05.31.05
Secret Pal Schtuff
Okay, pal-y o’ mine, here ’tis:
1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?
I like to think that my food tendencies and my yarn tendencies are similar. I’m more about quality than quantity; I like to try new and different things; and while I tend towards high quality yarn/food, I am not above Burger King or Taco Hell once in a while.
I have been enjoying trying alternative fibers like hemp and banana silk, but I also like the usual suspects (wool, cotton, etc.)
2. Do you spin? Crochet?
I crochet.
3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)
Chemical smells are a big problem for me. I like candles and lotions and stuff if the scents are the result of adding essential oils or other natural scents. I can’t do Body Shop (I used to love their stuff), Bath and Body Works, or Yankee Candle type places. I don’t wear perfume for the same reason.
I am not allergic to smoke, but I prefer not to be around it.
I live with a cat, and I don’t appear to have any allergies to other pet hair.
4. How long have you been knitting?
On and off since I was 7. 24 years, I guess.
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
I do! You should be able to find my Amazon list by searching on my name.
6. What’s your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
Lavender and/or citrus. Florals are usually good, but please see number 3.
7. Do you have a sweet tooth?
YES! Unfortunately, I live in the desert, so right now is not a great time to mail candy or similarly melty things.
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
I’m a huge gardening freak. I also enjoy pretending that I can take pictures with my digital camera. I used to do a lot of pottery but I haven’t since I moved to Arizona.
9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I love all kinds of music including Bluegrass, old school rap/hip hop, Jazz, Classical (symphonies not opera - usually), Alternative, Dance, Electronica, Rock, “World Music”, etc. basically I like everything. I’m not a big fan of country though. I also really enjoy learning about new kinds of music.
Yes, I can play MP3s.
10. What’s your favorite color? Or–do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can’t stand?
I’m not big into pink. I’m learning to like it, but it’s still not my favorite.
11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Chronically single. Currently living with Cleo the Crazy Cat, who loves catnip and shredding paper.
12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)
To be happy and healthy. To find someone that I want to spend the rest of my life with. To do something that has great meaning for someone other than myself. To travel all over the world.
13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
I’ll have to think about this one further.
14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Lion Brand Microspun. Yuck! Basically anything that tends to split a LOT is a no-no on my list. I can deal with some splitty-ness (Berocco Cotton Twist was splitty but okay), but I don’t like fussy yarn. I don’t particularly care for novelty yarns because they are too fussy.
15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
Tank tops and sweaters - I know, totally opposite ends of the spectrum. That’s just me. 
16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I like making blankets/afghans because when I am making one, it is usually for someone I love very much. That makes all the difference when I’m knitting/crocheting something.
17. What are you knitting right now?
Soleil from Knitty, the Hourglass Sweater from Last Minute Knits (how on earth this would be a last minute garment, I have no idea!), the Prairie Blanket Shawl from Oat Couture, I’m thinking seriously about the Perfect Pie Shawl again, and I just got my yarn for the Rogue Sweater/Cardigan.
18. What do you think about ponchos?
Bleh.
19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
Circs
20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Bamboo. I’m thinking about trying other types of wood, but I haven’t yet.
21. Are you a sock knitter?
Not yet. I’m not sure if I have the temperment for it. I do have some supplies and a book though. Who knows.
22. How did you learn to knit?
My aunt’s friend taught me.
23. How old is your oldest UFO?
Probably 10 years old. An afghan that is destined to be something else.
24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
Favorite animated character? Wolverine from the X-Men. We both have extremely sensitive noses. Favorite real animal (besides my cat), ummm… Holstein cows, probably. Placid creatures with a great color scheme.
25. What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas. I pretty much don’t get into the holiday itself, but it’s the only time I get to see a large portion of my family all at once.
26. Is there anything that you collect?
Other than yarn and weird succulent plants? Not much any more. I’m trying to cut down on tchochkes.
27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
Interweave Knits. I’m considering Vogue Knitting, but I’m not sure yet.
28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on?
Mmmm… check my wishlist, it’ll be updated fairly regularly. It’s kind of hard for me to say more than that, ’cause while I’m a HUGE book freak, I tend toward random things.
