will list the books I have patterns in or have done sample knitting for. There will probably also be a page for my handspun, as that still goes on in the background at Chez Terrapin. I would post more, but a lot of it would read as still working on that mystery project, more pug pics!
Jonelle handed off 2 sweaters to Rick Santorum with 2 more on the way. I really have myself to blame for missing the deadline. I knew in my head that I had to move it, but if I don't like an element, I have to rip it out. Then I came down with the mother of all headcolds, and completely lost a day to sleep.
Oh, and as a side note, there will be a spot to order some of my jalapeno jelly. Next batch I'm adding habanero as requested by his hubbiness. And yes, I know there's a little squiggle over the N, but I can't figure it out.
Feel free to leave a comment or a link to pics of things you've made from my patterns. That could be a page all by itself! I'm sure at the moment it would be mostly the Hunting Socks pattern!

Knitting for public awareness

2012-01-06T01:10:00.002-05:00

Jonelle from www.soysilk.com had a great idea. Rick Santorum wears knitted vests. What a wonderful way to bring hand knitting into the public eye then for us to band together and make him some. No matter what your political affiliation, this is a way to get our work seen nationally.
Contact Jonelle at jonelle@soysilk.com, or join us on Ravelry-www.ravelry.com/groups/knit-for-rick.

9/11

2011-09-11T11:21:00.001-04:00

Thank you to the firefighters, police officers and Port Authority officials who sacrificed their lives to try to save the innocents in these awful attacks. May you rest in peace with the knowledge that you did everything humanly possible to save lives that awful day. Your bravery will never be forgotten.
Thank you everyday for being the ones who run into the emergencies that everyone else runs away from. And shame on every politician who looks to cut the budgets of the police, firefighters and EMTs who pay the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe.

Cmon Irene

2011-08-30T03:21:00.001-04:00

Yeah, I know the song is Come on Eileen, but hey, it fits. I had to share this video because this hits the mass hysteria media whips people into nowadays. Its good to be informed and prepared, and I'm glad to see officials learned SOMETHING from Katrina, but really? This
was hyped for over a week. Whenever we in the Northeast turned on any news station, it was all about Irene. And then it slammed Vermont, not even taking the track through Maine it was forecasted to take. Keeping
my friends & family in the path of devistation in my thoughts for a speedy clean-up.

Anywho, while the "tropical storm" dumped rain on us, we enjoyed our first tomato from the garden. DH made a wonderful snack.
Simple Bruschetta:
1 lg heirloom tomato
1 pkg mozzarella cheese
2-3 tsp olive oil
2-3 tsp balsamic vinegar
Crushed red pepper
Black pepper
Oregano
Salt
Pesto (or fresh basil, chopped and fresh crushed garlic)
Kalameta olives (we didn't have any this time, but they would have
been yummo on this)

Toast points, crackers, or anything else you may want to stack the
tomato and cheese on.

Slice the tomato, cut the cheese into pieces the same size or smaller than the tomato. Place tomato and cheese on a plate, sprinkle the dry ingredients over the top. Pour balsamic vinegar and olive oil on top. You may need more or less of them, depending on how much tomato and cheese you have. Allow to sit as long as you can, it lets the flavors blend nicely. Also, if you include any type of italian ham or danish ham, it can be considered an antipasto appetizer.
Enjoy!
ETA: For some reason, I can't get the video to load. I'll work on it more, but may just need to share the link when I find out where it's posted. I got it via a friend on Facebook.

Lucky

2011-08-23T23:56:00.000-04:00

Now a days, a little luck on your side is a good thing. And, as we're having a bad day at work or with the kids, it's always good to remind ourselves there's a lot to be positive about.

My DH is a hard working guy who loves his family and our gardens. He's a painter and a musician, and has been very supportive of my blossoming knitting career. As a matter of fact, he gave me the gentle push into knitting that hasn led to this point. I'd been a crocheter, and admiring his mother's knitting. I'd dabbled in it some, but never felt that it fit. For Christmas 2002, he gave me a gift certificate to buy some good yarn (the $9.00 per skein kind) to do a sweater I'd been admiring in a Berroco pattern book. Plain stockinette stitch with garter edges, an oversized sweater done on size 13 needles. And when I got lost on the sleeve shaping, I called Berroco, and the designer herself called me back to walk me through it. And I haven't looked back since.

