It wouldn't be a proper knitting blog unless I got myself a Secret Pal, now, would it? I signed up for Secret Pal 8 and am excited to see what happens. I'm supposed to post the answers to a little questionnaire so my pal can learn all about me and send me some rockin' treats...here goes:
1. What are your favorite yarns to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I love anything from KnitPicks, and am especially fond of just regular old wool and Shetland wool. I avoid knitting with acrylic, cotton, and most novelty yarns if I can help it. I have no allergies to any fibers.
2. What do you use to store your needles and hooks in?
Three Mason jars on top of my bedroom dresser; one for straight needles, one for crochet hooks, and one for double-pointed needles. Circulars are kept in the Circular Solution, from (where else) KnitPicks.
3. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate, or advanced?
I have been knitting since December 2004. I consider myself to be a decent intermediate. I can do Fair Isle and cables and lace, have made sweaters, and can modify patterns, but have not steeked or designed a project completely from scratch. I have no interest in trying intarsia or entrelac. I have never attempted double knitting, and am terrible at Kitchener stitch.
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Nope.
5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.)
Coconut.
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
No. I try to avoid candy that contains gelatin. I do like Swedish fish because they aren’t too sweet.
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
Currently learning to spin with M's wheel. I also crochet, draw/paint, do calligraphy, and make Ukrainian eggs. I am learning woodcarving, and I get to be my husband's helper on home remodeling projects (we're painting and putting in wood floors ourselves).
8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I just got an iPod nano, and my stereo can do MP3s in any format. I am partial to Led Zeppelin, Crosby Stills & Nash, Heart…anything in the “classic rock” genre is perfect. I lack the ability to appreciate modern country/western music.
9. What's your favorite color? Or do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
Celery green, blues, browns, pale pink. I like yellows and oranges if they are earthy and not too obnoxious. Purple and red are not my favorites.
10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Married, with two cats who think they are children. Hope to add a human child in the next year.
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens, or ponchos?
Scarves, hats, mittens. I'm in Seattle, so we can wear wool 9 months out of the year. I think my husband would divorce me if I ever wore a poncho, though.
12. What are your favorite items to knit?
Baby sweaters.
13. What are you knitting right now?
What I'm knitting right now.
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
YES!
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Circular, bamboo or Addi Turbos.
16. Do you own a yarn winder and swift?
Yes, I treated myself to both after an unfortunate incident in which I managed to hog-tie myself while trying to wind a ball of silk using nothing but the tools I was born with (hands and feet).
17. How did you learn to knit?
How I learned to knit.
18. How old is your oldest UFO?
The neverending oversized Aran sweater was started almost a year ago. Other than that, I tend to finish most things I start within a few months.
19. What is your favorite holiday?
Halloween, with St. Patrick's Day coming in a close second.
20. Is there anything that you collect?
Besides yarn? No, I’m not a collector, I'm a thrower-outer.
21. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I subscribe to Interweave Knits and Vogue Knitting. I am thinking of subscribing to Spin-Off, but haven’t committed yet. Yarns…hmmm. I would love some more random skeins of sock yarn to have on hand (Mountain Colors Bearfoot and Regia self-patterning are the only kinds I have tried so far, so I’d love to be exposed to other good ones!). I love any color of Jamieson’s Shetland DK or Jamieson & Smith jumper weight (for Fair Isle gloves). I would also like to read a book on natural dyes made from plants (especially indigo) or a good basic book about dyeing techniques in general.
22. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
Navajo plying, steeking, plant-based dyes and indigo dyeing.
23. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Oh, yes. My foot is medium-sized, I guess, 9.5 inches long.
24. When is your birthday?
April 3, Aries, born in the year of the dragon and the hour of the dragon (which, according to my horoscope, means I am destined to become a dictator).
Well, Secret Pal, I hope this gives you enough information to go on. Can't wait to see what you come up with!
S
