Secret Pal 10 Questionnaire

Well, lots of knitters seem to be having a grand time with Secret Pal exchanges, so I just signed up for Secret Pal 10. Come on, you can do it too...go to www.secretpal10.blogspot.com

As instructed in the directions, here is my questionnaire:

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I like all kinds of sock yarn, and generally use US size 0, 1 or 2 needles, if that helps. Any and all fibers. I'm not picky.

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

I store my needles in shallow plastic boxes that were meant for fishing tackle, but I have moved the partitions around to accommodate double pointed needles. The circulars are in one of those canvas things you hang on the back of a door and each size is separate. I forget what it's called, but it's great.

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

I first learned when I was a kid, but only made a few dorky projects, which I though were fabulous at the time. I picked it up again about 8 years ago, and mostly knit socks, but some baby/toddler items, too. I would consider myself at the intermediate level.

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

Yes, I have an Amazon Wishlist. It is listed under knittymcknitter.

5. What's your favorite scent?

Anything floral, rose & lily of the valley are my favorites, also fruity or spicy. Anything that smells "natural".

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

Oh my, yes. Chocolate is a favorite, and I have unsophisticated taste buds. Plain old Hershey's milk chocolate or M&Ms put a smile on my face. I like anything that does not contain marshmallow or gelatin or an animal product of any kind. "No food with a face" is my motto.

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

I spin, a little, but would like to do it more. I also enjoy making beaded stitch markers for my knitting, and I like fussing around in the garden. All of this takes time away from knitting, though!

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

I like a variety of music: country, bluegrass, celtic harp, English folk songs, classical, anything Yo-Yo Ma does.

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

I don't really have a favorite - I like all blues or greens, but like knitting with a variety of colors.

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

I am single with lots of pets. Three dogs (Mellie, Emma and Tara), four rabbits, (Momma Bunny, Little Boy, Sunshine and Mr. Darcy), and two chickens (Ducky and Blackie). Ooops, I forgot the stray cats that we feed: "Little Joey" who seems to be a resident, and "Tigger" and "Marcelle" who are frequent visitors.

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

I wear scarves, hats & mittens, but have never had a poncho.

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

Socks, by far, but I'm branching out. I've made baby layettes, sweaters for toddlers, a couple of hats, mittens, and a scarf.

13. What are you knitting right now?

Socks, of course, but I'm also participating in a Mitred Square Blankie knit-along (using odd bits of sock yarn - really fun), a scrappy hat, and I'm slogging my way through a lacy baby blanket.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Of course - who wouldn't?

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

I use double points and the occasional circular for socks, and circulars for everything else. I have mostly aluminum needles, with a stray bamboo here and there to make things interesting.

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

Yes, and yes.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

I have some partially finished socks that have got to be at least 2 years old, maybe more.

18. What is your favorite holiday?

I'm not big on holidays. Maybe Christmas Eve is my favorite, because that is just my sister and parents. I like the changing of the seasons, and especially the ENDING of winter.

19. Is there anything that you collect?

I don't collect anything in a big way (other than yarn, yarn and more yarn!). I like candles, chickens, anything "country."

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

A few books are in my Amazon wishlist, sock yarn and patterns are always welcome, I'll try any dp needles---you can never have too many! I subscribe to Knitters and Spin Off.

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

I'd like to work up the courage to knit a lace scarf or shawl. I'd also like to learn how to do the grafting of two yarns together so you don't have so many ends to weave in when changing balls of yarn.

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

Yes, and I wear size 8 1/2 shoe. I'd measure my foot, but I can't find a tape measure, like always!

23. When is your birthday?

May 12