SP 10 Questionnaire

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I like yarns that are soft and cozy to the touch like merino and alpaca - oh and of course silk and cashmere *dreamy*. Malabrigo Merino is *oh-so-soft*. I don't mind blends. I'm currently in the hunt for a nice 50/50 silk/cotton blend to make some nice summer tanks. I do not do scratchy feeling yarns! My skin is sensitive and I can get the itchies.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have a plethora of needle and hook holders. I am on the hunt for some sort of neat way to display my needles at home instead of keeping them all packed away in the holders. I want to display my tools as art - after all, that is what they create!

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I have been knitting for, hmm..., I guess about 6-8 months now. My Nonna taught me when I was a little girl, but I never really took to it back then. Then about 6-8 months ago I had this urge to try again and downloaded some knitting guides off the net and did it. I would say that my skill is Intermediate at this point. I have been crocheting for 16 years thought!

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Not yet, but I will have one on my blog soon :)

5. What's your favorite scent?
I have to be very careful with floral scents as they trigger migraines with me. Yucky! But vanilla bean, apple orchards and very sutle ocean scents are great.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Unfortunately, yes. I would have to say my favorites are Baci, Ferrero Rocher Chocolate , Chocolate Torrone, and Nutella. Yes, I'm Italian and like my Italian sweets :)

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I have been a crocheter for 16 years. I enjoy painting ceramics. I create Christmas wreathes as gifts. I do not spin.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
Wow, this is a tough one for me. I'm some what eclectic when it comes to music. I am not much for country music, heavy metal, or punk. I enjoy most of today's hip-hop, classic rock of the 70s & 80s, Elvis Presley, James Brown, Barry White, music from the 50s & 60s, Italian music (old and new), any of the great musicians (Bach, Mozart, Vivaldi, etc.). Yes, I can play MP3s.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
Another toughie for me because I tend to loves various shades of all colors. I guess my favorite colors would be red, black, smokey grey, rich teals(more blue than green), rich shades of purple. I am definitely a lover of winter colors for myself although a bright fuchsia or turquoise do look good on me too. I tend to stay away from pale colors as my skin is very pale and makes me look washed out. I stay away from yellows, golds, light or bright greens, and oranges.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I divorced, but in a committed relationship. I live with my kitty, Frisco, who is going to be 12 years-old on April 16th, but I swear he still thinks he a kitten! I have an older sister who lives 5 minutes from me and I adore my two nieces. My folks live in NY as does my younger sister.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
I wear scarves and hats. I haven't worn mittens in years - it might be a nice change from gloves. Fingerless gloves and arm cosies are great. I'm more of a shawl or shrug wearing woman than I am ponchos.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Right now it seems to be the 3 S's - Scarves, Shawls and Stoles. I do enjoy knitting bags and hats. I have not tried my hand at sweaters yet, but I have a few I'm dying to start as well as some legwarmers, tanks and shrugs for my nieces. Oh, and I'm seriously considering start the "Saffron Cables" blanket that is the winter '06 issue of Interweave Knits!

13. What are you knitting right now?
On needles right now I have a pair of Arm Cosies, and a Prayer Shawl. In addition, I have a crochet afghan started for my parents.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Yes. Knowing someone put thought, time and love into creating something for me is special.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I *heart* my KnitPicks Options needle set and I *heart* my Addi turbos circulars. I also prefer wood straights. I stay away from plastic and aluminum in knitting needles, although I do have a set of Pony Pearls DPN that are really great!

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

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
My parent's afghan. I started just after Christmas.

18. What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas and New Year's Eve.

19. Is there anything that you collect?
Faeries

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
Most definitely! Check out the Wish List section of my blog! I currently don't have any knitting magazines, but I'm contemplating Interweave Knits and Interweave Crochet!

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
Entrelac (I take a course on it this Sunday!), Magic Loop, socks!

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
I have not learn to knit socks yet, that's on my "To Do" list. I'm a size 10 ladies.

23. When is your birthday?
June 8th - a Gemini :)