Sock-ret Pal Questionnaire

THE BASICS

How long have you been knitting?

I’ve been knitting for about a year now. I would probably consider myself an advanced beginner. I get nervous when I’m trying something new, but after consulting the resources I have (websites, books, CD, my mom), I find myself able to figure out those things that have me stumped. I’m a slow knitter, but I’m also a conscientious knitter. Pretty is important to me.

Do you consider yourself a beginning sock knitter, an intermediate, or have you been doing this so long you could probably knit a pair in your sleep?

I would definitely say I’m a beginning sock knitter. It took me awhile to find a way of knitting socks that I liked. I finally decided I preferred knitting on two circulars.

THE MEASUREMENTS

While your pal may ask for some additional info to ensure a great fit, please provide your shoe size, or any other fitting related info you think is pertinent.

I wear a size 9 (US) shoe. I should add that I’m what my mom would call fluffy, so shortie socks are probably best unless you have extra yarn and extra time for my <ahem> chunky calves.

(FIBER RELATED) FAVORITES

What colors do you love?

I love all colors! Really, I do. My tastes change constantly. Pink is my favorite color, but whenever I look at yarns, I can never stick to one favorite. I love all of them - everything from the brightest pinks, purples, blues and greens to the deepest eggplants, oranges and browns.

Do you prefer solids or variegated?

I really like the variegated yarns and self-striping yarns.

What fibers do you most love to knit with?

I haven’t knit with a huge assortment of fibers (wool, superwash wool, acrylic, cotton, ribbon, eyelash). I can’t say I haven’t liked any of them, even though they’ve all been a bit different. I will say, however, that I get very frustrated with yarns that split easily. Actually, they drive me nutso!

Who do you consider your favorite yarn vendors?

I have some beautiful wool from Briggs & Little that feels a bit rough, but knits up very nicely. I also love the yarn that I’ve gotten from Knit Picks. They have a fabulous variety and their prices are so, so reasonable. The same could be said for the great yarn that I’ve gotten from Elann.

What projects do you most enjoy knitting?

I like purses and bags - there are so many awesome and original patterns out there. I also like dishcloths - they’re usually quick and easy, very satisfying when you don’t want to wait to see results. Some future projects I’d like to complete include: a Harry Potter scarf, the Fiber Trends felted clogs, an Aran afghan and a prayer shawl.

(FIBER RELATED) DISLIKES

What fibers can you not stand to knit with? To wear?

I haven’t found anything yet that I haven’t liked. I will admit, however, that the idea of knitting with chenille scares the beejeezus out of me. It just doesn’t look like something that would be easy or comfortable to knit with.

What colors would you never wear?

It all depends on where I’m wearing the color! On my feet, I’d wear any and all colors. Why not? I love funky footwear! Body-wise I tend to avoid white because it makes me look tired and washed-out. I gravitate towards pink, magenta, purple, turquoise, periwinkle, jade, etc. I also like pastel colors.

THE TOOLS

Plastic or Metal? Bamboo or Wood?

My dishcloth needles are bamboo - love ‘em! I also love my metal needles. Inox or Hiya Hiya needles are favorites.

Circs or Straights?

I let the project pick my preference, but I have used circulars more often than straights.

DPNs or Magic Loop?

I’ve tried DPN’s and they weren’t too bad, just a little awkward in the beginning. I also tried Magic Loop and I didn’t like it at all. I like doing socks on two circulars.

Are there any knitting accessories you don’t have in your collection but would like?

I could always use point protectors, stitch markers or little holders for things like needles or markers. I keep everything separated into baggies and pile it all in a pencil pouch. It’s probably not the neatest, most organized system, but it works.

THE EXTRAS

Do you have a wish list? If so, please share the link!

Here’s my Amazon Wishlist.

Do you like sweet, sour or salty?

