BeverlyArmyWilliams – Page 95 – Beverly Army Williams

I’m Just a Girl Who Can’t Say No

My oldest sister played piano for the high school musical Oklahoma!, so I can sing along to all the songs. Even though it was about 25 years ago (sorry to point that out, MB), that music is lodged in my memory.

Anyhow, the point is that Scout innocently (ha!) e-mails me a one-liner. "What do you think about another swap?" And we brainstorm. I’m convinced that we were business partners in another life, we work so well together. Lickity splickity, before you know it, a new swap is born.

The Knit Mitt Kit Swap. How can you resist that rhyming? Head over to the blog to learn more about it, then to Swap-bot to sign up. Sign ups are only until Friday, so don’t delay.

Spindle Spinning

I’d gotten to where I felt pretty comfortable spinning on my cd spindle when I acquired my Bosworth Beauty. I took out a baggie of alpaca that I’ve been hording (why do we hord fiber? or good stationery? Or nice linens? No more, but that’s for another post). I wanted my first spinning on her to be a lovely fiber, and it’s a sensual experience: the smoothness of the wood, the softness of the fiber. I ran into a problem that I didn’t have on the cd spindle, though, a problem that it has taken me three days of searching to find a name for, let alone a solution. As I spin, the spindle quickly reverses direction. This is called backspin. The Spindler group archives had some information, as did this site that I’ve been enjoying this evening. Apparently the qualities that made my new spindle desirable to me (lightness, quickness) are the very things that are hindering me now. The solution? Practice, practice, practice.

But not tonight. I don’t know about you, but the time change leaves me wanting even more sleep. And I want that beauty rest. Tomorrow I’m finally going for my new license–gotta look good in that picture! It’s more than the picture, though. I’m also changing my name back to my maiden name. I’m nervous about this move. When I got married, I used only my husband’s last name, and I felt lost, as though some of my identity had been removed. I took back my maiden name and used it along with my married name (no dash, just two names), and it made me feel better. At this point that double name has been a part of me for over 16 years. I’m afraid that once more I’ll have a loss to deal with, but I know in my heart that it is time to make this move. Here’s hoping I don’t experience a backspin of my own.

My First Toe Up

I promised Cookie I’d post a picture when I got my first toe up toe done. It’s really my second. First I tried Knitty’s Universal Toe Up Sock pattern wrap method, but I just didn’t like how it looked. I think I may have misunderstood some part of the directions, so don’t let me stop you from trying it–the worksheet is a helpful tool, by the way.

After that I looked through some of the resources on My First Toe Ups and found Purly Whites yarn-over short-row toe up tutorial. It rocks. Just sayin’. I do think I’ve produced the best toe I’ve made to date. The directions were clear with lots of pictures. I’m off to make the second toe, then I’ll put both on the circs and knit two toe ups on two circs. Um, how long have I been saying I want to do this?

Only Because I Love Her SO Much

Last year for her birthday, I knit my TN sister a convertible shawl. I bought the yarn at my favorite LYS, and MB was there to help select it. I spent a lot of money on these yarns, and they’re gliztier than I would use for myself, but my sister has a lot of panache and can carry glitz in a way I can’t. So the pattern is just feather and fan with the yarns switched out every few rows. I used garter stitch across the back and added an edging and ties so she could have sleeves if she wanted.

I just got it back from her in the mail.

I was sick when I saw it, and she expressed a lot of grief and anxiety over the hole. There’s another smaller hole where it had snagged on a nail or something, but this one appeared out of her suitcase. She has a lot of faith in my knitting skills (I taught her to knit, so she thinks I know a lot…got her fooled!), so she figured I could fix it. After a very sad e-mail in which I said I didn’t think it was possible, I rallied and reconsidered my options. Today, at the LYS, I asked one of the women if she thought I should just rip back and reknit. She was hesitant to offer me advice, and in the end I decided to frog the whole thing and make a Mix-It-Up shawl, one of the free patterns Marji has available. It will be knit lengthwise, and I’ll use most of these same yarns. I went through my stash to see what other black yarns I have available.

