Swap Questionnaires

Birthday Swap Questionnaire

2008-01-18T04:02:00.000-08:00

This is another swap I have signed up in Ravelry: Birthday Swap 2008. The swap is for people who will swap with someone who shares their birthday date or month. My swap partner is Lorette and her birthday is the 5th of October.

Ravelry Screen Name: forbiddenknitter

Name and Address: (please include Country)

Non Ravelry E-Mail:

KNITTER ME:**

Are you: a crocheter and/or a knitter? Only a knitter.

Are you a spinner? Would you prefer roving or yarn in your package? No

What weight of yarn would you prefer? I don’t mind, whatever is right for the job.

If someone were to send yarn, would you prefer several different skeins of yarn with a variation of colours and fibres or would you prefer all to be one and the same? It would depend really but in general enough to do a project.

Do you have any favourite projects? (As in, do you prefer to knit or crochet afghans, pot holders, sweaters, mittens or socks, or amigurumis? Or … what else?) I am really into socks, hats and scarves most of which only need 100g skein unless it’s longer socks. I also love tank tops.

Would you consider your skills to be newbie, intermediate or advanced? Intermediate but I don’t mind a challenge.

Which are your favourite yarns? (fibres, brands, colorways) Anything soft especially blends with merino and silk, I can’t stand mohair or kidsilk anything fluffy, far too itchy for me.

What are your favourite colours? Pink (in every shades! particulary though antique pink).

Can you knit,crochet straight from a chart. I prefer writing down patterns.

Dyeing? Any particular item in this area you would find appealing? No

Is there anything you are REALLY craving for? I have a list of books on Amazon, and I love new gadgets, at the moment I have my eyes on the working progress tube to hold and protect DP needles while they are still connected to the project (especially the Knitzi, simply gorgeous), and I am craving for some Socks that Rock sock yarn.

Fiber Allergies? (We wouldn’t want to send wool yarn to someone allergic to wool) None that I am aware of.

Are you allergic to non-knitting stuff (cat hair, dog hair, certain flowers). It may seem a silly question, but your partner needs to know if you’re allergic to anything, s/he may put near your parcel b4 wrapping & posting. (I’ve known someone to allow their dog to brush yarn, and then knit a gift with the yarn for s/he FIL who was seriously allergic to dog hair. (to avoid such incidents) Again none that I am aware of but please don't send me anything knitted with animal hair, not that I have a problem with animals.

NON-KNITTER ME:

What says IT’s MY BIRTHDAY to you? Have the luxury, for one day to put my feet up and just do what I like! Oh presents too…

Do you do other crafts, like scrap booking, sewing, create jewelry … you name it. Unfortunately not, I don’t have enough time.

Favorite anything from another country? (try & keep weight down for international) None that I can think of.

If you see the need, please advise your partner of how old you are? After all we are all young at heart? But some younger knitters, may like different fashions/brands. But then we are all young at heart. I will be 33 on my next birthday, I like modern/trendy things but I also love anything from the 1950’s.

Do you have kids and/or pets? In March I will be getting a mini lop rabbit.

Is there anything else you would like to add that you think your swap partner needs to know about you? I have done other swaps, check my blog if you need to know more.

EMERGENCY: Is case of . What on-line store would you prefer to receive a gift certificate. At the end of the day, no-one knows what will happen tomorrow. Only UK base stores please. http://www.poshyarn.co.uk - http://www.socktopus.co.uk or www.purlescence.co.uk

UK Swap - January 2008

2008-01-14T13:40:00.000-08:00

The questionnaire below is for the UK Swap.

Part One: Crafting

Do you knit, crochet, or both? Knitting only.

What do you like to make? Do you have a favourite project? I am really into socks, hats and scarves most of which only need 100g skein unless it's longer socks. I also love tank tops.

Do you have a favourite type of fiber or brand of yarn? Anything soft especially blends with merino and silk.