Fast forward a few years. SWTC put out a call for knitters that knew how to do toe-up socks on their Ravelry forum. I replied, and was sent yarn and the pattern. 4 more socks followed, all for the gallery in Socks A La Carte 2, and I've chronicled other items I've done for them in this blog. Last spring, Jonelle emailed me about some colorwork sock ideas, and the collaberation that became Socks A La Carte 3 was begun. And this book has finally made it to bookshelves, and I've included pix of some of the socks I knit for the book. The fair isle braid is my own design, and Persimmon I did in collaboration with Jonelle. Dad was able to see 3 of the socks for the book, Skullie, Steppin' Up, and Persimmon as I designed them. As much as I wish he had lived to see this finished, he did see my name in Socks 2, and he was so very proud.
I've also designed other patterns for them, and so far have been published in Knit 'N Style, with another design coming soon.

Why am I telling you this? I was lucky enough to be married to a man that indulged me and began me on the road to one of my passions. He also started me spinning, but thats for a later date.

I was lucky to be chosen by Jonelle, and to have kept her confidence in me. She's allowed me to spread my designer wings, much like a mother bird, watching and giving wonderful advice along the way.

And I'm lucky to have friends that know knitting isn't just for grandmothers anymore.

Bad Blogger...

2011-07-18T14:08:00.000-04:00

It's been 3 months since I blogged, and bad me. Some "excuses":
1. I started working overnights, and believe me, that can be ROUGH.
2. I've been doing designs for SWTC, the first one being released is Antique Lace.
3. My DH was a great man, and for. My birthday he gave me handcarders. So, I've been teaching myself the long draw after making rolags.
4. Right now, I'm working on 3 new designs. One for Knitters Magazine, one for For Love of Knitting magazine, and one for SWTC.
5. Baseball and softball. 2 boys playing baseball and DD playing softball. Softball has not ended yet.
6. I'm working overnights. I know I said that before, but I get out at 6 am, and try to sleep for 5-6 hours.

Photos will be posted as soon as I'm organized, promise. I'm also going to try to be a better blogger. Promise.

Dogs and yarn

2011-04-06T09:33:00.000-04:00

Or should I say puppies and half used skeins of Wollemise? It's probably more than half. I'm using it to make a pair of Rick socks by Cookie A for a good friend of mine. Her patterns are brilliant. Anywho, this is what I found when I got out of the shower this morning. It was all over the living room, I've gathered it together for this shot.

You can see Bert in the background clearly saying "It wasn't me, Mom. It was all her. Honest!" I'm thinking it was all Dehlia, maybe a bit of Bert since I could hear them wrestling around. Must be because spring's in the air.

More reveals!

2011-03-30T11:14:00.000-04:00

SWTC has released 3 of my sock patterns for their yarn Infatuation. They can be bought separately, or with a 4th pattern here. Each of the sock names will take you to the separate patterns. They are:
Mardi Gras, Jesamine, and Mossy Diamonds. Their photography is so much better than mine! Plus, I can't seem to find where I put the pix I took of each sock.
Some knitting that I did for myself, a hat and some warm mittens. There is also a sweater, but I still need to get good pix of that before I post them.

This is another pair of the Fox and Geese mittens, but they're mine. I did them in CTH's Possum worsted. So soft and fluffy!

This is Dream Big Verve-a REALLY fast knit. I started Sunday night, and was done not even 24 hours later, and that includes time to sleep and go to work totaling 15 hours of down time.

And a bunch of fun stitch markers I made. If you like any of them that you see here, let me know. I also do simple earrings. Just email me!

Twinkle Shawlette

2011-03-23T12:19:00.000-04:00

Since the magazine is now published, I can share the pictures of it. Look for it in the June 2011 issue of Knit 'N Style magazine. Jonelle sent me this skein of Little Star, and I loved the colors. I worked the trial run in Tofutsies, as you can see by the modeling of the DD.

I didn't have my model the day I needed to send this in, so all I have is it on the blocking mat. This is a fast and fun project, I can't wait to see what people do with it!

Super Secret knitting revealed

2011-03-14T12:39:00.000-04:00

Jonelle of SWTC released a sneak peak of my very first published pattern. Yes, I've self published before, but this is in a magazine! Knit 'N Style, to be exact. There are 2 other great patterns in SWTC yarns as well. Follow the linkie to read on (for those of you who saw it on Facebook, sorry for the repitition-can you tell I'm super excited?):
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/SWTC-Yarn-news-and-free-pattern.html?soid=1101272952566&aid=BVXZy1vfN3k

In spinning news, I picked up some merino/tussah silk at Nezinscot Farms in Turner. They're an organic working farm, the store is GORGEOUS, and they are some of the nicest people around. Plus, they deal in Ashford spinning supplies. I try not to go in very often because of this fact. A knitter can never have too many knitting needles, a spinner can never have too many bobbins.
The fiber is called autum; I'm thinking a Helix Scarf from the newest Spin Off is in order for this yarn. It may even become a gift or a giveaway...