And, now that I’ve moved past the distress of having a hand knit object returned with an awful wound, I’m looking forward to the challenge of creating a new beautiful shawl to wrap my sister in love.

Socktober Fest Stash Flash or 26 Socks

As I pulled out black yarns for the Repair of the Convertible Shrug, I decided it was a good time to line up my sock yarn for a little flash action. Most of my yarns are hand painted: Scout, Mama-E, Marie (whom I forgot to mention as one of the lovelies I met on Saturday), Lisa Souza, STR, Carole, Jessica, Heide, and me are represented on that bed. I have some commercial yarns, as well as "blanks" waiting to be colored.

My next step to celebrate Socktoberfest is to cast on for Neal’s 2005 Christmas socks. He wants them to be green and silver (the Dalegarn Heilo in the front), and just above his ankle. I’ve joined My First Toe Ups and plan to cast on today.

By the way, there is enough yarn there for at least 26 pair of socks. And I just realized that I forgot a couple of skeins of Cascade Fixation. I don’t need to purchase sock yarn for at least a year, I’d say (but I’m sure I will before then)!

Thrifty Mrs. Beeton

I participated in the Swap-bot Warm Hands, Warm Hearts swap and made this pair of Mrs. Beeton’s for my pal, who lives in Sweden. This was my first time knitting with beads, and I really liked the effect. I used the Cascade Bollicine leftover from the Think Pink ruffled scarf and Rowan Felted Tweed. The ruffles were tricky for me for no good reason; they’re not actually difficult. I think I just worked on these when I was tired. They’re a fast knit, especially once the ruffles are connected. I didn’t read the pattern thoroughly, or I probably would have selected a mohair in the same color as the wool–you carry them together for the cuff. I couldn’t figure out the picot cast off (again, probably due to my being tired), so I cast off and then made a little edging using a simple crochet stitch. Here’s another photo:

I will for sure make these again, for myself, and maybe even for Christmas gifts. I just love the romantic look of them, and they don’t take much yarn at all. Plus, they’re useful–just what Mrs. Beeton would have approved of, don’t you think?

Rhinefantastibeck

The weather couldn’t have been nicer. It was cool enough for all of the lovely handknits that I saw throughout the day. Everyone I met seemed so happy, with good reason. What could be wrong when there are cool people to meet, adorable animals to visit, and. Fiber. Googobs of fiber.

First the people.

Here’s Beth who won best in show for her shawl (did I get that right, Beth?). She won a big impressive prize. And I met her. And she was fun to meet.

Here I am, living it up with Ann, who was my Sockapaloooza knitter–and you know how I love the socks she made me. She had on her Cards shirt, as promised. She’s also volunteered to be one of the ksks angels. Isn’t she awesome?

This is one of my best friends, Sara. We met when we were 14. The first conversation I remember having with her was at the start of gym class our freshman year of high school. She had purple Candies, and I told her I liked them. And we’ve been getting into trouble together ever since. She liked the bunnies. If it weren’t for dogs in both our homes, I think one of us may have taken a bunny home. The blog love has her thinking that she may start one of her own. She reads mine, so leave a comment encouraging her to join us, ok?

You know how you feel like you know some of your blog friends for reals? Isn’t it a thrill when you actually get to meet them? It was for me! Meeting Mama-E made me so. very. happy. She introduced me to Amy, who I talked to later in the day about spinning silk hankies (everyone should spin these, she declared).

I ran into some difficulties hooking up with Flat Scout. Really, though, with all that fiber around, no wonder she took off by herself for a bit. In the end, though we had some time together before I passed her back to Stephanie to give to Margene.

Before the pass off, Flat Scout got some love from Sarah. That’s Rogue on Sarah. I saw a couple of them yesterday, and I have to admit to a little bit of longing for one of my own.