Do you have a least favourite type of yarn? I can't stand mohair or kidsilk anything fluffy, far too itchy for me.

Do you do any other crafts? Unfortunately not, I don’t have enough time.

What knitting do you bring ‘on the go’? Socks, scarf, only small projects.

What do you carry your ‘on the go’ knitting in? Do you want something new? I own a Namaste Vintage Bag in Dusty Rose which I love. For small projects I have a silk taffeta bag from Lantern Moon but that's too small. I have jet to find the perfect small project bag.

Are there any knitting gifts (book, toy, yarn, item, tool) that you have been lusting over? I love new gadgets, at the moment I have my eyes on the working progress tube to hold and protect DP needles while they are still connected to the project (especially the Knitzi, simply gorgeous) and I am craving for some Socks that Rock sock yarn and Lorna's Laces yarn.

Part Two: Your Favourites

What is your favourite colour? What is your least favourite colour? My favourite colours are: Pink (in every shades! particularly though antique pink). I don't like green, blue (turquoise not included)orange and yellow.

What scents/smells do you like? What don’t you like? I like white musk, jasmine and rose not sure what I don't like though.

How do you like to pamper yourself? (bubble bath, hand creams, massage, manicure) Bubble bath is always a winner for me and incense.

What goodies to you like to treat your tummy with? (chocolate, biscuits, truffles, etc.) I am not a sweet tooth but don’t get me near an Hotel Chocolat shop and website, my favourite chocolates are Strawberry Crème and Raspberry Crème mini-slab. I don't have to add anything else as my mouth is watering just by thinking about it. I also love liquorice.

Do you prefer tea or coffee while you knit? Any particular kind? Favourite mug/cup? I love tea and even though I am Italian I don't like coffee. I only drink plain/breakfast tea and I don't mind if it's in bags or leaf. I love mugs at the moment my favourite is a plain pink one.

Do you listen to/watch anything while you knit? (TVshow-Along, movies, music, podcasts) I always have something in the background when I knit, usually because I knit in the evening the telly is on with some sort of rubbish (plenty of it may I add). I love historical dramas, Friends and Frasier.

Part Three: Living & Past-times

Where do you live in the UK? (General idea not address) I moved to Narberth in Pembrokeshire a year ago from St. Albans, Hertfordshire.

Have you always lived here, or did you grow up somewhere else? I grew up in Italy, I have moved to the UK in October 1996 and never went back, only to visit my family. I have lived in St. Albans, Bedford and now in Wales.

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? Fiji it's the only place in the world that I want to see before I die.

If you couldn’t go to a knitting group, what other kind of gathering would you go to? (book club, tea party, yoga class, jewelery class, etc.) If I can't go to a knitting group I usually set one up myself! I have done that twice and I am now organizing my third group but tea parties sounds great! but then I could take my knitting with me. I couldn't live my knitting behind!

What’s your style? (elegant, traditional, glamourous, girly, natural, sporty, outgoing, etc.) It depend from the occasion really but normally I like girly, sexy but not too much, comfortable style.

Final Part:

Any allergies/preferences (fiber-wise or treat-wise)? None that I am aware of.

Anything we missed that you’d like your partner to know? I don't think so.

Be my Valentine Swap 2008

2008-01-01T14:20:00.000-08:00

This is a swap that I am moderating and taking part of on Ravelry. Below it's the questionnaire for my partner.

Ravelry Screen Name: forbiddenknitter

Match desired: International

Are you willing to be an Angel? (Angel: (n) Someone who picks up an extra swap partner if someone drops out between sign-up and shipping.)

Where:

Are there any restrictions in what you can receive in your package that you know of (like citrus to California or some foods to Australia.)?
None that I am aware of, but please mark the parcel as ‘gift’ otherwise I will have to pay duty in the UK, thanks.

What:

Are you mainly a crocheter and/or a knitter? Only a knitter.

Are you a spinner? Would you prefer roving or yarn in your package? No

Do you prefer to crochet or knit with fine thread, lace-weight or thicker yarn? I don’t mind, whatever is right for the job.

