Hello Secret Pal! I hope my answers are helpful. Anything else you’d like to know, feel free to email me: wiscjennyann {at} gmail.
1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
For the most part I’m not choosy. Although, novelty yarn is usually a no go.
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
Mainly in the plastic sleeves they come in. I don’t have any special type of needle/hook holder (yet).
3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I’ve been knitting/crocheting since last December (2006). My mom was working on a felted bag gift for a friend and I was fascinated. I insisted she teach me straight away! I was totally hooked from the get go. Since then I’ve made gloves, hats, scarves, baby afghans, a sweater, socks, a lace shawl… It’s hard to believe it’s been less than a year! I guess I would categorize myself as advance beginner or beginning intermediate.
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Not a public one. Sorry.
5. What’s your favorite scent?
Um… yarn? In the morning, coffee! (And yarn.)
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
I love candy– but tend to stick with gummy candy. I much prefer red vines, sour patch kids or haribo to chocolate. I know, it’s weird.
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I am a novice sewer. I don’t spin yet, although it is getting awfully to resist! The time may be near…
8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I like all sorts of music and love hearing about new bands. A random assortment: anything 80’s, grant lee buffalo, neko case, drive-by truckers, love tractor, built to spill, dismemberment plan, doves, cat power, dwight yoakam, lyle lovett, brian eno, son volt, andrew bird, billy bragg, whiskeytown, any and all wainwrights, yo la tengo, pupy costello & his big city honky tonk. Indeed, my computer can accommodate MP3s.
9. What’s your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can’t stand?
I tend to steer away from pastels. But other than that, most colors are fair game. I like burgundies, rusts, and browns, blues and greens, black, warm off-whites. Bright yellows and oranges don’t always look very good on me. (I suspect I’m an Autumn.)
10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
No spouse or kids or pets… yet. (A dog soon!)
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Yes, all of the above!
12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I have had fun knitting just about everything I’ve tried. Socks, scarves, hats, shawls, sweaters…
13. What are you knitting right now?
I’ve just finished my first lace shawl. I plan to cast on another straight away (holiday gift). I’m crocheting a soft ripple afghan. Planning to start some socks, some baby hats, and a baby surprise jacket or baby kimono in the near future.
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Yes.
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
No preference re: straight or circular. I like them both. Bamboo or aluminum. Although, for the tiny needles I prefer metal– I think I’m too strong for bamboo DPNs when knitting socks cause I keep breaking them.
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
I have a yarn winder, but no swift.
17. How old is your oldest UFO?
February 2007, I think. The Lil Monkey afghan from the Happy Hooker. Finished all of the granny squares but cannot face weaving in all of the end.
18. What is your favorite holiday?
Thanksgiving.
19. Is there anything that you collect?
Other than yarn…?
20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
Books: I’m very interested in anything by Elizabeth Zimmermann. Maybe (More) Sensational Knitted Socks. Yarns: I’d like to know what all the fuss is about Wollmeise. I love Hello Yarn! But really, I’m not picky. I’m contemplating a subscription to Interweave Knits…
21. Are there any new techniques you’d like to learn?
Just finished my first lace project– lots of fun, but will need more practice; am thinking of trying a small fair isle project (maybe the Red Light Special?).
22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Yep. I’ll get back to you on specific foot measurements but in the meantime I wear a size 10 shoe.
23. When is your birthday?
March 07
24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what’s your ID?