I failed to get pictures of other bloggers I met, but they include: Adrian, Christine, Martha, Jessica (who has the prettiest hair evah), Deborah, Jenny (we fondled spindles together), and Kate, whom I saw buying her very special birthday present. I also had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with Michelle from The Sweet Sheep. I’m just going to be honest. She’s an enabler. Really.

Now the loot. Remember how I had that yard sale to get some disposable income? Well, I went over budget by about $30, but I"m so pleased with what I got. Next year, Sara and I agreed, we need to hold a bigger yard sale.

This is my new Bosworth spindle. First, I have to say that the Bosworths are delightful folks. Jonathan was sweet as could be to me and Sara. There’s nothing like meeting the craftsman who has made something you just know you’re going to treasure. After spinning on my cd spindle, this Midi is a dream. She’s made from Mexican Cocobolo with a Bloodwood shaft. There were a few others that caught my eye, but this one practically leapt into my hands. Love at first sight.

That cloud of fiber that she’s nestled into? That’s one pound of a merino, wool, and angora blend in Honeydew colorway from Twin Ponds Fiber Farm. Their stuff was just fabu. I tried to resist, but the enablers were with me, and it was the perfect color for a ver special secret project. My photography skills are not good enough to let you see the color, but once it’s spun, I’ll try to make a better picture of the yarn.

From Shadey Side Farm, I got some Firestar, as well as a few ounces of chocolate alpaca/Tussah top (feels so very soft). Aren’t the colors fantastic? I enjoyed myself yesterday. Between meeting great people and seeing (and acquiring) truly beautiful fiber and tools, I can’t think of anything that would have made the day better.

Next year, I’m staying over!

Fig Bounty

Geo (a.k.a. Fig) from Tryst Press and I arranged a swap. I sent her just a little something, and she, generous lady, sent me a delightful package. A few items are not pictured–dried flowers have settled into a little vase on the telephone table, near the little gourd pictured here, and her fruit rolls have settled quite nicely in my belly.

There’s some honey and tea and yarn and recycled yarn bras (clever, isn’t she? She made them from mesh flower wrappers), an adorable butterfly pen, and then there are the paper products. She sent me two blank booklets, a set of notecards (I’m a letter writer, so these will be happily used), a set of gift enclosure cards, and a journal with a lock. "And when did you last have a locking book?" she wrote in her letter. That made me giggle. It was second grade, Paddington Bear. There’s a Christmas DVD that I’ll use to get me into the holiday spirit as the season approaches. I’ve already been enjoying The Chichester Carols by Leslie Norris, as well as a copy of "Pursuit of Excellence," a program that her church’s women’s organization is using. She also sent a beautifully inscribed copy of the Book of Mormon. As I often feel that my spiritual life needs more attention than I’ve given it of late, I’m grateful to her for motivating me to attend to it.

I love the work that Tryst Press does. Thank you, Geo, for sharing so much of yourself with me! xx

Limping About Rhinebeck

That’s what I’ll be. I"ve managed to do something to my right foot while in the woods this week. It’s all swollen, and I’m walking in a wonky way. Maybe that’s the best way to recognize me if I’m on your Blogger Bingo Card.

Or maybe you’ll recognize Flat Scout. She’ll be clipped to my bag for easy viewing. And she’ll be glad to take a picture with you. If she gets shy I’ll let her hide inside the bag, but I doubt that…she’s used to traveling about and meeting new people, after all.

It’s been an exciting mail day. Mama-E’s beautiful platinum roving arrived, along with another that she gifted me, which she named after me! I must confess to much petting and sniffing and daydreaming about which will christen the spindle I hope to procure tomorrow. I can’t wait to meet so many bloggers, and Mama-E is right at the top of that list. I owe that woman a big hug for all of her generosity, not just to me, but to the world in general.

I also got a delightful package from Wee Wonderfuls: the Fall Stitchettes. In the last few weeks I’ve had a real hankering to ply a sewing needle, and Wilson and Ernie will fit the bill perfectly.

