Pattern Release Day!!!

The full pattern is now available! I'm so proud of these socks.
It was hard to pull these together at the end. I lost my memory stick with all the photos on it. We have had blizzards and scheduling conflicts. I wanted to have my daughter model these instead of using sock blockers or a cup to display them. We got them just right-another blizzard tomorrow!
I will be updating this post with photos from PayPal to prove funds are going to the ACS at the end of each month. Although the original inspiration was because my father had cancer, researching ribbon colors made me realize that these socks could be made for any cause. I would love to see those projects as well and hear the stories. And don't forget, there is a special offer from YarnZone.com!
There also is a group and forum on Ravelry -  http://www.ravelry.com/groups/terrapin-creations. Come join us!

Pattern purchase link: 

Follow this link to the page dedicated to loved ones the pattern was purchased to honor:

Memory Board

Always in My Heart

I've published the pattern with gauge, yarn and a special coupon code to YarnZone.com on Ravelry. You can also buy using this link:



On February 1, 2015 the complete pattern will be published and you will receive an update to download the pattern. On that day the KAL begins as well.
The reason I've pre-published this is so people can get their yarn, make sure they get gauge and have needles ready for the 1st.

In loving memory of Frederick Copeland Sr. June 7, 1944-December 22, 2010

YarnZone

I know some of you are directed here because of the email from YarnZone and I just wanted to say Hi and Welcome!
I've designed for SWTC for a few years and also am one of the voices you hear from via email when there are questions on patterns-especially the Origami Heel from the Socks A La Carte series.
One of my all time favorite sock yarn has been Tofutsies. The colors are perfect for the first pattern in this series-Always in my Heart. As explained in an earlier post, it is very near and dear to me as I designed it after my father passed away. I looked online to see the different awareness ribbons for cancers and there are a lot! Thankfully, Tofutsies comes in most of those colors. If your loved one has a multiple diagnosis as my dad did, I'm sure you can find a color to honor them.
Specs for the sock:
Toe up with lace and cables. 9.5 sts/12 rows to the inch on US #1. The pattern link will be available this weekend here and via Ravelry. In working with Kitrina, there will be a coupon code included in the pattern for YarnZone.

Great News!

Great news! The creativity has begun to flow and I’ve been designing again!  I will be releasing 6 new patterns bi-monthly beginning February 1, 2015.

The patterns are all accessories, and there are pieces that are knitted, crocheted and even one that is a combination of the two! You will have the option to purchase patterns either individually or as the set. I hope that this fabulous collection will inspire.... and I will be standing by to encourage and answer questions.

I am also partnering with YarnZone.com. All of the yarns used to design the patterns are either SWTC or YarnZone yarns, and range from fingering weight to worsted. There will be a special promo code included with each pattern for you to use at checkout on the YarnZone website.

All patterns designed are special to me, but the very first one is extraordinarily so.

I designed these socks when my father passed away in 2010 using Tofutsies from SWTC. Since he was a cancer survivor, all proceeds from this pattern sale only will be donated to the American Cancer Society (after PayPal gets their cut). If you have anyone that you want this donated in their name, PLEASE message me or leave it on my blog thread. I will be doing a special post with the names that are provided to me.

If participants want a KAL/CAL, I am more than happy to have threads started on Ravelry or answer any questions asked on my blog. I will be moderating both and will be available to assist in any way.

I’m very excited and can’t wait to see all of the finished projects. 

On January 15, 2015 I will be posting the pattern link here and on Ravelry, pre-purchasing the Always in My Heart pattern will ensure you have all supplies necessary to start this incredible sock on February 1st. 

I look forward to creating with you in the new year. 

Winter yummies

There's something about being in the colder climates and having soup frequently. It's like an instant hug for your insides and brings back childhood memories. Beef stew, fish chowder, tomato soup...the list goes on and on.
One of my co-workers brought in a cauliflower bisque for lunch one day. She was raving about how good it was, and it smelled wonderful. So I asked her for the recipe and made my first batch. This time I added curry to it. Another friend added fish to it for her version of fish chowder. I'm imagining so many things to do with this. It is so flexible and a great base for other ingredients. I think next time I may add bacon.
Almost vegetarian and easy to make. All you need is a blender at the end. You could use either a hand or full sized one. Just as long as you can it pureed and creamy without lumps.
All you need is:

1 small onion
3 cloves of garlic (more or less depending on your personal preference)
1-2 Tbsp butter (I use the unsalted kind. Again, your preference as to how much)
4 cups chicken stock
1 head cauliflower
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 oz chedder cheese (I use white)
Salt and pepper to taste

Sautee onion in melted butter until translucent. Add garlic and cook about 30 seconds. Add stock and cut up cauliflower. Simmer until caulilflower is mush. Trust me on this. Add heavy cream and cheese. Stir together until cheese is melted. Transfer to blender, approximately 3 cups at a time. Using the highest setting, run until smooth.