If someone were to send yarn, would you prefer several different skeins of yarn with a variation of colours and fibres or would you prefer all to be one and the same? It would depend really but in general enough to do a project.

Do you have any favourite projects? (As in, do you prefer to knit or crochet afghans, pot holders, sweaters, mittens or socks, or amigurumis? Or … what else?) I am really into socks, hats and scarves most of which only need 100g skein unless it's longer socks. I also love tank tops.

Would you consider your skills to be newbie, intermediate or advanced? Intermediate but I don’t mind a challenge.

Which are your favourite yarns? (fibres, brands, colorways) Anything soft especially blends with merino and silk, I can't stand mohair or kidsilk anything fluffy, far too itchy for me.

What are your favourite colours? Pink (in every shades! particularly though antique pink) Red and Brown

How interested are you in patterns? Can you read any language besides English? Can you read diagrams even if the pattern is written in another language? I have plenty of books and of course the internet is a great source for patterns but I won't mind if a pattern is included in my parcel. I am originally from Italy so I speak and read fluent Italian however I started to knit in the UK so I would find it hard to understand what to do.

Dyeing? Any particular item in this area you would find appealing? No

Are you in need of any particular knitting or crocheting supplies? Or do you crave something in particular, a hand made crochet hook or perhaps wooden needles? A special book or magazine? I love new gadgets, at the moment I have my eyes on the working progress tube to hold and protect DP needles while they are still connected to the project (especially the Knitzi, simply gorgeous), the Knitpickers Traveler or tote in Red Floral to take it with me as all my knitting bags are too big for small projects and my Lantern Moon silk tote is too small! and I am craving for some Socks that Rock sock yarn.

Fiber Allergies? (We wouldn’t want to send wool yarn to someone allergic to wool) None that I am aware of.

About me:

Why is Valentine’s Day special to you? To me Valentine’s Day is not just about loving my partner but it’s about the rest of my family and very special friends too. It’s a day that I thank them for been in my life and for bringing me joy and love all year around.

Is there any particular item or symbol that particularly says Valentine’s Day for you? Red roses and pink hearts and the very cold weather.

Do you use hair pins, scrunchies and hair bands? Not often. Earrings pierced or unpierced? Unpierced but I have a belly button. Necklaces or bracelets? Both only silver though as I am allergic to anything else and my favourite stone is Amber. Brooches? No.

Do you like vintage stuff? Thrifting? I love vintage stuff; in fact I wish I could have lived in the ‘50s.

Do you do other crafts, like scrap booking, sewing, create jewellery … you name it. Unfortunately not, I don’t have enough time.

Are you a collector of something in particular (Santa figurines, frogs or cats made of china, napkins, sea shells, spoons … you name it). Obviously this does not include yarns and books, I have started to collect heart shape things last here I don’t have much but I am slowly letting everyone know.

Dark or milk chocolate? Or (god forbid) no chocolate at all? I am not a huge fan of chocolate but I like a good quality of white chocolate.

Favorite candy? Liquorice (I am not sure if it’s actually a candy anyway)

Favorite anything from another country? I know US Peanut Butter is a favorite when I go to France. (Keep in mind we need to keep the weight of international packages down.) None that I can think of.

Coffee? Beans or ground? Tea? Bags or loose? Any particular favourites? I love tea! I am very odd as I don’t drink coffee (an Italian that doesn’t like coffee, weird) but I can easily go through 7 cups of tea a day! I only like traditional tea and I don’t mind if it’s in bags or loose.

Favorite fragrance(s)? White musk, jasmine and rose.

Allergies, food intolerances? (We wouldn’t want to send chocolate with nuts to someone who’s allergic to nuts.) None

Maybe it’s impertinent to ask but it could be interesting for your swap partner to know how old you are? 32

Do you have kids and/or pets? No pets yet but 3 lovely boys age 7¾ -6¾ and 2½

Is there anything else you would like to add that you think your swap partner needs to know about you? None that I can think of.

