Monday, August 17, 2009

"Recession Special" Swap Questionnaire

Sorry to be hibernating for so long! I'm joining a swap that will force me to post to my blog again -- it's a good thing.

Do you knit or crochet, or both? How long have you been at the craft?

Knit. I learned as a child and then took it up again when my son was a baby.

Do you spin?

Yes. I did it a lot in college and am just getting back to doing it again.

What yarns/fibers are your favorites?

Soft, natural fibers: alpaca, soft wools, silk, cashmere...

What yarns/fibers do you not like?

I really don't use synthetics or blends that include synthetics. I don't really work with anything lighter than dk weight. I'm not a sock knitter.

What yarns/fibers would you like to try but haven’t?

Lots of indie dyers/spinners. I think it's fun to try local yarns and/or favorites of my partner.

What are your favorite colors? Colors that you don’t like?

I like most colors. I especially like them in interesting combinations. I guess my favorites are red, burgundy, sage/avocado green, evergreen, teal, periwinkle blue, cobalt blue...

What are your favorite types of projects to knit/crochet?

I knit to relax and don't have a lot of time to do it, so I tend to stay with relatively short, simple projects. Hats, scarves, (I love) bags, capes & ponchos, some sweaters. I also love to felt.

What are you currently working on?

Just finished a vest for Warm Woolies and a baby sweater for a friend who just had a baby. Trying to finish the Hogwarts sweater for my very tall son.

What is your favorite FO? (Please post a picture if you have one.)

Since Ravelry (where I actually have pictures of my FOs), I think this child's Einstein sweater for Warm Woolies is my favorite. I used up lots and lots of bits of Mission Falls wool and it made a really colorful sweater. When my son was that age I think he would've really liked such a colorful sweater.

Are there any techniques that you want to learn?

Nothing that I can think of offhand.

Do you have a yarn winder and/or swift?

I got a yarn winder as a gift a few years ago. I found a swift for $1 at a church sale -- the ladies there didn't know what it was. I have to hold it together with a clamp, but it works just fine.

How do you store your needles/hooks?

I store like needles in some vintage needle holders. Then everything ends up in a large tupperware container.

Do you collect anything?

Cookbooks, vintage kitchen stuff, vintage linens (and of course, yarn, fiber, and fabric!).

Do you like sweets?

Dark chocolate and maple are my favorite sweets.

What are your favorite scents?

Green tea is my favorite. I also like light citrusy scents, herbals, and lavender.

Are you having a birthday during this swap?

Yes! The day after partners are assigned! (Sept. 11)

Do you have any online wish lists? (Amazon, Loopy Ewe, etc.) Please include a link for your pal.

Amazon wish list

Etsy favorites

What is your living situation (Are you married? Do you have kids, pets, or both?)

Husband, a mostly-grown-up kid and his girlfriend currently at home, 1 Golden Retriever, our six cats, and son's two cats.

Are you allergic to anything?

Nothing that applies to this swap.

Is there anything else that you would like your pal to know?

I love surprises!