1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand?
Definitely all the same to me. I do have some mohair to knit a jumper in but have never used it before so still a bit wary of getting any more till I have used it.
2. Do you spin? Crochet?
Don’t spin. I’d like to be able to but I don’t think I’ll ever get round to it. I can crochet and do crochet. I learnt at Knit & Stitches show in Harrogate in November how to Tunisian crochet but haven't gone much further on it yet.
3. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I’ve got a storage case for one set of my metal needles, a roll case for my bamboo needles and then one of those stackable boxes with lids for the remainder.
4. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I started to learn in 1983/84. Would say intermediate – advanced.
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Not at the moment. I tend to go through phases of what books I collect so its always best to ask me.
6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
I like citrus smells and rose. I also like the smell of lavender but is not something I’d want something too permanent smelling of.
7. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Yes have a very sweet tooth. Probably chocolate but I always like trying new ones. I used to really love “leibkuchen” I think they were called. German shortbread hearts with apricot jam in the middle and covered in plain chocolate. On the don’t likes are apple flavours and liquorice.
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
I’ve bought myself a cross-stitch and rug making kit to have a go at. Not sure how well I’ll take to it at the moment though. I also learnt the basics for Tunisian crochet at Harrogate last November but undecided now whether I’ll take it further.
9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
Quite a mixed range. Not so fond of 1990s onward though. Yes I can play everything. I also collect Dr Who audios and am quite behind on those.
10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
I like various green but not lime (bit too bright for me to wear), also like blue and some oranges. If knitting for myself I don't like pastels. I also ABSOLUTELY LOATHE pink.
11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Partner of five and a quarter years. At the moment we have two cats (Cairo and Lara), two rabbits (Dobbie and Winkie) and a gerbil (Titch).
12. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
I wear gloves. Again these are bottle green. I am not really a hat person either although I have done myself a balaclava.
13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
I think I prefer “plain” as opposed to the current fashion furs (see q 14).
14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I don't like the eyelash and fur yarns (funky fur, fizz, foxy etc). I also absolutely detest Dune after having a disaster knitting a poncho in it early last year.
15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
It seems to be other people’s jumpers at the moment as have had a couple of commissions. It is also my intention to knit through my stash this year which consists of a lot of baby yarns.
16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Would say that I am not too fussy although with the commissions it seems to be jumpers at the moment. Travelling to/from work I make blanket squares – easy to knit and no major problems if you get shoved/lose your place.
17. What are you knitting right now?
I am just in the midst of finishing off Patons Cargo sweater with flounced hem. I also have a patons cot blanket which they have called “ada” on the go. After finishing the cargo I will be starting on a black chunky jumper which I intend to turn round a lot quicker as it is a plain chunky.
18. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Yes.
19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
The majority of mine are straight although I do have some circulars. The blanket squares I make using a circular as I do them on the train..
20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I have a set of both. I would like to try some lacework on the smaller needles so they don’t bend out of shape because I have been that bent needles effect tension.
21. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
I did try a yarn winder but we didn’t agree.
22. How did you learn to knit?
It was a combination of my mother and my father’s mother who started me off initially. I then had some input from my grandmother’s sister. As time has gone on I’ve read books and given things a try sometimes successfully and other times not!
23. How old is your oldest UFO?
I inherited a pair of gloves when my nan died so these are about 20 years old. My own UFO though is a balaclava I made about 4-5 years ago which I finally sewed it up in November but still need to do a rib edging for round my face. I needed to make it up quickly as it was extremely cold and windy when I was helping at Harrogate.
24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
Simba from Lion King is my favourite character. As for favourite animal. I like black Labradors and caramel dutch rabbits (see Sixpence’s pic).
25. What is your favorite holiday?
I don’t really do holidays but the times I go away I prefer a doing/seeing break as opposed to sunbathing. Seasonal holiday I like Christmas - think its the kid in me.
26. Is there anything that you collect?
I’m into Dr Who, Enid Blyton, Star Wars but am a natural hoarder.
27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I don’t have any subscriptions on the go but intend to so it will be Simply Knitting and Knitting.
28. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on?
No I usually think about what I want to knit and then look around for a pattern. I've also had a post-xmas clearout of patterns I've never used.
29. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
The technique of being able to just follow a pattern straight and no need to frog it!
30. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
I’ve never tried knitting socks although I’ve been sent a pair to knit as a thank you present which I really must get round to doing. Measurement is UK8 and I wear plain black/navy socks for work but do like character socks/days of weeks etc.
31. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
24 July.
32. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)?
Only if you intend sending me pharmaceutical medication – otherwise no!
