SP12 Questionaire

Yeap I got invited by a friend, thank you Laura aka KnittinKitties....... for Secret Pal 12 Swap. I have actually never done this one, though it has passed by me a few times since I joined the knitting/swapping/blogging world.

So here is the questionaire and answers....

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? Merino and Bamboo. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? none really except for Wool Ease

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? depends, I do have a wonderful DPN/knitting organizer that I received from my Monkey 3 Pal that I use, but I also have a wonderful little pottery vase that sits on my desk with DPN's and a glass vase for my straights and fixed circs are hanging on a hook over my desk

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? knitting for about 3 years now. Self taught from a teach yourself to knit kit and Knitting for Dummies. Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?Intermediate

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

5. What's your favorite scent? vanilla and cinammon

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? yeap Favorite candy? Twix bars, chocolate and caramel

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? hmmm, scrapbooking, sewing, bead work, lots of other stuff. Do you spin? I am trying!

8. What kind of music do you like? all sorts, C&W, hard rock, jazz.... no Rap or Hip hop though. Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? yes and I have and Ipod

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Red, Blues and natural shades. Any colors you just can't stand? most of the neon or eye searing candy like colors(though I do go outside the color box on occasion)

10. What is your family situation? Married 3 kids(17,15,3). Do you have any pets?2 dogs, 6cats and 1 Guenia Pig

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? uhhh yes, sometimes, yes and not yet

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

13. What are you knitting right now? couple a pair of socks OTN and a shawl

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? yeap

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? depends, usually circulars except for small enround items like socks and hats then DPN's Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? overall preffered are the Knitpicks options and harmonies

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? have a yarn winder, waiting for a swift

17. How old is your oldest UFO? knitting 3 years, crocheting 12 years

18. What is your favorite holiday? Thanksgiving for the family time

19. Is there anything that you collect?ummmm, sock yarn, chopsticks and casino chips

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? I would like to see the new Eclectic Sole by Janel Laidman or Cat Bhordi's New Pathways. Patterns hmmm Cookie A and the Autumn leaves shawl. Yarn - Dream in Color and the new Sock Ease from Lion Brand. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?None

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?hmmm not currently, that I can think of, but then I am always learning something new as I knit along and try different patterns

22. Are you a sock knitter? Yeap! What are your foot measurements? hmmmm US womens 8.5, 91/2" length(measure on the heavy side) circ 8 1/4"-1/2"

23. When is your birthday? Nov 7

24. Are you on Ravelry? Yeap. If so, what's your ID?JenDuzS0ks

Update, Sock it to Me Twice, Fo's

First an update, it has been a while...


Other than having a vicious cold, that has killed my voice(probably have a good phone career for a couple of days, lol), Joey started the cold cycle and is doing better though still off just a tad, Andy's still hacking away, think if he isn't better by Wed, drag him to work for a CXR and antibiotics.


We woke up to snow on Monday. Big, white, fluffy flakes. If it had been a little colder, probably would have stuck. Ahhh well, turned to rain by afternoon. It was pretty though. Anybody else love the way snow looks while you are driving, the tunnel flying at you thing, I think it's neat anyway.


Getting ready for Thanksgiving. I will be baking an apple pie and a pumpkin custard thing(have to go to Rachel Ray's website for this recipe) that the Dear MIL has requested.


Looking at the Black Friday ads to see if there will be anything on the XMas lists for a good price. I will NOT be getting up at 2am again. Did it last year and not happening this year, unless it is free and I have to have it can't live without at, the world will end if it is not in the house, etc... so yeah...


Had a wonderful delivery yesterday.... what was it you ask.... Yarn Pirate!!! in BFL(blue faced leichester) Never touched BFL before.... ohhh boy, I pulled a L&V when I touched it. Yeap I squeed, LOL!!!! and the colorway is gorgeous, Georgia really did a wonderful dye job. Wound it up then and there and I have a new pet for my desk until I decide what pattern. Thinking maybe a shawlette or scarf.


Will be going to a book signing for Mary Beth Temple - Secret Language of Knitters on Dec 2 in Montclair. I met her at the Ravelry brunch at Stix-n-Stitches early this month, wonderful lady, book promises to be a great read!!


Finished 2 projects this week, the stockinette hat for Andy(only took about 2 weeks of off and on knitting), and my Halloween socks from WoolGirl are done.






I have since cast on 2 more pair for me. The Nov Mystery from Mona at SKA(Ravelry) were re-cast on last night with metal DPN's, I tried with the bamboo #0 and #1 and was too nervous with every bend and uhhggg, thankfully nothing snapped, so #1 nickle and much happier. Also cast on the Rivendal from Chameleon ColorWorks(August), love the evolution yarn, hopefully they will be back on track for next year.


Once my order from Stix-n-Stitches arrives I will be casting on for Holiday Projects. I promise though no one is getting socks from me, maybe.... Really trying not to over commit myself with holiday knitting this year... see how it goes....



My Sock it to Me Twice Questionnaire!! for inquiring minds who really want to know......

