SUPAR SEKRIT PAL STUFF!!!

This is for the Secret Pal 6 project; non-knitters need not read. :X

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 am such a yarn snob. I do use Lion Brand, but only if I can't get an all-natural fiber instead.

2. Do you spin? Crochet?

No, and no. I want to learn to spin, but a wheel is waaaay too expensive right now. I am thinking about getting started with a drop spindle, however. :) I don't know crochet. It's not something that I want to pursue. Yet.

3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)

Mangoes. *cries* I love them, but I can't have anything with them IN it. That goes for candles, body washes/lotions/etc, shampoos, and foods. I also am highly sensitive to cigarette smoke; I can tell if something comes from a smoking house. Ugh.

4. How long have you been knitting?

Almost exactly one year as of this writing. I started last year with a friend, and I have been addicted ever since.

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

Not really; my husband and I share one, so his stuff is mixed in with mine.

6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)

I love citrus (pure, not mixed tropical, because they often add mango), the smell of cocoa butter, herbal scents like sandalwood and real lavender.

7. Do you have a sweet tooth?

Oh heck yes. White chocolate rules my world. So does milk chocolate. And dark chocolate. And chocolate-covered cherries. And chocolate-covered espresso beans. And...well, you get the picture. ;)

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?

I draw a lot in pencil; I also sew--mostly costumes/renfaire garb. Oh, and cross stitch, blackwork, embroidery...needle arts!

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

A quick overview of my music selection includes: Linkin Park, video game remixes, anime themes, game themes, celtic folk, Billy Bragg, trance, techno, Melissa Etheridge, symphonic arrangements of video game music, bebop jazz, and a whole bunch of other stuff that I throw in because I like them. XD My computer IS my stereo, so MP3s are actually preferred. :)

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?

My favorite changes between purple and blue, though I tend to wear blue and just like looking at purple. I like to buy and knit with autumn colors, though; right now I have browns, berries, and oranges on the brain.

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

Married, no kids (ever), one pretty white cat. Her pic is on this blog somewhere about a million times. XD

12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)

I want to own a shop someday, one that sells yarn, video games, used books, and costumes. I think there are about 3 places in the world where that would work. XD Realistically, I'd like to make a living off my art and craft instead of working for THE MAN. I have a good start, but I'm not there yet. Beyond all that, I just want to be happy for a long time with my husband.

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?

Noro Kureyon--anything with that gorgeous cobalt blue in it. Knitpicks' Wool of the Andes. Manos del Uruguay. Alpaca Boucle. Brown Sheep Co. Lamb's Pride. OMG, I love that stuff. I prefer a handspun-style yarn to a machine-spun yarn.

14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

Acrylic except in small amounts. NO FUN FUR. Gods, I used to like the stuff, but now it's just EVERYWHERE. Like Kudzu.

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?

Gloves. Gloves and cables. OH, and finding a hoodie pattern that will not look stupid on my rather large form.

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

Socks. <3

17. What are you knitting right now?

On the Needles at this writing: Booga Bag, Cigar Gloves from Knitty.com, chemo cap in cashmerino.
About to start: 2 more pairs of Cigar Gloves, possibly DNA scarf.

18. What do you think about ponchos?

Honestly, I keep wanting to make one, but I think it would look silly on me. I've had the yarn ready and I always put it off. So, ponchos are cute, but not really for me.

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?

Straights. I also prefer DPNs to circs. I will use DPNs for as long as I can on a project.

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

Bamboo or birch. Never used plastic, can't stand aluminum.

21. Are you a sock knitter?

Yes! :) Haven't made many yet, but I love the ones I have. :)

22. How did you learn to knit?

Originally, I was taught by someone who didn't think to tell me that at the end of a row, you turn your work--so I put it down for a few years in frustration. Last year, a friend of mine started, and I thought, if SHE can do it, so can I. We've since converted other friends to the way of the needle. ;)

23. How old is your oldest UFO?

Not very--if I don't think I'll ever finish something, I frog it. The projects on the needles are pretty much my UFOs, and they're only a month or so old apiece, if that.

24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?

My real obsession is with Sephiroth from the video game Final Fantasy 7. *swoon* Favorite animals are horses and bunnies.

25. What is your favorite holiday?

Thanksgiving. Non-religious, happens in autumn, and we eat a lot. Perfect! :)

26. Is there anything that you collect?

Statues of video game and anime characters--either really pretty men or really sexy women. :) I am a nerd.

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

None, sadly. I read Interweave Knits, Knitter's, and Vogue Knitting. I absolutely love IK.

28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on?

KNITTING OVER THE EDGE. I have the first book, and I about died when I saw the second.

29. Any patterns you have been coveting, but haven't bought for one reason or another??

The Eris and Rogue sweatshirt patterns, and there's one on White Lies Designs that I dearly want.