It's that secret time of the year again

Whoops, how did it get to be October 14 already???

I must say it's about TIME to get my Secret Pal 9 questionnaire up. At least I did try to put up a button. See sidebar for lack of success.

So, here goes ...

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

And again, if it's soft and pretty, I love it. Since the last exchange, I also learned that it's not the wool I can't wear next to my skin, but the utterly-wonderful-totally-non-allergic wool wash I used. Live and learn.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

I've got a set of Denises, so that's storage right there. Otherwise, I've got a tall glass (the plain drinking variety) for my straights, and I keep my hooks in my "notions bag". My non-Denise circulars ... uh, well, they are sort of in my knitting bag.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced.

My grandma taught me to knit and crochet when I was about five. So that's 30 years of yarn stuff right there, although there were periods where I did so little knitting that I almost reached muggle status. I'd say my skill level is intermediate with a sense of adventure. I'll try anything once :o).

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

Not really.

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

Fresh stuff - citrus, green tea, cucumber, melon ... that sort of thing.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

I've got about 30 of them. My favourite candy is anything that has chocolate and peanutbutter.

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

I do some bead work, and I like paper crafts and sewing (but don't do any of that right now). I'm all set to try dyeing yarn, and I would LOVE to learn how to spin.

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

I'm so not in the loop where music is concerned. But I like all kinds of music, except the really, really heavy metal and songs where people recommend to kill or rape other people. And it's yes on the MP3 thing.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

Deep, rich reds, all blues and greens. I'm a denim kind of girl. I don't wear white much. And I have yet to find a shade of yellow I like.

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

No kids, no pets, not married, not single :o).

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

Yes to all, except for the evil poncho ;o). Yeah, I read the Manolo.

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

Shawls - hands down. Then socks. And cardigans. And BAGS!!!

13. What are you knitting right now?

I'm almost done with the ostrich plume shawl in Sea Silk. And I've started the Magical Earth Shawl from A Gathering Of Lace. Other than that, I need about 20 cm on my Everyday Tweed. All in good time.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Of course!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

Circulars (for socks, too). As for the material, whatever works, really, but I love the Denises, so that's plastic I suppose.

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

Yes to both, thanks to ebay and Alison, my SP8 :o).

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

About 8 months. Sigh. It's Chocolate Covered Cherry from BGK. I can't wait to wear it, but for some reason I never pick it up :o(.

18. What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas.

19. Is there anything that you collect?

Dust? ;o) I sort of collect giraffes and armadillos. And sheep by default - it's what knitters get from muggles. Sheep stuff. Luckily, I really like them.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

Well, duh, ALL the books, yarns, needles and patterns, just like any red-blooded knitter :o). Okay, seriously, I'm always game to try a laceweight I've never met. Sock yarn. Lace patterns. No, I really think the first answer is correct.

I subscribe to Interweave Knitting.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

Spinning and dyeing, see above. Other than that, I'm about to try socks with the magic cast on.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

Yep. Size 11, don't knit me socks. Nobody should make that sacrifice ;o).

23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)

November 4. I'm going to be 36.

Now I'll leave you with a picture of true soul knitting. Lace scarf, Lang Mohair Luxe (kidsilk haze, only softer and cheaper), Swarovski beads and rosewood needles. Heaven.