1. How long have you been knitting? Do you consider yourself beginner, intermediate, advanced? I have been knitting for about 5 years now off and on, steadily for the past 8 months. I figure I am comfortable intermediate.
2. How long have you been knitting socks? 8 months
3. What are your favorite fibers to work with? right now merino/bamboo blend from Mama Llama has been the best so far, with a close second to a merino/tencel blend I picked up from Cherry Blossom Fibers
4. What is your favorite color? Red
5. What are your current WIPs (works in progress)? actually working 3 socks(2 for me, 1 for DH). Will have a some holiday projects going on the needles after thanksgiving.
6. Name your favorite yarns, (brand, fibers, colors, etc.). see #3 and lets see.... actually Ultra alpaca from Berraco(going to be a Cozy shawl someday) for none sock, Reynolds Rapture I just picked up and really like(that will be a scarf or shawl eventually) Just received some BFL, which I am still petting. Colors, I like jewel tones or natural and willing to try most anything fiber or color wise.
7. What are some yarns/fibers that you stay away from. Lion Brand wool ease(feels nice to touch but working it feels like fiberglass) qualifier, I will use acrylics though Simply soft, Baby stuff etc...
8. What is your family situation? (Married, kids, pets?) Married, 3 kids(2 1/2 year old at home) 6 cats and 2 dogs(Bull mastiff and Shepard/Chow)
9. Name some of your hobbies. obvious first, knitting and crocheting, PC gaming(BF2, DOD, Guild Wars, Hellgate London), reading.
10. Name some of your favorite movies? The Fifth Element, Breakfast Club, Hackers
11. Do you like to read? Yeap, Sci/Fi, Fantasy, limited Romance and Mysteries. Amazon
12. Do you collect anything? Chop sticks(yes the kind you eat with), shot glasses when I go to new places, fuzzy pens.
13. Do you own an iPod or mp3 player? both use the iPod more
14. What are your favorite type of knitting needles? Rosewood and Harmony primary and the KP nickle plated, then birch and bamboo.
15. What knitting notion could you not live without? crochet hook
16. Who are some of your favorite designers? Cookie A, Anne Hanson(Heavens, have you seen her new shawl with thraven!!!)
17. Do you subscribe to any magazines? (Knitting or otherwise.) Parents, Parenting and PC Gamer
18. When is your birthday? Nov 7
19. Do you have a "wishlist", (on Ravelry, Froogle, or Amazon)? Amazon see #11, Ravelry anything in my favs
20. Do you have a Ravelry ID? JenC
21. If you had a sheep, what would you name it? hmmm that is a toughie. I like to name critters/pets based on personality and looks, so have to meet him/her first.


Now for the questions my pal asked me via email bright and early this morning:


The first scarf I will probably cast on for myself will be the Tigers eye or the Dragon scale, just acquired some lovely BFL that seems a waste for socks(though they would be wonderful). I do have plans to cast on for the Butterfly Shawl and or the Kimono Shawl before the end of the year. It will all depend on my mood though.

For socks, average cuff is 6" for me, though I do have a couple of Cookie A's knee high patterns in my pattern file that I like. Haven't done any ankles yet for myself. Patterns/colors, I pretty easy going and love anything that is hand made for me. Colors that I avoid for myself though tend to be the candied colors. I do not mind being pushed out of my color/fiber zone. That's why I joined sock/fiber clubs :-)

This will close out today's episode. Will try to update this weekend on the triptophene(sp?) coma wears off....

Knit 1 Tea 2 Swap Queastionaire

Knit 1 Tea 2 Color Swap Questionnaire
1. Do you like loose tea or bags, or both – something you want to try? Never really tried anything beyond bags but would like to.
2. What is your favorite kind of tea (Brand, flavor, variety, etc)? uhh, lipton, orange pekoe
3. Favorite color in regards to tea or one you would like to try? (black, green, red, and white) (keeping in mind that this is how this swap is set up). Ummm any, kind a new to the whole tea thing, so any of them.
4. Would you say you were a tea pot kind of person or just a hot water heater kind? Hot water cause that is all I’ve ever had.
5. What tea accessories would you like but have never purchases for yourself? Accessories?????
6. How do you prefer to be pampered? (examples: mani/pedi, bubble bath, yummy treat, etc). Massage, glass of wine while in a bubble bath listening to Norah Jones or something soothing.
7. If you were a kind of yarn what would you be and why? A nice 80/20 stock wool and silk blend fingering wieght. Why? Because I am kind of a natural person easy going , sturdy but with a sheen to me.
8. If you had to knit/crochet baby booties, a fun fur scarf, or a fair isle sweater, which would you choose and why? Umm, none of them. Blankets over booties they are more useful, fun fur maybe for chemo caps or something but not scarves ever again, and I am not a fair Isle type of person by a long shot.
9. What other event would make you skip a tea party? (A garden party? A book club meeting? A yoga class? Opening night for a new action thriller? etc?) Once I have accepted and invitation, illness/death in the family.
10. What treat would you consider essential at your tea party? (Sweet? Salty? Scones? Those petite pastry trays with a couple of all sorts of things? Little crust less sandwiches?) morning tea-scones and jams, light cookies. Afternoon-those little sandwiches and petit fors for dessert.
11. When buying yarn for a project how do you choose - do you buy the one called for or do you substitute? Depends on if it is in budget and if I like it how it feels.
12. What do you carry your knitting/crocheting in when on the go? Individual projects go in ziplock bags then into a small canvas backpack thingie, the into a denim tote that holds the essentials kit and reading material and pattern.
13. Favorite movie to watch while knitting/crocheting? Hackers
14. Are you a traditional tea cup kind of person or a mug type of person? Do you care if they match? More of a mug I guess ‘cause that is all I have and not really.
15. Favorite childhood birthday party? WonderWoman birthday cake made by an older cousin and family.
16. Favorite type of scone and jam? Scone not really sure, jam would be strawberry
17. If you use candles, what is your favorite scent? Berries
18. If you could choose 3 people to have 'tea' with, who would they be and why? (famous or not, living or dead). My mother, my best friend Dipali and my internet friend Luci
19. You've been invited to a tea party, what 'props' will you wear (formal or casual)? Skirt(‘tea length’), layered shirt and blouse (formal and casual)
20. Any allergies/preferences you have or are willing to admit to? nope
21. Anything we missed that you want your pal to know? I have never really tried tea’s beyond the basic tea bag. Have gone as far as earl grey, chamomile and Lipton honey/lemon. But it has always looked interesting. I am willing to try new avenues and learn more about the tea world.