In like an arctic blast

2011-03-02T10:50:00.000-05:00

Spring is supposed to start in 19 days. Tomorrow we're expecting temps in the teens. Again. And more snow Sunday/Monday. This is why rodents should not be allowed to forecast the weather.
I have a design that is coming out in next month's Knit 'N Style that I did for SWTC. I can't wait for it to be published.
In other fronts, I did spin up a braid of BFL from serenknity.com in the colorway mums. I got a 3 ply, 378 yds. Enough for socks, maybe a shawlette. We'll see. I just needed some spring colors. I'm itching for my lillies to poke their heads through the garden. Enough snow.

Welcome February!

2011-02-01T13:31:00.000-05:00

We're expecting more than a foot of snow by the time this storm moves out tomorrow night. Isn't March supposed to come in like a lion and out like a lamb? Anywho, I have enough projects to keep me occupied, and the DD wants me to spin up some angora before I do anything else. Even the beautiful mohair sent to me by J. Or the silk hankies sent by L. She wants bunny yarn. And since I have an abundance, I think it's time to try this out. Hopefully we will be dug out by Friday, and will have some postable projects (some of them are still secret knitting). Stay warm everyone!

January 2011...

2011-01-26T10:22:00.000-05:00

snuck up. Fast. And when the arctic north opened the door, it was COLD. So there was mitten knitting. Believe me, I have this pattern down. These are quick, knit with Cascade 220 and size 5's. One skein of each color made 2 pairs of mittens. Anyone looking for these just email me. They can be 2 or 3 colors, are 100% wool, and are $17.00 for 2 colors, $20.00 for 3, plus $3.00 for shipping in the US. I know it sounds expensive, but they will last and are so much thicker and warmer than the ones at certain box stores or gas stations. And the pattern can be modified if desired.

I got inspired by SWTC's latest yarn, JAZZ. It's bright, sparkley and surprisingly soft. The colorway that I used is A002. I had some Louet Northern lights in Meadow Trail, and well, I'll let the pics speak for themselves:

(DH made the tensioned lazy kate as a christmas present-LOVE it!)

And a close up:

It's approx. 267 yds, 18 WPI and 3 plies.

When I ran out of the JAZZ, I just plied the 2 little singles togther until they ran out (actually, one ran out, I need to ply up the 2nd one into more 2 ply.) It's approx. 241 yds, 21 WPI.

In other knitting, I did finally seam up my Tofu Tee. It's done in SWTC's Tofutsies yarn, and I love the way it turned out. Head on over to the website to purchase the pattern here.

A cowl done in SWTC's Inspiration (alpaca and soy). I'm sad that this has been discontinued, I love the blend. I have more in another color that's destined to be a jacket.

And a close up:

And lastly, a pair of knee-highs for DD's wonderful doctor done in Araucania Ranco Multy. It's Bettie's Lace Stockings by Hana Jason; from Interweave Knits Spring 2009.
I will not tell you her name, because I want her to stick around here. DD really likes her, and when it comes to making sure all bases are covered, she does a wonderful job. They look skinny, but that's only because they aren't on sock blockers.

And a close up of the pattern:

I've been doing designing and secret knittting that I can't post pix of. Once it's published this summer, I will. Pinkie promise.

We held Dad's memorial/funeral service on the 15th. I would love to thank my bestest friend for being there to lend me her support along with DH. He was a well-loved man who lived life to the absolute fullest he could, even when he was sick. He made the decision to go thru chemo and radiation 4 times to prolong his time with his family. As the BF put it, "Think of it as closing a great book that was so asesome, but because you know the ending you just can't read it again."

Oh, and a gratuitous shot of Dehliah and Bert:

Life and death

2010-12-23T14:12:00.002-05:00

Yesterday my dad passed away. It had been expected, he'd been sick for a while. And although we all know that our parents grow older and die, it doesn't make it any easier. He loved much, laughed loudly, and cared deeply. He was proud when SWTC graciously asked me to design socks to be published as a part of Socks a la Carte 3 and was fascinated to watch me spin. He enjoyed reruns of Angel and Charmed. Every Christmas Eve he gathered all the kids and grandkids around him to read "The Night Before Christmas." He battled and beat cancer 4 different times with the stubborness and determination he was know and loved for. These battles weakened his body, but never deterred him from pushing on. Although he will be greatly missed, we are at peace knowing he is free of pain. I love you always daddy. Frederick C. Copeland Sr. 6/7/1944-12/22/2010.