I added the curry at the same time as the cauliflower so it could infuse in. I'm looking forward to trying different seasonings in this. Currently this and pumpkin soup seem to be the lunches of choice for my daughter and I.

The weather is up and down, and as the winter settles in for the long haul here in Maine, I've also been working on hats, mittens and gloves that are destined to be Christmas presents. I can't wait to work on some stuff for me, especially to spin some. My poor neglected wheel. I can't even make eye contact with her right now.

I have some exciting news coming soon, so stay posted for that. Just as a teaser-6 new patterns.

Since that is pending, I will be posting more when I have exciting news. Most of my days are spent either at work or just doing fox and geese mittens. Same old same old. Not really post worthy, especially since there is already one on these mittens.

I can't wait to hear from you.

September 11 2001-2014

13 years ago our whole outlook on the world changed. I got a phone call from my best friend to turn to a news channel-any one because it really didn’t matter. A plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. At the time it was thought to be accidental. And then the 2^nd plane hit, in came the news about the Pentagon being hit and a 4^th plane missing with the speculation it was aimed for the White House.

I sat there stunned and numb. Should I get my daughter from school? At 4, she wouldn’t understand. My 3 year old son certainly didn’t understand why he wasn’t watching Blue’s Clues. We lived in such a remote town in western Maine surely there wasn’t any threats to us. Disbelief and horror overtook me watching desperate souls jumping from the towers. The unthinkable happened-they fell. The lost 4^th plane crashed in Pennsylvania.

During the days, weeks and months that followed the country came together with a renewed determination that we stand with each other. I was able to travel to Ground Zero. There was reverence, sorrow, support, prayers and love for everyone lost.

There are no words to describe the appreciation I feel toward our first responders and their families. They run into the dangers. Even knowing that these buildings were unstable, they gave the ultimate sacrifice to attempt to save people they didn’t know. To the silent heroes of Flight 93 who gave their lives to make sure that our nation’s capital was not attacked. We know the stories of the innocent civilians and military personnel that were in the buildings and perished.

In the midst of our world’s chaos on this day, we come together as a country again to mourn the losses and to celebrate the heroes. Survivors are interviewed, we are updated on babies that were born on that day and we ask each other if they remember what they were doing the day our country changed. We were united in common goals. To find survivors and to bring home those who had perished. To offer up prayers for the souls lost. Street vendors stayed to make sure essential personnel were fed. Restaurants delivered meals. Clothing, personal care items were donated and given out. On this day we remember our solidarity.

And then that feeling of togetherness fades. We go back to fighting over politics. Conspiracy theorists begin again on why the US was hit. And it saddens me. I know other countries deal with terrorism on a constant basis. I know we have the threat of world war. I know we have civil unrest over racial divides. But I also know that when we join together in a common goal, this country is capable of greatness. That is what I take away on this day-the admiration and the hope we can join together again to help our fellow man not only in the face of horror, but also in everyday moments. That we all CAN get along. I know that there will always be terrorism. Not everyone will be able to get along. But there is always hope. So thank you to first responders, nurses, doctors, military personnel and volunteers who give of themselves to help their fellow man. Thank you to the everyday heroes that go unnoticed but continue to do.

Things to ponder

It amazes me how quickly time flies. I had thought I posted more recently, but I now see I haven't. I also realized how long it actually is since I've seen friends.

~Take time to send a quick email, Facebook note or even something by snail mail to let people know you're still thinking of them. They DO understand the hustle of everyday life, and the fact that most of us don't have the money to travel.

~Take time for you. Even if it's 5 minutes of reading. Just take that moment to refocus and breathe, especially after a hectic day.

~Always hug your specical people and tell them you love them. They know you do, but it's also nice to hear it.

~Learn something new to keep your brain and fingers mobile. As knitters we seem to get into a rut with techniques. I hate the holes wrapping and turning leaves when working short rows, so I avoid them. Recently I've taught myself "German Short Rows". Amazing to use and no holes! I'm designing a shawl right now in a wonderful new yarn to be debuted by South West Trading Company, and it features these rows. I love it. While doing stockingette stitch:
On knit side, bring yarn to front. Slip first stitch as if to purl. Bring working yarn to the back by looping it over the right needle. Knit the next stitch normally. You will have a funny looking stitch with both legs pulled over the right needle. When working the "funny stitch", just knit or purl it as normal, making sure to go through the legs.
On purl side, yarn to front. Slip first stitch as if to purl. Bring working yarn around as if it's a yarn over, purl next stitch normally.
When working garter stitch, the only difference is that you slip the first stitch purlwise, bring yarn over right needle to the back, and knit on.
I've also discovered how to cast on for ribbing, although that is a bit trickier.

On the cooking front, it's harvest season here. I'm baking a lot of zucchini bread. Thankfully it freezes well. I'm also going to try out relish.

Pictures to follow.