Hogwarts Sock Swap 2 - First Year

Hogwarts Sock Swap Questionnaire

What Hogwarts house have you been sorted into? Hufflepuff. Took all 4 sorting tests and was Hufflepuff hands down

Shoe size? 8.5US

Foot Length? 9 3/4"

Foot Circumference? 9 1/2" edit 9"

List your three favorite double-point needle brands, including size and length.
a. Lantern Moon Sox stix any wood size 2
b. Brittany Birch size 1-2 length 5"
c. Crystal Palace Bamboo size 2 6"

Would you like to try a new brand needle? If so, which brand? Size? Length? willing to try any, for socks prefer 5"-6" though edit: Knit Picks DPN's thinking about trying.

If you are a RAVENCLAW, do you prefer the colors in the film or the book? Do you have a strong preference? Hufflepuff, but if I was would prefer the book, blue and bronze

Allergies? Do you have any? Will your knitting be exposed to smoke or animals? No fiber allergies. Non smoking, but do have cats and dogs that I try to keep away from the yarn. Yarn is kept in their plastic bags and/or in bins when not in use.

Are you an international participant (outside US)? Are you willing to have an international Hogwarts Sock Pal? Us, would be willing to go international

The Hogwarts Sock Swap Button is to the right. Applications are being accepted as of July 14, 2007, all are welcome to sign up. Look forward to meeting new people and Book 7 comes out in 6 days Yippee, Currently re-reading the series with my kids.

edit 7/17/07 - Sign ups have been extended to 150, If you are interested please sign up.

Sock It To Me Swap Questionaire

Sock It to Me
What are your foot measurements? (Please give shoe size, length and circumference.) Shoe size 8.5(US), length 9 3/4", circumfrence 91/2" edit 9"
How long have you been knitting? How would you rate your experience? (Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced.) Learned to knit 6 years ago, seriously knitting the past 6 months. Experience: Beginning Intermidiate
What is your favorite color? Your least favorite color? favorite color is red, least favorite any candy/neon colors
Do you have a favorite fiber? What type? hmmmm, anything soft
Do you have any allergies to certain fibers? nope
Do you have an Amazon, or other type of, wishlist? (If so, provide the link.)
Jen's Amazon
What techniques, if any, would you like to learn? toe up and cables
Do you have a sweet tooth? What are your favorite snacks? yeap, chocolate. Peanut M&M's, oreos, original chex mix
What is your family situation? (Children, Husband, Pets...etc.) hubby, 3 kids teenage to toddler, 6 cats, 2 dogs, 1 rat and 1 goldfish
Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Metal, plastic or wood? circular, bamboo
Besides socks, what are your favorite items to knit? dont know yet, still working on my first sweater and first lace type scarf
Is there a pattern, (sock or otherwise), that you are dying to try? there are so many out there I hadnt really decided. The flame wave from IK, one of the ones from Sock Pixie maybe and a shawl havent decided yet maybe cozy or Candleflame
Do you like to read? What are you reading currently? Love to read, for fun Safe Harbor by C Feehan, for learning Human resource management, for Knitting- Dominknitrix and Mason Dixon Knitting and the new HP as soon as it is delivered
Do you collect music? (On an iPod or MP3 player.) both
What kind of music do you listen to? Country and Western, Hard rock, Oldies, Jazz.
Is there anything you collect? uhhhh, lets' see, yarn, shotglasses, hotel room swipes(when I stay someplace neat), chopsticks
What are your hobbies, aside from knitting? PC gaming, scrapbooking, crocheting, trying jewelry making/beading.
Are you participating in any other swaps or knit alongs? Dog Days of Summer Dishcloth Exchange and Summer Stash Swap
Do you have a favorite scent? Green tea and Raspberry
When is your birthday? (You don't have to add the year if you don't want to, LOL.) Nov 7