If your swap partner messes up and needs to send you a gift certificate – what on-line store would you like it for: only UK base one http://www.poshyarn.co.uk - http://www.socktopus.co.uk or www.purlescence.co.uk

Secret Pal 11 Questionnaire

2007-08-24T22:12:00.000-07:00

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? I don't really have a 'favourite' yarn; it's more the colour that I am drawn to and very soft yarn with blends of silk, merino etc. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I strongly dislike the Kid Silk Haze and Mohair; I don't like to knit with them and they're too itchy for my skin.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? My 'non working needles' are stored in a Namaste needle binder in camel available from Foreign Strand.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Learned how to cast on, purl and knit when I was about 6 years old but never progressed any further. It's always been in the back of my mind that one day I would become a knitter so it all started in the summer of 2003 together with my dear friend Jessica. Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I consider myself to be at an intermediate level but I am not afraid to take up a challenge.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? I do have a wish list on Amazon which has got mostly knitting books, not that I ‘need’ anymore but I have an obsession for funky weird books, with patterns which I would never knit!

5. What's your favorite scent? I like white musk, jasmin and rose.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? I am not a sweet tooth but don’t get me near an Hotel Chocolat shop which unfortunately have also got a website, my favourite of their chocolate are Strawberry Crème and Raspberry Crème mini-slab. Favorite candy? I like liquorice of any kind.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? I don't really have much time to do anything else a part from knitting and blogging! I love baking and make jam, even though I don't eat it but that’s what my children are for. Do you spin? I have just joined my local spinning guild but I don't have much time to spin really.

8. What kind of music do you like? I have a very broad mind when it comes to music, I listen to anything that suits my mood of the moment from heavy rock to classical, my favourite music though is jazz. Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) Yes, no problems, I have an Apple ipod.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? My favourite colours are pink in absolutely every shade in particularly antique pink, but as long as it's pink it's fine! red: hot, sexy and so warm and brown, especially in winter. Any colors you just can't stand? I don't like blue (turquoise not included), yellow and green.

10. What is your family situation? I have been married to Nick for the past 9 years and we have 3 boys age 7 and 6 years old and 25 months. Do you have any pets? We are in the process in getting a very cute mini lop rabbit but not until October.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? I am not too keen of ponchos but I love scarves and hats.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Tank tops, scarves and socks.

13. What are you knitting right now? Too many things on the needles, unfortunately!

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? I love handmade gifts, very personal and unique.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I don't use circular needles much but my favourite needles are Brittany in long lenght. I love needles so I always find an excuse to buy some more even though I might not need them... yet!

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? No but I think they will make both excellent birthday present.

17. How old is your oldest UFO? Several projects on the go so not too sure which one is my oldest UFO probably 2 years!

18. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas

19. Is there anything that you collect? Besides knitting books, I collect tree ferns, anything from the 1950 and hearts shape items.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? Books:Scarf Style: Innovative to Traditional, 31 Inspirational Styles to Knit and Crochet by Pam Allen. This two would just fit my collection of silly books very nicely: Hookorama: 25 Fabulous Things to Crochet by Rachael Matthews and Punk Knits: 26 Hot New Designs for Anarchistic Souls and Independent Spirits by Share Ross. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? I do get most of knitting magazines through Foreign Strand, I might subscribe again to Rowan international though.

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

22. Are you a sock knitter? Yes! I got back into it few months ago and love it! What are your foot measurements? I am not sure how to work this out but I have a small feet UK size 3½, European 36.

