Secret Pal 8 Questionnaire

Note to my pal - please feel free to email me with any more questions.

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

The feel of a fabric/yarn is important to me. I love the Debbie Bliss Cashmerino range (baby & aran I haven't used DK yet), pure wools & other natural fibres. I'm not keen on squeaky arylic, novelty yarns or very 'sheddy' yarns like mohair.

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

My circular needles when not being used are kept in their plastic sleeves in a basket. My crochet hooks are stored in a pencil case in my knitting bag which holds all my other 'notions'.

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

I've been knitting since 1990 but I've been actively knitting for about 8 years as I had a break in the middle. I'd consider myself an intermediate knitter.

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

Yes - please email for details.

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

I love natural scents but I'm not keen on floral scents particulary lavender. I recently recieved a windfall in bath goodies so really don't need any soap but the bathbombs are depleating fast

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

Yes I do have a sweet tooth but am trying not to eat too much sweet stuff. I love Green & Blacks, Galaxy & black liquorice. I can't stand Turkish Delight or other floral tasting sweets.

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

I don't spin. I can cross-stitch but don't. It's only knitting really with a bit of crochet.

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

All our stereos & PC's play MP3's.

Fleetwood Mac
The Pretenders
Norah Jones
KT Tunstall
Joan Armatrading
Ella Fitzgerald
Crowded House
Scissor Sisters
Keane
Paul Weller
Talking Heads
Semi Sonic

9. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?

I love strong colours - reds, purples & pinks. Like blues, greens. I can't stand orange & yellow.

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

Married with 1 10 year old daughter - who is a keen beginner knitter & competitive swimmer. DH is into photography & Speedway.
Dogs - two Airedale terrier bitches; Blue & Annie, three elderly cats; Tia, Monet & Pam + Vince the female hamster - we didn't name her.

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

I wear scarves & mittens. A hat if it's absolutely freezing but I don't suit them. Ponchos - no.

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

At the moment socks.

13. What are you knitting right now?

This is an embarrassingly long list:
Lacy Scallop socks, baby socks, crochet bag, mohair bowl, entrelac shawl, baby blanket + baby bootees. Plus more I can't think of at the moment.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Yes please

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

Circs all the way - favourites are addi turbos & I like bamboos but not Inox with horrible joins.

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

A yarn winder.

17. How did you learn to knit?

A German friend taught me when I was 19 - unfortunately I've now lost touch with her. Last I heard she was teaching in Turkey.

18. How old is your oldest UFO?

8 year old cotton baby jumper - found recently in the loft just needs one sleeve.

19. What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas when the whole family is home from work & school.

20. Is there anything that you collect?

Yarn but I've now signed up to Stashalong as I have too much & tasteful Airedale Terrier items.

21. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

I have a subscription for Interweave Knits. I've been very fortunate to have received lots of fanastic birthday presents recently so have been spoilt. I have an amazon wishlist with loads of books that I'd love. I'd also love to try a skein of sock yarn that we can't buy here in the UK.

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

I'm still exploring socks & felting. Instaria & fairaisle don't appeal to me.

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

UK 7, US 8 1/2. Circumference 9" according to the measurement guide in Sensational Knitted Socks

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

04/23 - just had it!