KNITSTER

For my Secret Pal– I hope this is helpful! Cross posted on LJ as well.

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 don’t mind most Lion Brand yarns, but I think over time I’m slowly becoming a snob. I think it depends on the type of yarn, not so much the brand. I do find that I like the better quality stuff, but for me, the most important part is texture. There’s some expensive wool that’s rather scratchy, and some cheap acrylic stuff that’s softer than butter.

2. Do you spin? Crochet?
I don’t spin, but I remember seeing the basics as a small child at living history museum sites. Crocheting is something that I’d like to pick up…I think I’ve figured out a basic chain, but nothing beyond that yet. Hoping to learn that soon.

3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)
I am allergic to pets, mostly dog and especially cat dander. The other stuff I can just wash carefully.

4. How long have you been knitting?
I’ve been knitting since March 2005. So I’m still a fairly new knitter.

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes, I do have an Amazon wish list. You have to go with the one that has 2 pages of stuff for “Dani”, not the one with Drew’s List or the one with “danielle villegas” with the Japanese cookbook in the list that’s short. My brother didn’t pay attention, and got me stuff from the wrong list! :-S

6. What’s your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
Hmmm…that’s hard to say. I am a Body Shop at Home consultant, so I have access to a lot of that sort of stuff. Usually stuff that’s not too sweet or fruity, but clean smelling, like green tea scent or linen or something like that.

7. Do you have a sweet tooth?
A little bit. Who doesn’t like chocolate, for example?

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
Well, I’m not doing much right now, but when the spirit moves me, I do DIY interior design projects, just painting or little stuff to dress up or redo a room. I’m really into those design makeover shows. I’ve also done needlepoint, but the last project I did was about 5 years ago, done out of boredom while pregnant with my son.

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I have rather ecclectic tastes, it seems, in music! I do have the ability to play MP3s and have an MP3 player as well as players on my computer. I think the only music I DON’T really like is modern rap (old school is okay), most country, freeform jazz. I tend to listen to pop music, electronic, dance music, but like some classical and jazz too. If it’s 80s music, then I definitely like it.

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 color is blue, but I like just about anything really. I tend to buy stuff in the blue family shades (blues, greens, purples), but I also like the fire colors too. I think it’s just a matter of how the colorway was worked. Not too keen on too much neon stuff. Sticking to jewel or clear color (think Crayola crayon box), then we’re good.

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
No pets, just a husband and a 4 year old son. That’s enough!

12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)
To be successful as a wife, mother, and businessperson, and be a leader in my business.

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
I haven’t knit with too many kinds, but I like a Rowan cotton worsted recently, and almost anything that isn’t LB Homespun-style.

14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
So far, boucle style yarn is one I’m not terribly keen on. I’ve done enough project with that kind that I can do it, but it’s not my favorite. And anything that’s going to be itchy. Don’t like that.

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
Obsessions? Me? Getting lots of knitting books! I’ve also always have to be working on a project. I rarely put something down until it’s done (except the thing I’m working on now, which I’ve just picked up after getting some other projects that had due dates done!)

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Hmm…I don’t know yet. I’m still learning and experimenting with different things. I’ve made an adult sleeveless sweater, a couple of baby things, a child’s sweater, a couple of hats and scarves…basic stuff thusfar.

17. What are you knitting right now?
A hoodie cardigan in last year’s Knit It made with LB Colorwaves “Lava” yarn. The colors are pretty, but after using some nicer yarn, I just like that this is soft! I think I also made it too big, but oh well.

18. What do you think about ponchos?
Depends on the poncho. Many of them are nice, but I don’t like “old fashioned” looking ones. I made one for my mom last month for her birthday, and it came out well.

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
Hmm…I’ve used both. Depends on the needles and the project.

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Haven’t tried bamboo yet, but would like to try. Aluminum, but it depends on what you are getting. Addi Turbos–yes. The cheap ones you find at Walmart– not quite as nice, but tolerable. Plastic is good. I have a set of Denises that are great, but the sizes are limited when you try to get smaller ones.

21. Are you a sock knitter?
Not yet! I really would like to learn how to do that soon, especially with fall around the corner!

22. How did you learn to knit?
Semi-self taught. I tried teaching myself, then took a knit class, then a purl class from a local Michaels (the instructor taught me some extra stuff since I was catching on quickly), and then back to self taught again as I’ve tried to learn new stitch techniques.

23. How old is your oldest UFO?
Well, it’s the current one. I started it in April, and I think I worked on it in May, but then had some June projects due, so I guess it’s only since May. Not too bad.

24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
That’s a hard one. I watch a lot of Nick Jr. and Nickelodeon with my son, so I guess any characters from those shows is okay.

25. What is your favorite holiday?
My birthday and Christmas. (What, me greedy? :-P)

26. Is there anything that you collect?
At the moment, knitting books. I also collect interior design books and anything interesting about The Body Shop. Oh, and cookbooks and kitchen gadgets I don’t need too.

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I just started with Interweave Knitting and Creative Knitting so far. I just started, after all!

28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on?
Look at my Amazon Wish List and put the list in priority order– you’ll see! I’m sure I’ll be adding to that list in time too.

29. Any patterns you have been coveting, but haven’t bought for one reason or another??
No, not yet. I think that’s why I covet the books– multiple patterns.

Posted on September 10th, 2005 by Dani
Filed under: General