Your knitting/crocheting habits & desires
1. Do you knit, crochet, or do both? I knit, therefore I am :)
2. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? Less than a year, taught by my best friend. I never shy away from a challenge, however, and would consider myself at least an intermediate knitter despite the fact that I haven't been at it very long.
3. What are your favorite yarns or fibers to knit with? What yarns/fibers do you avoid, dislike or hate? Are you allergic to any fibers? I love wool/silk blends and really soft merino wools. I also like superwash and the softer cottons for children's items. I avoid anything stiff or scratchy unless it is intended for felting. No allergies here :)
4. What do you use to store your needles/hooks? How about your other tools, like stitch holders and point protectors? Where do you store your yarn? I have a handmade needle case made for me as a Christmas gift. Most of my notions and yarn are in a large, wheeled craft "suitcase" that I also received as a gift.
5. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Do you have a needle preference—bamboo, aluminum, plastic, etc.? Any needles you'd like to try? I use a variety of needles for a variety of purposes. I knit socks on DPNs and prefer aluminum to bamboo, though I just got a set of polymer "comfort zone" needles and am really enjoying them (have hated plastic needles in the past). I like short (16 or 12") circs for hats but might like to try a long Addi turbo to attempt magic loop socks.
6. Do you own a ball winder and/or swift? Would you prefer to receive center-pull balls of yarn, if the person that has you owns a winder/swift and is so inclined? I don't have a ball winder or swift, but don't mind winding by hand - I find it is a good way to get to know the yarn before a project.
7. Are you a sock knitter? Do you want to learn? Definitely - socks are my favorite "carry along" project.
8. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Love knitting for my kids and I particulary like knitting in the round - the less seaming/finishing the better.
9. What are you knitting right now? Any current obsessions like socks, lace, felting, etc.? Two charity projects - Socks for Soldiers and Hokie Healing squares. A cable-and-lace scarf for my Godmother and a baby sweater and hat set for my cousin :)
10. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? What have you always wanted to try knitting/crocheting? I finally got the Alan Dart gnome pattern and am looking forward to trying my hand at toys - I'd love a really good book on how to knit toys.
11. How old is your oldest UFO (UnFinished Object)? The only one not destined for the frog pond is Counterpoint from Magknits, which is intended for a music teacher friend. It is illusion knit and pretty boring to work, though I am happy with how it looks.
12. Do you have any knitting magazine subscriptions? Any that you love or buy regularly? No subscriptions, but I love IK.
13. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Absolutely!
14. Would you like to receive hand knitted socks? If so, what are your foot measurements? (Don't give just your shoe size—measure around the ball of your foot and also the length from heel to toe.) Of course, giving this information is no guarantee that you will actually receive knitted socks. It's just in case. Sure! My foot is 9.5 inches long and about 8 inches around :)
Non-knitting stuff
1. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Include a link. Don't have one, though DH says I am welcome to post his, lol.
2. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.) Any you can't stand?I like fruity scents and love white/green tea. Don't like Vanilla scents.
3. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy or snacks? Anything you would hate to get? I love chocolate - the darker the better - not a real fan of candy and sugar.
4. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (in case your buddy wants to make you a CD) Love Canadian Bands - Moxy Fruvous, Great Big Sea, Les Cowboys Fringants. Have an ipod and can play MP3s.
5. What is your favorite holiday? not a big holiday person - Autumn is my favorite season
6. Do you have a favorite animated character, animal, etc.? Curious George because he reminds me of my son.
7. Are you into any fandoms? (Harry Potter, Buffy, etc.) None
8. How do you decorate your room/house? Is there anything that you collect?Dust? I am not much of a decorator - my taste is very simple/natural.
9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? Is there a specific color family/palette that you enjoy knitting with or wearing? I love blues and greens but am open to just about anything.
10. Would you like and use icons, layouts, banners or wallpapers? Anything specific?Not really.
Other information about you
1. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? Dye yarn? Are you looking to try any of these, and which ones? I love kool-aid dying and would definitely love to try spinning some day.
2. What is your family/living situation? Do you have any pets? Married with three small kids - Noelle (5), Simon (3), and Sophie (1). We also have a Jack Russell/Pomeranian mix named Charity and recently lost our dear Beagle, Justin.
3. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens/gloves, slippers or ponchos? Any and all except maybe ponchos (it would really depend on the poncho I think)
4. Do you make graphics? Do you have a paid Livejournal account?No and No :(
5. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)01/27
6. Anything else you'd like to add?I can't wait to get started!