23. When is your birthday? 6th of October (not long)

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID? Yes, my ID is forbidden knitter

Sock It To Me Sock Swap Questionnaire

2007-07-05T11:57:00.000-07:00

1. What are your foot measurements? (Please give shoe size, length and circumference.)

Shoe size:
British: 3
European: 35.5
American: 5.5

A - Foot Length: 22.5 cm
B - Middle of foot: 22 cm
C - Leg: 20 cm
D - Heel and arch: 31 cm

2. How long have you been knitting? Learned how to cast on, purl and knit when I was about 6 years old but never progressed any further. It's always been in the back of my mind that one day I would become a knitter so it all started in the summer of 2003 together with my dear friend Jessica. How would you rate your experience? (Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced.) I consider myself to be at an intermediate level but I am not afraid to take up a challenge.

3. What is your favourite color? My favourite colours are pink in absolutely every shade; red: hot, sexy and so warm; brown and black especially in winter. Your least favourite colour? I am not too keen on blue (turquoise not included), yellow, green and orange.

4. Do you have a favourite fiber? What type? I don't really have a 'favourite' yarn but I do like blend of yarns with cashmere and silk.

5. Do you have any allergies to certain fibers? I am not allergic to it but I strongly dislike the Kid Silk Haze and Mohair; I don't like to knit with them and they're too itchy for my skin.

6. Do you have an Amazon, or other type of, wishlist? (If so, provide the link.) Yes I do have a wish list on Amazon which has got mostly knitting books, not that I ‘need’ anymore but I have an obsession for funky weird books, with patterns which I would never knit!

7. What techniques, if any, would you like to learn? Lace, intarsia and beading.

8. Do you have a sweet tooth? I am not a sweet tooth but don’t get me near an Hotel Chocolat shop, especially the Raspberry Crème and the Strawberry Crème What are your favorite snacks? I don't really have any, I spend my day drinking tea!

9. What is your family situation? (Children, Husband, Pets...etc.) I have been married to Nick for the past nearly 9 years and we have 3 boys, Max is 7, Sam is 6 and Oliver is going to be 2 years old next Tuesday, 10th of July. We don't have any pets as Max is allergic to animal's hair but I would love a cat.

10. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Metal, plastic or wood? I rarely use circular needles, my favourite needles are the Brittany straight needles especially as they have the long size which is the one I use, I also love the short size dp needles they do.

11. Besides socks, what are your favourite items to knit? I don't really have a favourite items but I do have an obsession for scarves and tank tops (vests) so I do knit quite a few of those.

12. Is there a pattern, (sock or otherwise), that you are dying to try? Now this is a difficult question, too many to list! However the BMP socks and the Roundabout Vest which is featured in the Fall Knitscene are on my top list!

13. Do you like to read? Yes I do! What are you reading currently? Caravaggio: A Novel by Christopher Parchment.

14. Do you collect music? (On an iPod or MP3 player.) Yes, Nick got me a very nice pink iPod nano for Christmas.

15. What kind of music do you listen to? I have a very broad mind when it comes to music, I listen to anything that suits my mood of the moment from heavy rock to classical, my favourite music though is jazz.

16. Is there anything you collect? Knitting books, tree ferns and ferns, anything from the 1950s and I have just started to collect heart shape things.

17. What are your hobbies, aside from knitting? I like looking after my ferns and I will be joining a classical dance class in September as dance is a life long secret passion.

18. Are you participating in any other swaps or knit alongs? I have just finished SP10 and already signed up for SP11. I am also doing the Yarn Junkies 5 - PINK swap. I have also set-up my own knit along called UFO-KNIT-A-LONG to get some of my projects finished! Thank you Lisa for all your help and for been an administrator of the blog too. Everyone welcome!

19. Do you have a favourite scent? I like white musk, jasmin and rose.

20. When is your birthday? (You don't have to add the year if you don't want to, LOL.) 6 October 1975

SP10

2007-06-30T06:46:00.000-07:00

Hostess for this round: Bobbi
I spoiled: Silvia
I was spoiled by: Ruby (I don't know her full details but I will soon)!

