Sunday, February 25, 2007

Secret Pal 10

I am excited because I have been admitted to Secret Pal 10. Here are my responses to the questionnaire for SP10.

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? Truthfully, I like anything that is soft and springy: alpaca, casmere, merino, even (dare I say it?) some of the 'man-made' fibers.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? I have a mix of holders, some are kept in their original packaging in a bin, others are in roll-up holders and/or vinyl envelopes.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I did learn how to knit when I was a child, but only garter stitch and never made anything. I was an avid crocheter for many years. When I was 28 (which was many many years ago), with a good friend's encouragement I attempted a sweater. I never finished it... :-P
December 2005, I picked up the needles again to make some Christmas gifts, couldn't remember squat, so went online and learned. I feel that I am still a beginner with mostly scarves and some socks and hats completed. I learned how to cable last month!

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? No.

5. What's your favorite scent? They change with the seasons. In the winter it is cinnamon and nutmeg. Spring and summer the lighter floral and greener scents.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? Dark chocolate with espresso.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I cross-stitch, embroider, needlepoint, sew and garden.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) My musical tastes are eclectic but lean toward 'country'. I do have an iPod.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Dark forest green. Any colors you just can't stand? Puce, chartreuse, etc.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I'm single, living with a wonderful dog - Mona.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? Yes, to all but the ponchos.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Don't have one yet.

13. What are you knitting right now? Socks, fingerless mittens, scarf and shawl.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Yes. They are my favorite gifts.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? My preference in needles depends on what I am knitting (object and yarn).

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? Yes.

17. How old is your oldest UFO? Refer to question 3.

18. What is your favorite holiday? Thanksgiving.

19. Is there anything that you collect? Lately, yarn.

20. 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.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? The Latvian Mittens.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? Yes, I knit socks, slowly, but I do knit them. I wear a size 11 wide shoe. I will have to measure my foot.

23. When is your birthday? February 22.

Thursday, February 15, 2007

I'm still here

I haven't gone anywhere, except for that place of a sometimes (for me) overwhelming life. I am still knitting. Didn't finish much of my Christmas knits, but I did complete two pair of Fetching, a scarf for the Red Scarf project, and some socks. My camera died, but I have now replaced it and hope to post pictures soon. Had a nasty knee injury and a bad infection that have kept me somewhat confined. Those things are better, and I feel like I am emerging from a funky fog. Why now during a wretched winter blast? Don't know, though I like it! (The feeling better part, the weather....)
Well, I am off to play with the camera and finish the laundry.