SP14 questionnaire

I'm back into swaps, and having fun with them! Though I'm not hostessing this time (first time in years not hostessing!), I'm still participating. Here is my questionnaire! Hope my pal finds the answers helpful. :)

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I love anything that is really soft to the touch. I'm not allergic to wool, but sensitive to anything even remotely scratchy. I love blends too, especially interesting ones. Always on the lookout for something new and different.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have a really nice needle holder that my SP made me way back (SP7 I think?) for my long needles, and my circs and dpns are in a case that I bought at Maryland Sheep and Wool this year. The Knitpicks Options are in the binder it came with.

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 hardcore for 5 years now, but on and off since I was 5. My aunt taught me when I was 5, but I only learned the knit stitch (and couldn't understand why it didn't look like "knitting". Now I'm in the know, and have been knitting non-stop for the last 5 years.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
I have a list at The Things I want, my username is sbidwell.

5. What's your favorite scent?
I love lavendar, vanilla and citrus scents.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Oh yes! I love milk chocolate, twizzlers, starburst, skittles, and most fruity candies. Anything cherry/red is good- but not cinnamon red- that breaks my mouth out in sores. Learned that the hard way in Junior High when I ate an entire pack of Big Red gum.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I'm into scrapbooking, knitting, spinning, dyeing yarn/roving, beading, rubber stamping, quilting, sewing, cooking, photography... I consider myself an Equal Opportunity Crafter. :)

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I love rock, pop and the like. Not at all a fan of country or rap.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
Blue and purple are my favorites. I really don't care much for orange, but most other colors are good.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I have 2 kids (a 16 month old and a 5 year old), and a husband. No pets anymore (the baby has asthma, so we had to find a home for our cat).

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
I wear scarves, hats and mittens. Not ponchos.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I like to knit socks, but have been getting into more lace lately. I finally completed my first shawl, Ishbel, which I absolutely love, and now am hooked.

13. What are you knitting right now?
I've got a Swallowtail shawl going, a top (Buttercup), a few socks, a few baby/kid sweaters, and more that I can't think of at the moment.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
I do!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I prefer circs, but do use straights for some things. I love bamboo/wood first, but also like the metal ones from KnitPicks or Inox.

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

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
Um...at least 4 years I think? Needs to be frogged but never got to it.

18. What is your favorite holiday? What winter holiday do you observe?
Probably Halloween. I celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah.

19. Is there anything that you collect?
I collect yarn, paper for scrapbooking, beads, fabric and wine.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I'd like Chrissy Gardiner's new Sock book. I have a subscription to Interweave Knits only.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I'm open to anything!

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Yes, I am! I wear a size 10 wide shoe. Darn pregnancy made my feet grow a full size and width. But sooo worth it!

23. When is your birthday?
June 25th, just turned 33.

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?
Of course! I'm Shelbyknits