Secret Pal 10 Questionnaire

2007-03-12T11:26:00.000-07:00

I have done it again! I have decided to join Secret Pal 10 and this is my revised questionnaire. The fun will start on the 15th of March and I have already been given my match, I am very excited as I get to spoil an Italian in Italy, more about her in the next few days. Now here are my answers for this round:

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? I don't really have a 'favourite' yarn; it's more the colour that I am drawn to. There are quite few yarns that I haven’t tried like the Alpaca, Recycled Silk and Angora – already on my list. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I strongly dislike the Kid Silk Haze and Mohair; I don't like to knit with them and they're too itchy for my skin.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? My 'non working needles' are stored in a Namaste needle binder in camel available from Foreign Strand.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Learned how to cast on, purl and knit when I was about 6 years old but never progressed any further. It's always been in the back of my mind that one day I would become a knitter so it all started in the summer of 2003 together with my dear friend Jessica. Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I consider myself to be at an intermediate level but I am not afraid to take up a challenge.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? I do have a wish list on Amazon which has got mostly knitting books, not that I ‘need’ anymore but I have an obsession for funky weird books, with patterns which I would never knit!

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.) I like white musk, jasmin and rose.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? I am not a sweet tooth but don’t get me near an Hotel Chocolate shop. Favorite candy? I like liquorice of any kind.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? I don't really have much time to do anything else a part from knitting and blogging! I love baking and make jam, even though I don't eat it but that’s what my children are for. Do you spin? No, but I would like to try hand spin with a drop spindle which I have together with a very good and easy book.

8. What kind of music do you like? I have a very broad mind when it comes to music, I listen to anything that suits my mood of the moment from heavy rock to classical, my favourite music though is jazz. Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) Yes, no problems.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? My favourite colours are pink in absolutely every shade in particularly antique pink, but as long as it's pink it's fine! red: hot, sexy and so warm and brown, especially in winter. Any colors you just can't stand? I am not too keen on blue (turquoise not included), yellow and orange.

10. What is your family situation? I have been married to Nick for the past 8 years and we have 3 boys age 6 and 5 years old and 20 months. Do you have any pets? We don't have any pets as my oldest is allergic to animal hair, I would love to have a cat though.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? I wear all of the above except hats, I have short hair and it would ruin my style!

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? I haven’t knitted long enough to decide what are my favourite items.

13. What are you knitting right now? My brother-in-law, Dave’s jumper. I can’t knit anything else until that’s finished, deadline his 40th birthday on the 22nd of May.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? I love handmade gifts, very personal and unique.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I don't use circular needles much but I have a large collection of straight needles in bamboo, rosewood and glass. I love needles so I always find an excuse to buy some more even though I might not need them... yet!

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? No, my chairs in the dining room work a treat.

17. How old is your oldest UFO? Several projects on the go so not too sure which one is my oldest UFO.

18. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas

19. Is there anything that you collect? Besides yarn, needles and knitting books… I collect tree ferns and adore anything from the 1950.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? There is always something that I like to get but my short list at the moment is: Books: Fitted Knits: 25 Projects for the Fashionable Knitter by Stefanie Japel; Scarf Style: Innovative to Traditional, 31 Inspirational Styles to Knit and Crochet by Pam Allen. This two would just fit my collection of silly books very nicely: Hookorama: 25 Fabulous Things to Crochet by Rachael Matthews and Punk Knits: 26 Hot New Designs for Anarchistic Souls and Independent Spirits by Share Ross. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? I’m subscribed to Rowan International, Simply Knitting, Knitting, Vogue International, Interweave Knits, Knit1 and Knit Simple.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? As I am not a very experienced knitter there are quite a few techniques that I haven’t tried. I would like to try lace patterns and felting.

22. Are you a sock knitter? I wouldn’t call myself that really, I am knitting my second sock and it’s going very slowly but I am enjoying it. What are your foot measurements? I am not sure how to work this out but I have a small feet UK size 3½, European 36.

