Wednesday, May 31, 2006

SP8 - All About ME!

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I'm a new knitter so I'm not very "experienced." I've led a very sheltered life when it comes to yarns. Just like us, I think it ALL needs love! I'm not a yarn snob so I wouldn't say that I hate anything. But, I could definetly do without having to look at that Fun Fur stuff ever again. I'm a little fluffy myself, so I just like it light and soft. I just started something with the Rowan cork (my first Rowan) and I have to say that I'm quite impressed with it. I love that it has a little "give."



2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I've got a few yarn bags (just got the pirate bag from anatomy of a skirt - it roxs). Dope -- that's another picture I need to post. I've been planning on making one of the needle rolls shown in Stitch N Bitch, but haven't quite got there yet. I saw one made from a beuaitufl asian-design fabric, but then when back to the store and POOF it was gone. What was the question? Oh yeah, needle storage, my tote bags and a wine bottle holder-thingy.



3. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I've been knitting for a year last Thanksgiving. I'd like to say I'm intermediate, but I'd be lying! I'm still a beginner. I know NOTHING. I just started a cable scarf and have been ECSTATIC that I could actually cable. I've also done my first "pseudo-sock" by making the Pedicure sock from Knitty (but on the left one). I'd like to get into sweaters, tanks, and ponchos, but I'm slightly intimidated. I'd have to say that I can make a darn good scarf. (Jeez, hope that's not my forte!)


4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Actually, I don't think that I do. That's a great idea. I'll get started on it and let you all know!



5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
I really like “citrus-y” and “herb-y” smells. I have a candle that I like which is cucumber/mint (go figure) and it really smells nice. I also like most of the scents in Pier 1 (I think the Cilantro/Lime may be my favorite). I like anything as long as it is not too sweet/flowery.


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

Yes. Yes. Please no!



7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
Never tried spinning. We just moved into a new (used) house so we're doing a lot of FIY stuff there. I do a tiny bit of sewing - but mostly just for crafty items.



8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
Love music - ALL types. And yes, my computer plays MP3s. I've got an iPOD and a few music accounts so I've got almost everything out there. I like pop, rock, hip hop, rap, country, gospel, hard rock, funk, R&B, and on and on.



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 think I'm a "cool" person. I wear the pink, purples and things that have "blue" undertones. I have blonde hair (right now!) and violet eyes (right now!) and light/pink/freckled skin. I like a good mix of almost all colors. I like basic combos (black/white), earthy combos (black/brown), and I'm really into the pink/brown funky combos now. The only color that I really CAN'T wear is that bright aqua/tourqoise blue.



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

I'm a "newlywed" - we just had our first anniversary! I have 2 fabulous stepkids (16 & 17). We have 2 cats and a dog.




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

Yes, yep, yeah and uh-huh!




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

I think my “forte” may be scarves. Seems to be the only thing I’ve done consistently well. I really want to spread out into ponchos and sweaters, but I’m a little gun shy. I made one sweater (which I really like) but it came out 2 sizes too big. I want to redo it one day. I think I need one successful item of clothing under my belt and I’d be good to go.




13. What are you knitting right now?

I need to start the 2nd sock for the pedicure socks on knitty (they are TOO cute). I've started the Irish Knitting Scarf to learn to cable. Oh yeah, I've got the holiday red poncho which I'd forgotten about. And there's this scarf.... oh my, this is getting embarrassing. Okay, I'm working on the 2nd pedicure sock and the Irish Knitting Scarf.



14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Sure.




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

Uh yeah! I love circular needles but I've found for some things (like scarves) they seem to come out better on straight needles. I like bamboo, aluminum and plastic, but I think there's a special place in my heart for bamboo needles. (There's a new INTERCHANGEABLE bamboo set that I am SOOO lusting for!) I've heard alot of people rave about the Addi Turbos and I'd like to try them out one day. I'm just not sure if I'm advanced enough to use them.



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

No, but I did date a guy named Swift once, but lets not go there.



17. How did you learn to knit?

My coworker was knitting a lot of things and talking about it. I learned to crochet when I was a wee lass, but never learned to knit. I tried a couple of times on my own, but it was basically a disaster. Since my coworker was knitting (and she’s NOT in her 60’s), I thought it would be okay for me to take a class and learn to knit (without having people snicker behind my back). I went to the LYS (which is my FAVORITE LYS, by the way) and I was instantly ADDICTED (although I still hear snickering... ).



18. How old is your oldest UFO?

I haven't been knitting for that long, so I'd have to say a year old.




19. What is your favorite holiday?

Mmm, I really like them all. It used to be Halloween without a doubt. I loved dressing up and looking silly. I don’t get to dress up much anymore, so its not such a big deal anymore. Christmas is always great, but sometimes there is so much stress that you don’t get to sit back and enjoy it. My anniversary (which I’ve only had 1 of) rates pretty high up there. It was such a fun and fantastic day that I love to celebrate and think about it. I guess I’d have to pick my birthday as my favorite holiday now. I know there’s the whole “getting a year older thing” but it’s also ALL ABOUT ME – ME – ME!!! What’s better than that? Besides, as my mother – the old bag – would say, “Getting another year older sure beats the alternative!” Well said, Mom, well said.


20. Is there anything that you collect?

Not especially.




21. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
Yes, lots. I'll try to list some later.
I don't think I've subscribed to any knitting magazines. (Are there any?)