Wonder why there haven’t been any pictures? I finally remembered to put the camera batteries in the charger. I don’t want to be sans camera tomorrow.

Hope to see you there!

48 Things

As seen around Blogland:

1. FIRST NAME? Beverly

2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? My Auntie

3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? When Neal and I fought after I got home from Taos.

4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? When I’m writing letters and taking care with it, yes.

5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT? As a vegetarian, I guess lunch cheese? Provolone

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yeah. I’m pretty fun to be around, and I have a big heart.

7. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? I stop and start one all the time. But I have this blog and the Treadmill Journal.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes.

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Only if it were that or someone I love (really, really love) getting hurt.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? McCains Oatmeal with a dash of milk, honey, nutmeg, and cinnamon.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? No

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Physically? Not as much as I’d like. Emotionally? Well, there’s an occasional fragile day, but usually, yes.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? I can’t really eat ice cream, but I heart mango sorbet.

14. SHOE SIZE? 7

15. RED OR PINK? Pink. Before my gram passed away, I wouldn’t have touched pink, but it was her favorite color, and I started wearing it as a way to remember her. Now I love it. The Mrs. Beeton’s I’m knitting right now are pink and red, which I think is a cool combo.

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I can be impatient. I can be sarcastic. I hold in my anger until it’s really nasty when it comes out.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? MB and Dana for living so far away; my grandpa for wanting him to know what I’ve done with myself; my grandma A. for wanting to hear more stories from her girlhood; gram just because she’s my gram.

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Yes, they’d best do so, otherwise bad luck will come their way. If they send it to seven people (including me) within the hour, they won’t believe their good luck. Really.

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS, SHIRT AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Blue sweats, blue long-sleeved shirt, no shoes.

20. LAST THING YOU ATE? Half of a really nasty low-fat muffin and a fakacino (my little pretend coffee drink).

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Lime and Violet episode 14.

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Black

23. FAVORITE SMELL? Sheets just off the line.

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My sister MB.

25. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? Their smile

26. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON you stole THIS from? Yup.

27. FAVORITE DRINK? Cranberry cocktail or grapefruit soda.

28. FAVORITE SPORT? UCONN basketball, baby. Less than a month to go. We’ve got a young team this year, so it should be interesting.

29. EYE COLOR? Brown

30. HAT SIZE? Not sure, but I think Babs says that your glove, shoe, and hat size are the same. Does that make sense? She’s not often wrong about things, so if it’s not wrong, it must be me.

31. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No, although in the late 1980s I had green contacts. I loved the way they looked, but they hurt my eyes. Strictly glasses ever since.

32. FAVORITE FOOD? Whoopie pie and Saag Paneer (not together, silly!)

33. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy endings

35. SUMMER OR WINTER? Winter

36. HUGS OR KISSES? Well, from anyone but Neal, hugs. From him, kisses.

37. FAVORITE DESSERT? Strawberries picked and cleaned by my dad.

38. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Um?

39. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Um, not sure?

40. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? Twisted Sisters for dyeing and spinning content, The Guiness Book of Me for nonfiction, no fiction right now, although I’m tempted to read Jane Eyre again.

41. WHAT’S ON YOUR MOUSE Pad? Don’t use one.

42. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? Neal had the Cards on, although I can’t say I watched them.

43. FAVORITE SOUNDS? Alexis’s laughter, the ocean or the Hudson lapping the shore, the rustle of the trees when the wind goes through them, New York City street sounds.

44. ROLLING STONE OR BEATLES? Beatles, but it’s a tough call.

45. THE FURTHEST YOU’VE BEEN FROM HOME? Australia

46. WHAT’S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT? I’m really good at encouraging people to take risks, but I’m not sure that qualifies as a special talent.

47. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Hartford,Ct

48. WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Found it on Kelly’s blog most recently.

Author: BeverlyArmyWilliams