Dear Secret Pal

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

I'm so new to knitting I love almost everything. I like experimenting with different textures. I'm currently using EuroFlax Linen. Everyone said I would hate it. But I enjoy its structure. The one thing I tried and HATED was kidsilk haze. I think I went blind trying to keep it all straight. Made me crazy!

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

A teacup from Harrods, a plastic mug from KAMs and my own home-made fabric needle/roll case. I store my double points in a store bought fabric case.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I have been knitting since 2002 (I think) and consider myself intermediate skill level. I taught myself from reading books.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

Yes I do - Amazon is near and dear to me and my checkbook!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/registry.html/ref=wlem-si-html_viewall/002-4677395-8240000?id=UWYYPWMUNWWS

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.)

My favorite candle scent is anything that makes you think clean - like rain, linen, lavender, white tea. I don't like candles or bath products that smell like food - just makes me hungry.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

I enjoy candy but don't live for it. I hate chocolates that are all mixed up with stuff like nuts and flavoring. Keep it simple - chocolate is good all by itself.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

Currently I'm learning to sew, I like to cook - deserts only. I don't spin and at the moment have no interest.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

Music is very important to me and I like a wide variety. I'm currently into international stuff - Girl from Ipanema is a favorite. I'm an NPR junkie and don't leave home without my iPOD.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

My favorite colors are warm autumn tones. Reds, navy, orange and greens. Not the circus orange and greens...but nice warm tones.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

I'm married with one cat that bosses us both around.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

I love scarves and mittens - hats mess up my hair and ponchos aren't my thing. I made one for my sister (at her request) and she doesn't wear it either...(just checking if your reading)...

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

My favorite theme is babies. The items are small and quick and really delight new mothers.

13. What are you knitting right now?

Right now - I'm deep into the Mason Dixon book - so I'm working on dishrags, linen handtowls and linen lace.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Yes.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

I prefer straight wooden needles. Bamboo seems too sticky - aluminum isn't sticky enough.

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

Yes I do - I inherited my swift from someone who thought it was a pany hose dryer.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

Not more than a month - I pick a goal and go after it.

18. What is your favorite holiday?

Halloween - but I hate scary gory stuff.

19. Is there anything that you collect?

Nope - minimalist is my thing.

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 guess I do collect something - knitting books. I buy them sometimes before they are released and pretty much have my own personal library.

I subscribe to Interweave Knits and Vogue Knitting.

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

I would like to learn an easy/fast cast-on. I just hate starting a pattern when it says cast-on 146. YUK.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

I just learned to turn a heel and have finished 2 pairs of socks. The small yarn scared me away for a long time! I'm ready to try one of those self striping yarns. My feet are size 10.

23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)

Jan 5 - Capricorn

Some EXTRA questions in honor of Tali's b-day.

1. Where is your favorite knitting spot?

A train or plane.

2. If you suddenly could never knit again (shudder) - what would you do instead?

Take up exercising to get rid of all the weight I've gained sitting around knitting!

3. If you could travel anywhere in the world - where would you go and why?

At the moment - Liverpool. I'm sick.

4. When you were little - What did you want to do "when you grew up?" Are you doing it?

I wanted to be a teacher and no I'm not doing it.

5. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

Chocolate Chip