Secret Pal 9 Questionnaire

This is my first SP, so please bear with me...I'm mighty long-winded...

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
- I enjoy just about everything. I don't particularly like the feel of acrylic, but sometimes I think certain projects call for it. Since my LYS is a little ways from me, and sometimes the hours don't jive with my schedule, I'm all about getting whatever I can at a large craft store if I don't have a SUPER SPECIAL project in mind and just want to try something out.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
- I got this backpacky thing online that has some good needle storage. My circular needles were bought as part of a set that holds everything in a handy little case. But dpns are kept in ziploc bags in my backpack, as glamorous as that is.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
- My mom knit for years but only recently got back into it, making baby blankets for a local hospital. She tried to teach me, and I was just horrible. Then I bought a "Teach yourself to knit" kit, and that was okay, but the purls still weren't happening. Then I bought the Stitch'n'Bitch books. That took me in a whole new direction, and everything just clicked. Plus lots of online help from my Snarky friend. I'd say I'm a beginner-plus with lofty hopes. ***EDITED TO ADD: That didn't really answer the question, did it? I've been knitting for about a year***

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
- It's kind of all over the place, but here it is.

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.)
- I really enjoy grapefruit (but not generic citrus), vanilla, and anything fresh-floral. Like honeysuckle or rose, but not that perfumy "fake" floral. Victoria's Secret used to have "Her Majesty's Rose" which was a spot-on scent of real roses.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
- Currently on Weight Watchers, so I try not to go there. But if I'm going to indulge, I love me some DARK chocolate.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
- I've crocheted as long as I can remember (mostly general granny square things), and I taught myself to tat about 10 years ago (but I don't have the patience most days). I enjoy cross-stitching, but I go in spurts with that. Most of my time is spent on the upkeep and rennovation of our home, which is the ultimate DIY project. I don't spin - I think it's fascinating, but I don't think it's for me. Yet.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
- Pretty much all over the place - mainly "adult alternative," but I hate labels. I love everything from classical piano concertos (I'm a Rachmaninoff freak) to creative hip-hop (creative being the key word). I adore Death Cab for Cutie and have a soft spot for John Denver. I tend to like angry women, angst-ridden men, Elvis, and just about every singer-songwriter from 1960 to 1979. I enjoy good blues, new age instrumentals, and I'm crazy about Christmas albums. I love Broadway (new and old) and film soundtracks (Garden State, Gross Pointe Blank, Beautiful Girls). The only things I DON'T like are twangy country and violent/expletive rap. Am MP3-friendly.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
- Deep blues and greens are my favorites, but I like just about anything. Not crazy about pastels unless they make sense (things for babies, watercolors, etc).

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
- Husband, 4 cats, no kids yet.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
- Yes to scarves, hats, and mittens - it gets COLD up here! Not crazy about ponchos, but I love shawls.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
- Not really anything - mainly due to not having much experience. I'm just getting the hang of socks, so I'd like to explore some new patterns with those. Really have fun with things that are different (like hedgehogs-heh) but also enjoy things that don't require constantly paying attention to a pattern, since TV-watching usually goes along with the knitting.

13. What are you knitting right now?
- Joe's 2nd sock in Lorna's Laces Blackwatch, Knitty's Branching Out scarf in cashmere, my own "5 x 5" Where's Waldoish checker scarf for myself in some Italian superwash I can't recall, and just now doing some experimenting to possibly make Joe an illusion scarf with BEER! written on it.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
- Always.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
- Straight vs circular - depends on the project. I prefer wood for most items, but when dealing with something thin I prefer really pointy aluminum.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
- NO - hint, hint...

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
- Started the Branching Out scarf in March. Takes a lot of focus (being my first lace project), so I've screwed it up a bunch. But I'm enjoying how it's turning out. It's just slow.

18. What is your favorite holiday?
- Thanksgiving. The leaves turning and falling, the chill in the air, the warmth in the home. Guaranteed days off to spend with family and friends. I love how time seems to slow down, the last "hush" of happiness before holiday chaos.

19. Is there anything that you collect?
- Refrigerator magnets from different states, countries, landmarks, and parks - the larger and tackier the better. I use them to hold up pictures of friends and family all over the fridge, so good magnetic strength is a must. And Christmas albums. Oh - and pottery. Love pottery.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
- Anything by yarnharlot (see the amazon wishlist).

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
- I have yet to muster the courage to knit a top/shell/tank/sweater for myself. I'm just plain scared.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
- Yes - I wear a women's size 10 shoe, medium. My feet are just about 10" long and flat. And ugly. Hence loving colorful socks.

23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
March 2nd