I love sweet - probably too much! I’m not a huge fan of salty foods, although once in awhile I do get a craving for them, but I do love the combination of salty and sweet - like Payday candy bars or chocolate-covered pretzels. Lately I’ve been on a Lifesaver candy kick and I’ve been craving some of those round, yellow butterscotch candies. Yum. I have to remember to get some at Walmart.

Do you have any allergies your pal should know about?

I don’t have any allergies.

Favorite scents? Scents you can’t stand?

My favorites are plumeria, vanilla, lavender, berry, apple, and almond. My least favorites would be pine, melon, patchouli, and heavy florals.

Do you collect anything (other than yarn and knitting toys of course)?

I collect bumblebees.

When is your birthday?

October 9, 1969. I’ll be 37 this year.

Do you spin? Dye your own yarn?

I’d love to learn to dye my own yarn. I did try dying a skein with food coloring and it was really a lot of fun. Spinning intimidates me, but maybe someday I’ll look into it a bit more.

Your favorite author/band/vacation spot, anything you think will help your pal know you better…

Family - Tom (husband, 41), Timothy (son, 14), Hollie (daughter, 10)

Pets - Sam (golden lab), Jake & Spike (beagles), Nacho, Tootsie, Squid & Kissie (cats and kittens), 4 Ducks, 37 Chickens

I think Tootsie is pregnant again. Here I was, thinking she couldn’t possibly get knocked-up this soon after having kittens when, lo and behold, I notice that she’s starting to look like a big, fat zucchini with legs. I can’t imagine which cat got her this time, but I’m sure we’ll figure it out once the babies are born. I’m definitely going to have to get her fixed after this litter - right afterwards! See what happens when you wait?

09/21/06 Update: Tootsie had her kittens today. She had them in Tim’s dresser drawer, which is no suprise since that’s where she moved Squid and Kissie back when they were tiny. She had five little ones and, from what I can tell, they’re all little grey tigers - just like her. Little mini Tootsie’s - too cute! Omigoodness, I can’t believe there’s five of them though!

10/03/06 Update: Add 2 piglets to the list above!

Authors - J.K. Rowling, Joanne Fluke, Fannie Flagg, Debbie Macomber, Steven King, Laurell K. Hamilton, Anne Rice

I must admit, I will read just about anything. Since all of the books on my bedside table have been read at least once, if not more than once, I needed something new to feast my eyes upon. Gritting my teeth and rolling my eyes, I grabbed one of my darling husband’s Larry McMurtry books. There I was, thinking to myself that I must be desperate if I was willing to read a book about cowboys and indians. Well <ahem> I’ve finished Dead Man’s Walk and I’m almost done with Comanche Moon. Come to find out, they’re really very good books. I guess you really can’t judge a book by it’s cover!

Music - Garth Brooks, Keith Urban, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Randy Travis, Trace Adkins, Tim McGraw, Dixie Chicks. I also enjoy 80’s music - Bryan Adams, Huey Lewis, John Mellencamp, Phil Collins, INXS, Journey, REO Speedwagon.

I can’t believe I’m saying this, and don’t you dare tell my children, but some of their music isn’t too terribly bad. I kinda like listening to some of my son’s music - Simple Plan, Good Charlotte, Bowling for Soup. Most of my daughter’s music is a bit teeny-bopperish for me, like The Cheetah Girls, but Hillary Duff and Avril Lavigne aren’t bad. Omigoodness, if my kids ever find out that I actually like some of what they listen to, I’ll totally lose my dictatorship over the car radio.

Movies - Harry Potter, Sound of Music, The Breakfast Club, Dirty Dancing, Fried Green Tomatoes, Runaway Jury, Supersize Me, Grease, Pete’s Dragon, Aladdin

Television - Weeds, The Sopranos, CSI, CSI Miami, CSI New York, Law & Order, Law & Order SVU, Law & Order CI, Survivor, Big Brother, Criminal Minds, Monk, Food Network (Rachel Ray, Alton Brown, Paula Deen)

Cartoons - Rugrats, All Grown Up, Doug, Flintstones, Jetsons