23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd) 6th of October

SP9

2007-01-15T06:54:00.000-08:00

Hostess for this round: Jenn
I spoiled: Margareth
I was spoiled by: Lucia

Secret Pal 9 Questionnaire

2006-10-03T09:50:00.000-07:00

The fun is starting! This is the opening questionnaire for the Secret Pal 9, this will help my Secret Pal to find out about me, so here we go...

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? I don't really have a 'favourite' yarn; it's more the colour that I am drawn to. There are quite few yarns that I haven’t tried like the Alpaca, Recycled Silk and Angora – already on my list. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I strongly dislike the Kid Silk Haze and Mohair; I don't like to knit with them and they're too itchy for my skin.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? My 'non working needles' are stored in an old wooden trunk along with my collection of wool; each size is tied together with a pink ribbon, easy to find the one I need. I also have a size 25-30 mm in a corner of my sitting room, these needles are nearly 5 foot long so not easy to store them but they are the talking point of the room so why hide them!

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Learned how to cast on, purl and knit when I was about 6 years old but never progressed any further. It's always been in the back of my mind that one day I would become a knitter so it all started in the summer of 2003 together with my dear friend Jessica. Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I consider myself to be at an intermediate level but I am not afraid to take up a challenge.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? I do have a wish list on Amazon which has got mostly knitting books and some Christmas ideas for my husband and children - never too early to think about it!

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.) I like white musk, jasmin and rose.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? I am not a sweet tooth. Favorite candy? I like liquorice.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? I don't really have much time to do anything else a part from knitting and blogging! I love baking and make jam, even though I don't eat it but that’s what my children are for. Do you spin? I have just bought a drop spindle to teach myself how to hand spin, I just need to find the right wool to do it.

8. What kind of music do you like? I have a very broad mind when it comes to music, I listen to anything that suits my mood of the moment from heavy rock to classical, my favourite music though is jazz. Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) Yes, no problems.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? My favourite colours are pink in absolutely every shade in particularly antique pink, but as long as it's pink it's fine! and red: hot, sexy and so warm. Any colors you just can't stand? I am not too keen on blue (turquoise not included), yellow and orange.

10. What is your family situation? I have been married to Nick for the past 8 years and we have 3 boys age 6 and 5 years old and 15 months. Do you have any pets? We don't have any pets as my oldest is allergic to animal hair, I would love to have a cat though.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? I wear all of the above except hats, I have short hair and it would ruin my style!

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? I haven’t knitted long enough to decide what are my favourite items.

13. What are you knitting right now? A man's jumper, a cardigan for my son, a scarf and the second of my 1st pair of socks.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? I love handmade gifts, very personal and unique.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I haven't used circular needles yet. I have a large collection of straight needles in bamboo, rosewood and now glass. I love needles so I always find an excuse to buy some more even though I might not need them... yet!

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? No, my chairs in the dining room work a treat.

17. How old is your oldest UFO? As I juggle several projects at the same time, at the moment my oldest UFO is 3 months.

18. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas

19. Is there anything that you collect? Besides yarn, needles and knitting books… I collect tree ferns and adore anything from the 1950.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? There is always something that I like to get but my short list is: Books: Naughty Needles: Sexy, Saucy Knits for the Bedroom and Beyond by Nikol Lohr; Knitting for Peace: Make the World a Better Place One Stitch at a Time by Betty Christiansen and Not Your Mama's Knitting: The Cool and Creative Way to Pick Up Sticks by Heather Dixon. Pattens: Skinny Tube Baguette, Majolica Vases and The Unfurling Rose by Noni. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? I’m subscribed to Rowan International, Simply Knitting, Knitting, Vogue International, Interweave Knits, Knit1 and Knit Simple.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? As I am not a very experienced knitter there are quite a few techniques that I haven’t tried. I would like to try cables and lace patterns and felting.

22. Are you a sock knitter? I wouldn’t call myself that really, I am knitting my second sock and it’s going very slowly but I am enjoying it. What are your foot measurements? I am not sure how to work this out but I have a small feet UK size 3½, European 36.

23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd) 6th of October