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

Oh yeah! I'd love to learn entrelac! There's a purse I'm dying to make (Market Squares), but I totally don't understand the concept. I haven't "felted" yet, but I'm dying to do it. I guess this project will kill two birds with one Stone! (ahh haa haa) I also would eventually like to learn the whole Miters-thing too.



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

Not really. I've only done Knitty's Pedicure socks and I don't think that counts. How do you measure your foot?? Uh, ladies size 10?


24. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
June 3rd - gemini - evil twins - eh eh eh

Monday, May 15, 2006

Shhhh! It's Secret Pal 8!

Time to be a responsible adult. My Secret Pal 8 questionnaire:

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


I'm a new knitter so I'm not very "experienced." I've led a very sheltered life when it comes to yarns. Just like us, I think it ALL needs love! I'm not a yarn snob so I wouldn't say that I hate anything. But, I could definetly do without having to look at that Fun Fur stuff ever again. I'm a little fluffy myself, so I just like it light and soft. I just started something with the Rowan cork (my first Rowan) and I have to say that I'm quite impressed with it. I love that it has a little "give."


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

I've got a few yarn bags (just got the pirate bag from anatomy of a skirt - it roxs). Dope -- that's another picture I need to post. I've been planning on making one of the needle rolls shown in Stitch N Bitch, but haven't quite got there yet. I saw one made from a beuaitufl asian-design fabric, but then when back to the store and POOF it was gone. What was the question? Oh yeah, needle storage, my tote bags and a wine bottle holder-thingy.


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

I've been knitting for a year last Thanksgiving. I'd like to say I'm intermediate, but I'd be lying! I'm still a beginner. I know NOTHING. I just started a cable scarf and have been ECSTATIC that I could actually cable. I've also done my first "pseudo-sock" by making the Pedicure sock from Knitty (but on the left one). I'd like to get into sweaters, tanks, and ponchos, but I'm slightly intimidated. I'd have to say that I can make a darn good scarf. (Jeez, hope that's not my forte!)

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

Actually, I don't think that I do. That's a great idea. I'll get started on it and let you all know!

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



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

Yes. Yes. Please no!

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

Never trying spinning. We just moved into a new (used) house so we're doing a lot of FIY stuff there. I do a tiny bit of sewing - but mostly just for crafty items.

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

Love music - ALL types. And yes, my computer plays MP3s. I've got an iPOD and a few music accounts so I've got almost everything out there. I like pop, rock, hip hop, rap, country, gospel, hard rock, funk, R&B, and on and on.

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 think I'm a "cool" person. I wear the pink, purples and things that have "blue" undertones. I have blonde hair (right now!) and violet eyes (right now!) and light/pink/freckled skin. I like a good mix of almost all colors. I like basic combos (black/white), earthy combos (black/brown), and I'm really into the pink/brown funky combos now. The only color that I really CAN'T wear is that bright aqua/tourqoise blue.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I'm a "newlywed" - we just had our first anniversary! I have 2 fabulous stepkids (16 & 17). We have 2 cats and a dog.


11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Yes, yep, yeah and uh-huh!

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

13. What are you knitting right now?

I need to start the 2nd sock for the pedicure socks on knitty (they are TOO cute). I've started the Irish Knitting Scarf to learn to cable. Oh yeah, I've got the holiday red poncho which I'd forgotten about. And there's this scarf.... oh my, this is getting embarrassing. Okay, I'm working on the 2nd pedicure sock and the Irish Knitting Scarf.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

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

Uh yeah! I love circular needles but I've found for some things (like scarves) they seem to come out better on straight needles. I like bamboo, aluminum and plastic, but I think there's a special place in my heart for bamboo needles. (There's a new INTERCHANGEABLE bamboo set that I am SOOO lusting for!) I've heard alot of people rave about the Addi Turbos and I'd like to try them out one day. I'm just not sure if I'm advanced enough to use them.


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

No, but I did date a guy named Swift once, but lets not go there.

17. How did you learn to knit?

18. How old is your oldest UFO?

I haven't been knitting for that long, so I'd have to say a year old.

19. What is your favorite holiday?

20. Is there anything that you collect?

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

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

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

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

June 3rd - gemini - evil twins - eh eh eh

Okay. That's all I can do for now. Whew - I'm not sure I've ever talked so much about me! I've definetly never had anyone want to know so much about me! Well, Secret Pal, wherever you are, I hope you find some of this interesting.

G'night!

Sunday, May 14, 2006

I'm a Little BeeHind - Short & Stout ...

Where does the time go? Gosh, I'm soooo behind. I've started things, finished things, got a secret pal, became a secret pal and yet, there's nothing new out here! Shame on me! Let me catch you up by showing you those bootie and bonnet pictures.










Of course, that's not a REAL baby that's wearing them. It's Gabby the Cabbage Patch girl doing a little modeling. Both of my friends are having/had a boy, so I went for the blue & white combo. I''ve mailed the packages off, but haven't heard anything back. Uh oh - that might not be such a good sign. The booties did have that whole elf-like pointy toe thing going for them, but that's only because SOMEONE cough-cough wouldn't email me their pattern for REALLY CUTE booties!

While I'm talking about babies & presents, let me give a shout-out to my favorite gift to give. I'm told by all the people who receive this gift from me that IT REALLY WORKS and they love it! It's a CD (or cassette) or sounds (such as the vacumn, clothes dryer) that seem to soothe a crying baby. I believe it was created by two ladies who live in my area (Richmond, Virginia) and who were/are both nurses. All I can say is that everyone I give it to is AMAZED at how well it works. I think the only place you can find it now is at www.cdbaby.com. So, if you're in the need, please check it out.