I am participating in Secret Pal 4, and realized that I had not posted my info yet for my pal. Sorry! I got my pal today, so I figured I had better get moving.
Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer high-end/natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?
I am not really a yarn snob, but I would prefer not to knit with acrylic. Some acrylics are OK though, I guess it depends on the project. I will admit that I do not have any acrylic in my stash.
Do you spin? Crochet?
I do know how to crochet, to a certain extent. I taught myself how to crochet before I started knitting. I have quite a few books on crochet, so I would probably need to go back for a quick review if I was ever forced to crochet. I have absolutely NO interest in spinning. I realize lots of people enjoy it, but I prefer to buy my yarn.
Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)
I have never been tested, but I am pretty allergic to smoke, mold and dust. Coming into contact with any of those usually makes me feel pretty ill. I am also allergic to salmon and red peppers. When I eat them, my ears and my face turn bright red!
How long have you been knitting?
I have been knitting about a year. I learned to crochet when I was little, but took it up again last January...followed by knitting.
Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes, I have an Amazon wish list.
What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
Unlike most people, I really don't like soft scents like vanilla, or floral scents. Except for maybe lilac or lavendar. I prefer spicy stuff like ginger, cinnamon, apple, pumpkin, and herbal scents. I wear ginger perfume. I hate patchouli. It literally makes my nose itch.
Do you have a sweet tooth?
Yes, but I am not a chocoholic. I actually like pie best of all desserts. Except maybe creme brulee.
What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
I have been sewing since I was in 4th grade, and used to make a lot of my own clothes. I also used to do cross-stitch before I started knitting. Now, I pretty much spend all of my "craft time" on knitting.
What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD).
I am not a huge music fan. Not even really sure I would want /use an iPod. I like disco, Etta James, Dave Matthews, Blondie, Madonna, Led Zeppelin, Go-Go's, Black Crowes, Sublime, among others. Unfortunately, I lost a bunch of my favorite CDs on a trip a few years back, so I am without a few of my favorites.
What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer?
I guess my favorite color is blue. At least that is the color most people tell me looks good on me. I also like green, hot pink, and black. That about sums up my wardrobe.
What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I have been married four years (five years this August) to the most wonderful boy, and we have a daughter that will soon be turning three. I have a six-year-old Lab who drives me nuts!
What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)
I guess my life dream is to live in a small town like Stuckyville (remember the show Ed), and have a small store of some sort. But, I still want to live pretty close to a urban area. Just in case I get the urge to go to a museum or something. For the most part, I just want my family to be healthy and happy.
What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
My favorite yarns are Rowan and Debbie Bliss. I also like the Noro yarns a lot.
What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
My first real knitting project was with cotton, and we never really got along. As a matter of fact, that project is sitting in my stash half finished. I doubt I will be picking it up, or any cotton for that matter, any time soon. But, I would probably rather knit with cotton than scratchy acrylic.
What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
I don't really have any obsessions, but I have a problem with getting things finished. I get bored really easy, so I need to learn to always keep a small project around so I feel like I am getting somewhere. I do want to start knitting stuffed animals. I got a couple of books for Christmas, so I have a few in mind.
What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I think baby items are great. I wish I had started knitting before my daughter was born because I missed out on knitting little girl things. I want to learn intarsia so I can make my new nephew some cute little sweaters. I also like felted things. I made my niece a felted purse last year, and I really liked the process.
What are you knitting right now?
A sweater for me, Clapotis, a sweater for my husband, and a round cape made of a beautiful variegated Manos. The cape has been on the needles since this past summer!
What do you think about ponchos?
I love ponchos...at least most of them. I used to have a really cool one that a neighbor made for me when I was like six or seven (she crocheted). I haven't made one yet, but plan to make myself or my daughter one at some point. You know, when I have extra time (Ha!)
Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
I prefer circular needles. Straights hurt my hands after a while.
Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I like Addi turbos, but do most things on my Denise Interchangeables. I have a pair of Moon Lantern Rosewood straights, and I have to admit I kind of like them.
Are you a sock knitter?
I will be taking a sock class in February at my LYS...Knit Happens. I can't wait! I really want to make my husband a nice pair of socks. I love all the vibrant, crazy sock yarns that are out there.
How did you learn to knit?
I taught myself from the Stitch n' Bitch book.
How old is your oldest UFO?
My oldest UFO is probably about 9 months old. A sleeveless sweater that was my second knitting attempt. I have the back done. I could probably knit the front up in a few days if I just put my mind to it. All stockinette, so nothing exciting there.
What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
My favorite animal is the horse (I used to own four of them). I don't know if I have a favorite animated character, but Wonder Woman is my favorite comic/Superhero.
What is your favorite holiday?
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I love the fall, and I love turkey! I could probably eat turkey everyday. Turkey, rice and gravy...heaven!
Is there anything that you collect?
I collect Wonder Woman related items. I have a pretty cool collection started, but need to find an "official" place for everything.
uh oh :( I was getting ready to send you something when I realized your address didn't match up with what I'd read about you. Then I PASTED the link that I got for your site instead of clicking on it, and wouldn't you know? It brought me to a TOTALLY different site!!!! :( It appears I'm not your secret pal after all... Have you heard from anyone else? Please write back and let me know. This makes me saad :-\
Posted by: Maybe NOT your Secret Pal | February 12, 2005 at 12:34 PM
Hey girlie :) thanks for the info!!!!
Posted by: Secret Pal | January 31, 2005 at 08:51 PM
I love Wonder Woman stuff, too! My knitting notebook is a Wonder Woman book from the bust.com boutique.
Posted by: Becky | January 31, 2005 at 01:34 PM