November Rain

2010-11-08T11:52:00.000-05:00

I love this song, by Guns 'N Roses. Plus, that's what the weather has been like the past few days. It feels like spring, only it's so much colder. Since most of my knitting is super secret, I can't say anything other than I can't wait for the book to come out.
On the needles, still sitting there is my Jewels Cardigan by Amy King. It was meant for handspun, but I have some yummy Dream Big by South West Trading Company in a lovely charcole grey color. I'm hoping to have enough to make the sleeves a bit longer. I know it's going to be so warm, which makes it perfect for this time of the year. There's also a free pattern on this page that I would make if I didn't look like a dork in hats.
Life with a new puppy is much like living with a new baby-no sleep at all. She's adjusting quite well, even if Bert doesn't always like the fact she's around.
No photos for this entry, hopefully the cardi will be done in the next few days.

Dehlia

2010-10-25T09:59:00.002-04:00

We went to our nephew's birthday party on Saturday. They had 8 puggle puppies (pug/beagle mix). Dehlia came to me, put her head on her foot, and gave me a puppy look that just melted my heart. She came home with us.

I also got some spinning done while I was in between super secret knitting. The first is merino/tencel laceweight singles; 2.7 oz/348 yds. Dyed by Highland Handmades. The second is Ruby Red rayon (bamboo) by SWTC. The rayon is super slippery and sheds!

Also, I got a couple of wonderful gifts. First is from rwest81, as a thank you for her orchid socks.

Tofutsies in a wonderful green/purple, a free pattern, candy corn (YUM!), a great little travel knitting bag, darning needles, and squooshey socks I had to steal back from DD.
Second, is another pug swap, this from shorty3boys. Bert loves his toys, and the yarn is so yummy. The patterns are wonderful! I loved the stitch markers too, they're just amazing.

Finally! Knitting!

2010-09-15T10:06:00.001-04:00

rwest81's socks, originally uploaded by TerrapinCreations.

I was a part of a swap on Ravelry, and here are the socks I knit for her. Very quick knit, it took me a total of 2 days. I used the new SWTC book Socks A La Carte 2: Toes up for the toe/heel combo. Check it out; I'm listed as one of the sample knitters! I'll post the photos of the socks soon, I promise!

Processing fleece

2010-08-18T09:30:00.003-04:00

After washing this once, I'm now combing it to open the dirt encrusted locks. I'll wash it again, then comb it again. Hopefully it will then be ready to spin. It's a jacob fleece I bought from the DEW Animal Kingdom. I'm planning on donating the yarn back to them. They keep a lot of animals that would otherwise be destroyed, and rely on donations from the public. Sheep are very dirty critters, indeed.

Blueberries and Apricots

2010-06-04T10:06:00.002-04:00

This is my donation to the Girl's Talk basket for the Wilton Blueberry Festival. It's done in 50% Merino and 50% Tencel. It was splitty to work with, but other than that, the pattern was awesome. It is Not A Drop, written by Arlene of Arlene's World of Lace. It's reversible, and I loved it. I may make myself one, but wider. Or make a door curtain (regular curtains?) for the daughter. Of course, I'd have to add beads to the end, and while we were at Enchantments for my birthday she expressed much interest in the beaded door hangings. We'll see.
All 25 of my lily plants have poked their heads out of the garden. I can't wait for them to bloom.
Should be an interesting weekend; rain off and on, which will make the humidity unbearable. Hopefully I will be able to make it to the Fiber Frolic on Sunday. Have a great weekend everyone!

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

2010-05-26T09:57:00.002-04:00

Here's my latest item for sale: the chocolate covered strawberries. It's for sale here at my etsy store. It's made from Cascade 220, hand knitted and felted by me. Socks & pencil case are not included.

