(no subject)
I'm taking part in the secretpal_lj4 swap which should be wicked fun :)
Behind the cut is a ton of info about my knitting habits
Your knitting/crocheting habits & desires
1. Do you knit, crochet, or do both?
I knit and I've been trying to learn crochet with very limited success. Having only one stick is very confusing :p
2. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I've been knitting for about four years now. I'd say my skill set is in the high intermediate level. I can usually pick new things up pretty quickly.
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?
Most of what I knit with comes from one beastie or another. I tend to be a big texture knitter, so really soft, luxurious yarns keep finding their way into my stash. I also really like knitting with plant fibers. One of my favorite FOs is a bikini top knit out of this gorgeous hemp I picked up on a trip to B.C. I'm working on a sweater out of the softest cotton I've ever felt (Blue Sky Cotton, colors Espresso, Pumpkin and Tomato).
I avoid buying the standard slick acrylic, mostly because I have so much of it already that I'm not using all too often. Thankfully I have no fiber allergies.
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?
Needle storage = a disaster. They are rubber banded and if I'm lucky they've managed to find their way back into a plastic bin. Which plastic bin is always anybodies guess.
Other tools are in plastic bins as well, if they're small they often are in a tin inside a bin, but not always.
Yarn is in old milk crates, plastic bins, some fabric storage boxes, and bags. It's a step up from in the big wicker basket I guess. Everything has to be higher than dog nnose level or it will be destroyed.
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 tend to use circs as often as possible since I like to do knitting on the bus and it's so much easier to safely store things on circs. I do also love DPNs because I'm just alittle crazy.
I love bamboo needles the only thing I've used so far that gives them a run for their money is the single Turbo circ that is around here somewhere.
I've been thinking about picking up a set of hardwood needles, but just haven't done it yet.
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?
Nope, no ball winder or swift for me and no real preference on center-pull balls.
7. Are you a sock knitter? Do you want to learn?
Just when I as ready to start on my first pair, the dog ate my yarn. *sigh*
I haven't done socks yet, but I really want to
8. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Hats are a long time favorite, and I've been getting really into long wrist/arm warmers and fingerless gloves lately.
9. What are you knitting right now? Any current obsessions like socks, lace, felting, etc.?
On the needles: a ribbed scarf, a sweater, and some wrist warmers.
Current obsessions: Learning and using new stitch patterns.
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 just learned double knitting a month ago and I've been trying to figure out the right project to show it off.
I've always wanted to try lace work, but my attempts haven't gone too well.
I would love to get my hands on some super soft silk or silk blends. I touch them every time I go to the yarn store but I can never think of what to make with it so I always put it back.
11. How old is your oldest UFO (UnFinished Object)?
*cringes* 2+ years. I need to just take the damn thing apart since I don't like the color combination anymore.
12. Do you have any knitting magazine subscriptions? Any that you love or buy regularly?
Nope. I wouldn't even know where to start.
13. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Love them!
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.
Ohhhhh hand knitted socks = love. 9 1/4 inches around the ball, and 9 and 1/4 inches from heel to toe.
Non-knitting stuff
1. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Include a link.
Heh I have five amazon lists. Knitting related books can be found on this list
2. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.) Any you can't stand?
citrus and foresty are my favorites, vanilla and spicy smells are good, and flowery is yuck
3. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy or snacks? Anything you would hate to get?
Mmmm sweet tooth. Favorites = gummies, lemon drops, other fruit flavor candies, dark chocolate, and tea.
I don't like cinnamon flavored candies.
4. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (in case your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I'm a folkie at heart, and have a pretty broad appreciation for music in general. I love lyrics that make me think, especially with women vocalists. The only genre I haven't found something I love in is metal, not for lack of trying. Most often on my playlists right now: Tegan and Sara, Le Tigre, Dar Williams, Raining Jane
5. What is your favorite holiday?
May Day
6. Do you have a favorite animated character, animal, etc.?
Animated character(s) = My Little Pony
Animal = Osprey
7. Are you into any fandoms? (Harry Potter, Buffy, etc.)
A tiny bit of Buffy and Harry Potter, isued to quite active in the MLP fandom but have dropped off in recent years.
8. How do you decorate your room/house? Is there anything that you collect?
We decorate with books! This is largely true :p
I've got a wall of feminist women that I'm always adding to.
I collect: Original My Little Ponies from the 80's/90's, Pullip dolls (many Barbie clothes fit them), metal lunch boxes, Bunnykins things.
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 can't pick a favorite color, it changes all the time. The only color I really don't knit with is purple.
10. Would you like and use icons, layouts, banners or wallpapers? Anything specific?
Icons are lovely. Fun knitting icons, feminist icons, and outdoorsie icons would all rule.
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've done a tiny bit of spinning with a drop spindle. I'd really like to get a starter wheel but it's just not in the cards for the immediate future. I've done some hand dying and really like it, I need to get more dye in more colors.
Other crafty stoof I do includes dry felting, beading and sewing. I make bags fairly often and little stuffed animals.
2. What is your family/living situation? Do you have any pets?
I live with my awesome partner belladonnalin and my little brother zypoj. We live in a house with amazing natural light and have two beastie dogs. My dog Angel, who is a 3 year old german shepherd mix, and my brother's dog Brigand, who is a 7-8 month old lab/pointer/mutt.
3. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens/gloves, slippers or ponchos?
Yes to all except ponchos. I do however wear shawls.
4. Do you make graphics? Do you have a paid Livejournal account?
If by do you make graphics you mean can you crop a picture and make it into a pretty icon then yes. And that's about the extent of my graphics skillz. I do have a paid LJ account.
5. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
04/26 I just tuned 28 :)
6. Anything else you'd like to add?
not at the moment
Behind the cut is a ton of info about my knitting habits
Your knitting/crocheting habits & desires
1. Do you knit, crochet, or do both?
I knit and I've been trying to learn crochet with very limited success. Having only one stick is very confusing :p
2. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I've been knitting for about four years now. I'd say my skill set is in the high intermediate level. I can usually pick new things up pretty quickly.
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?
Most of what I knit with comes from one beastie or another. I tend to be a big texture knitter, so really soft, luxurious yarns keep finding their way into my stash. I also really like knitting with plant fibers. One of my favorite FOs is a bikini top knit out of this gorgeous hemp I picked up on a trip to B.C. I'm working on a sweater out of the softest cotton I've ever felt (Blue Sky Cotton, colors Espresso, Pumpkin and Tomato).
I avoid buying the standard slick acrylic, mostly because I have so much of it already that I'm not using all too often. Thankfully I have no fiber allergies.
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?
Needle storage = a disaster. They are rubber banded and if I'm lucky they've managed to find their way back into a plastic bin. Which plastic bin is always anybodies guess.
Other tools are in plastic bins as well, if they're small they often are in a tin inside a bin, but not always.
Yarn is in old milk crates, plastic bins, some fabric storage boxes, and bags. It's a step up from in the big wicker basket I guess. Everything has to be higher than dog nnose level or it will be destroyed.
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 tend to use circs as often as possible since I like to do knitting on the bus and it's so much easier to safely store things on circs. I do also love DPNs because I'm just alittle crazy.
I love bamboo needles the only thing I've used so far that gives them a run for their money is the single Turbo circ that is around here somewhere.
I've been thinking about picking up a set of hardwood needles, but just haven't done it yet.
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?
Nope, no ball winder or swift for me and no real preference on center-pull balls.
7. Are you a sock knitter? Do you want to learn?
Just when I as ready to start on my first pair, the dog ate my yarn. *sigh*
I haven't done socks yet, but I really want to
8. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Hats are a long time favorite, and I've been getting really into long wrist/arm warmers and fingerless gloves lately.
9. What are you knitting right now? Any current obsessions like socks, lace, felting, etc.?
On the needles: a ribbed scarf, a sweater, and some wrist warmers.
Current obsessions: Learning and using new stitch patterns.
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 just learned double knitting a month ago and I've been trying to figure out the right project to show it off.
I've always wanted to try lace work, but my attempts haven't gone too well.
I would love to get my hands on some super soft silk or silk blends. I touch them every time I go to the yarn store but I can never think of what to make with it so I always put it back.
11. How old is your oldest UFO (UnFinished Object)?
*cringes* 2+ years. I need to just take the damn thing apart since I don't like the color combination anymore.
12. Do you have any knitting magazine subscriptions? Any that you love or buy regularly?
Nope. I wouldn't even know where to start.
13. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Love them!
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.
Ohhhhh hand knitted socks = love. 9 1/4 inches around the ball, and 9 and 1/4 inches from heel to toe.
Non-knitting stuff
1. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Include a link.
Heh I have five amazon lists. Knitting related books can be found on this list
2. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.) Any you can't stand?
citrus and foresty are my favorites, vanilla and spicy smells are good, and flowery is yuck
3. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy or snacks? Anything you would hate to get?
Mmmm sweet tooth. Favorites = gummies, lemon drops, other fruit flavor candies, dark chocolate, and tea.
I don't like cinnamon flavored candies.
4. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (in case your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I'm a folkie at heart, and have a pretty broad appreciation for music in general. I love lyrics that make me think, especially with women vocalists. The only genre I haven't found something I love in is metal, not for lack of trying. Most often on my playlists right now: Tegan and Sara, Le Tigre, Dar Williams, Raining Jane
5. What is your favorite holiday?
May Day
6. Do you have a favorite animated character, animal, etc.?
Animated character(s) = My Little Pony
Animal = Osprey
7. Are you into any fandoms? (Harry Potter, Buffy, etc.)
A tiny bit of Buffy and Harry Potter, isued to quite active in the MLP fandom but have dropped off in recent years.
8. How do you decorate your room/house? Is there anything that you collect?
We decorate with books! This is largely true :p
I've got a wall of feminist women that I'm always adding to.
I collect: Original My Little Ponies from the 80's/90's, Pullip dolls (many Barbie clothes fit them), metal lunch boxes, Bunnykins things.
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 can't pick a favorite color, it changes all the time. The only color I really don't knit with is purple.
10. Would you like and use icons, layouts, banners or wallpapers? Anything specific?
Icons are lovely. Fun knitting icons, feminist icons, and outdoorsie icons would all rule.
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've done a tiny bit of spinning with a drop spindle. I'd really like to get a starter wheel but it's just not in the cards for the immediate future. I've done some hand dying and really like it, I need to get more dye in more colors.
Other crafty stoof I do includes dry felting, beading and sewing. I make bags fairly often and little stuffed animals.
2. What is your family/living situation? Do you have any pets?
I live with my awesome partner belladonnalin and my little brother zypoj. We live in a house with amazing natural light and have two beastie dogs. My dog Angel, who is a 3 year old german shepherd mix, and my brother's dog Brigand, who is a 7-8 month old lab/pointer/mutt.
3. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens/gloves, slippers or ponchos?
Yes to all except ponchos. I do however wear shawls.
4. Do you make graphics? Do you have a paid Livejournal account?
If by do you make graphics you mean can you crop a picture and make it into a pretty icon then yes. And that's about the extent of my graphics skillz. I do have a paid LJ account.
5. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
04/26 I just tuned 28 :)
6. Anything else you'd like to add?
not at the moment