the internet has gotten me.
Note: I left this backdated to when it was first posted, 10/12, but edited it fairly heavily 11/12. Apparently I've got a secret angel pal now, and figured it worth it to add/change some details for said angel. Thank you!!
1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?
*sigh*, i suppose i've developed into a bit of a yarn snob. not to say i don't appreciate acrylic (and blends, moreso), it makes for a great long-lasting afghan (using a few colors of TLC Amore to make one...well...eventually). But yes, I do love me my natural stuff.
2. Do you spin? Crochet?
I don't spin; I'd love to try, and probably will someday when I find myself with extra time and money..heh. I work my way pretty comfortably through crochet patterns, and have my share of hook sizes, but it usually will only beat out a knitting project for purposes of speed.
3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)
No allergies, just a pretty sensitive nose. Not too picky, but don't really desire a smoke smelling skein o' anything. Even for smokers, I imagine that's typical. I am no stranger to cat hair. I even think there may be a cat or two lurking in this apartment in the midst of it all..
4. How long have you been knitting?
Since I visited evie up in Santa Cruz. Not that I have any idea when that was, so I'll guess about twoish years.
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yep, an amazon one. I also have one on knitpicks, but can't figure out how to link it...the web address looks too generic to link to my actual wishlist. It's got the same knitting books as on the amazon list, plus 5 skeins of Shine (3 in Cloud, 2 in Sand) for the Tivoli top I plan on making for myself. At some point.
6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
Right now, probably ginger. Otherwise, it's safe to avoid anything that makes you feel like you're drowning in roses, or choking on baked goods. Nature-y smells are good for candles.
7. Do you have a sweet tooth?
I imagine there's more than one in there. Smarties, candy corn (the non uber waxy kind, i.e. Brauch's...questionably spelled, but you get it), 3 musketeers, milk chocolate (alone or with carmel/nuts), sour stuff. I have strong distaste for mushy fruit and generally fruits mixed in candy...so please don't send me an apple pie. ;]
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
I have a sewing machine (well, jointly owened), two nearly finished backpacks, and a few garment patterns to try. But other than some moderately remedial crochet work, I'm really just a knitter.
9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
Yep it can. See specific music loves on my facebook profile. Though wait...I guess non friends can't see it, so here: ambulance ltd, barenaked ladies, ben folds five, bruce springsteen, cake, the cranberries, dar williams, the decemberists, dido, dispatch, enya, flaming lips, grateful dead, jimmy buffet, keller williams, manu chao, modest mouse, the mountain goats, paul simon, rusted root, sarah mclaughlin, sting, string cheese incident, sublime, they might be giants, tom petty, van morrison, the wallflowers, weezer.
10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
Earthy colors (greens and browns). I think I've OD'ed on blue and often avoid jeans for just that reason. I do love color, but tend to be drawn to the darker shades. Um, except for the occasional mango. Silvery greys are quite lovely. I tend to buy too much verigated stuff, and then find myself at a loss for an appropriate pattern. That doesn't go for self striping/coloring sock yarn. Verigated socks are oh so beautious.
11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Living with roommate (she just graduated, one year left for me) and two cats; one married older (27yrs) brother in law school living at home in san diego near the parents.
12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)
I'm pretty ambiguous about life dreams. As of now, I believe I'd like to teach. High school biology? Neuroscience in a non-research-crazed university? I'd also like to hike the AT. It's not so much a life dream, as something that's been planned for awhile that I'd be pretty damn disappointed if I didn't get to do. I'd like to believe I've got a pretty good life laid out ahead of me, specific dreams or not.
13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
Don't think I have a favorite. Haven't had quite enough exposure? Still loving new things? Probably both. Would love to try Koigu (especially their sock yarn), other popular/nice sock yarns, Karabella 4/8, and really, whatever other lovely things I have yet to discover.
14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
uh, yeah, don't think I have a strict answer for this one, either. I'm a bit afraid of mohair, but it can be nice stranded with other things. Cashmere does nothing to excite me, for its cost. Also, typically not a fan of 'novelty yarn'. Generally too...loud.
15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
I'd say socks, but I'm at a bit of a stuck point on the current project. Lace is also a solid contender, and I think I'll have even more praise once I get to the end of the current lacy project and witness the blocking magic. Little needles, little yarn, lots of beauty.
16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Probably socks. It's just so exciting to be able to make that shape out of two sticks and a string. And so many options!
17. What are you knitting right now?
Orangina for me, Fishtail Lace scarf/shawl (pdf) for mum, Leaf and Tendril socks for mum, DNA scarf for a friend (about 20 rows to go as i'm updating this 11/12), and waaay on the back burner is a 20 squared afghan for me. One square done (two, but I've got to frog one...for reasons I'd rather not discuss). I have yarn and pattern, there's just too much else on the list. It'll happen. Eventually. As will a Rowan Cork sweater, and Rogue. Oh yes, Rogue.
18. What do you think about ponchos?
I never really understood this craze. And unfortunately, my mother crocheted one for me...lots of time and love into something I just will never wear. We're giving it to a friend (sigh).
19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
Circulars, absolutely. (I started socks via two circs, and also know/use magic loop now. straight needles, begone!)
20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
mmm...bamboo. They feel good, nice and quiet, and they're pretty. Only problem is the joins. (well, only for lace do i really care). For that purpose, I intend to shift to plastic, specifically these bad boys. Flexible, smooth, and happy. Don't have any yet, would love to try some. Sizes, oh...4-6, I think.
21. Are you a sock knitter?
I think we've covered this.
22. How did you learn to knit?
Miss Evelyn taught me. Well, sort of. She taught me the wrong way to knit, and the right way to purl. I was corrected by a yarn store owner in Witchita Falls, TX (Barbara), and sent on my way with increasing frustration (i thought i knew how to knit...this new way felt impossibly harder). Set it down for awhile and then re-taught myself from Stitch n' Bitch. From which, naturally, I learned to purl incorrectly. I then taught my mom how to knit (and purl, incorrectly), she purchased Knitting for Dummies, and promptly corrected me. So, I kind of had four different teachers. Quite a mess, it was.
23. How old is your oldest UFO?
I suppose this is the afghan...maybe a year? Perhaps more? eesh.
24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
Have to go with the moose. That is one lanky, badass creature. And monkeys...who doesn't like a monkey? I also like rats...first as cute little pets and now, well, I work in a lab and know that they're pretty smart little guys.
25. What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas. Unlike all the other big ones, it's only let me down one out of twenty-one years. Pretty impressive.
26. Is there anything that you collect?
Does compulsive purchasing and losing count as collecting? If so, chapstick. I am constantly searching for the perfect chapstick. minty, smooth, long lasting. I know it's out there.
27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I don't.
28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on?
Amazon wish list answers this. Really, any of those knitting ones. I've already got a pretty damn good collection (Vogue Knitting, Stitch n Bitch, Knitting for Dummies, Weekend Knitting, Knitted Gifts, World of Knitted Toys, the Knitter's Book of Finishing Techniques, the Knitter's Handbook, Knitting on the Road, and Two Socks on Two Circular Needles...wow...yes, that's a lot), but somehow want more.
29. Any patterns you have been coveting, but haven't bought for one reason or another??
Rogue. I plan to make it, though not for awhile. I haven't tried sweaters yet, and have the yarn (Rowan Cork) and pattern (from an old Rowan Cork magazine) all set to go for my first one, which I'll start after the holidays. So, Rogue is next on the list, and I would certainly not object to having the pattern early to oogle a bit.