Come and go with me

2010-05-07T10:53:00.007-04:00

I finally sucked it up and finished sewing up my Reversible come and go sweater. Deborah Newton designed it and I fell in love as soon as I saw it. I love the color on this; Cascade 220 for those of you who are wondering; depending on the light the yarn is either gray or lilac. I finished in time, today it's windy and in the 50's. I haven't taken it off yet today. It feels like a big, warm wooly hug. If I modify this at all, I will rip back the button band & button-hole band to redo. They're kinda floppy, not sure what that's about. It could be as easy as the buttons are too heavy and need a stablizer on the back, but the button hole band gaps. Plus, I got all excited when I did them and didn't read the directions all the way thru. The bottom buttons shouldn't be that low, but hey, that's why we knit and make our own. Because it can be a design element and makes it our own.
Speaking of buttons, aren't these FABULOUS! I bought them at Pins & Needles, as soon as I get her permission I will post the lady's name who makes these. She hand makes all her buttons, and I love them. I've got another stashed away for my Sipalu bag that has mother of pearl in it. She's a genius.

In pug news, Bert learned to drive!

Not really! We were waiting for baseball practice to end & DD snapped the shot. She thought it was cute.Happy Mother's Day to everyone out there!
**UPDATE**
The lady who made the buttons is Mary McFarland. You can contact Cheri at Pins & Needles to inquire about the buttons; Mary also does custom orders. You should also ask about her quilted art wall hangings and jewelry.

Goodbye April

2010-04-30T10:40:00.002-04:00

We've had a crazy month of April this year when it comes to weather. Snow one day, 80 degrees 2 days later. Today the wind is blowing extremely hard, just getting all the snow out of here. Tomorrow, garden weather. I'm hoping May is a bit more even keeled. At least it's lilac month :).

In spinning news, I finished a skein of 2 ply fingering weight yarn. It's just under 4 ounces, and was dyed by Pippi Knee Socks. The colorway is Lost Sailor. Any of you Deadheads know that's a great song, usually followed immediately by Saint of Circumstance. Anywho, I bought 2 braids of it, and this one has way more yellow in it. The second braid has more of the blues and purples.

I also finished off my second baby surprise jacket. These things are so easy and fun. Done in Jeannee yarn, it's cotton and acrylic so it can be machine washed. The buttons are paw prints, so cool!

Lilac Socks

2010-04-30T10:33:00.002-04:00

One of my favorite flowers is lilacs. When I saw this yarn by Cherry Tree Hill, I knew what it would become. These socks are done toe up with a short row heel and a cute picot cuff at the top. These are a very quick knit and so customizable with the color of yarn you choose. Puchase the pattern here:

Supplies needed:

1 skein sock yarn
US # 2 (2.75mm) dpns
Tapestry needle

This is an easy intermediate pattern. Knowledge of lace and toe up socks needed. Enjoy!

Wow...

2010-04-02T10:36:00.004-04:00

I can't believe it's been 3 months since I last posted here.

It's finally beginning to feel like spring here, maybe I'm just waking up out of my winter sleep.

I've been spinning some, and finished my first 3 ply yarn. Can I just say how much I love my Ashford Traveller? Since tomorrow is supposed to be around 70, hopefully I will be able to take it outside and try to spin up some angora. Pretty good for the first time, huh? The dime is there for size reference so you can see how fine the yarn is. It's a darker color than this, but you can see all the heathers better this way. I'm hoping to make socks from it.

During the winter Olympics, I was team captain for Team GoPugYourself on Ravelry. I was able to knit a 30" x 68" lace stole in 17 days, showing here:

I did take 3 days out to go see Further in NH and MA. DH and I had our own mini vacation. We hope to hit the Natava Festival this July in Oxford. On March 25th we went to Porland with the in-laws and caught Keller Williams doing a solo show at the Port City Music Hall. Highly recommend getting VIP seating if you go there. The set list was great, and fun was had by all.

I also did up a hat in Karaoke by SWTC, and of course Cheri took possesion of it immediately. She loves hats, they look wonky on me. To be honest, I knew she would, and I had her in mind when I made it. This stuff is so soft, and it felts, so I'm thinking a couple of little bags for stuff.

Have a great weekend all!

Maine Mitered Shawl

2010-01-20T13:37:00.002-05:00

Maine Mitered Shawl, originally uploaded by EeyoreknitsinME.

Here is another one of my self designs. I named her the Maine Mitered Shawl, and she's for sale on Ravelry. I was inspired by the mommie routine of going to baseball and softball games, and having a really bad, cold, rainy summer. One minute it could be sunny, the next cold and dreary. This is done out of sock yarn doubled. Supplies list:

1 skein color A, B, C, E, F
2 skeins color D
US #5 needles
Tapestry needles
Size F crochet hook.

It is an intermediate skilled knit, with basic crochet knowledge.

If you are interested in buying this pattern, here is the link for it:

Happy Knitting!