SWAPPING

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Scavenger Hunt Swap


1) Do you knit, crochet or both? How long have you been doing it?

I know how to crochet, but I am first and foremost a knitter. I learned to do both may, many years ago in the far distant past, but only picked up knitting again in earnest about 3 or 4 years ago.

2) What is on your needles/hook right now?

The big project is a sweater for DH. It's out of Cascade 220 Heathers in blue, and I'm mostly making it up as I go, using Ann Budd's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns for help figuring. It's a ribbed body with cables in the front and saddle shoulders. Someday I have to write a post about my experience with figuring out the gauge. Aye-yi-yi!
I've also got a couple pairs of socks (a Monkey and my own design), a scarf (Phiaro, almost done), an afghan (Lizard Ridge), a lace shawl (MS3, yes I know I'm way behind...), and... I think that's it. But I haven't dug to the bottom of the bag(s) yet.

3) What is the most frequently used tool in your knitting bag?

Hmmm, that's tough to narrow down.
I use my Gingher tailor point scissors constantly, and my darning needles on every project. I use my needle gauge a lot. And I use lots of little bags and point holders to keep my projects in order.
My DPNs get a workout as I *always* have a pair of socks on the go. But I vary from 0s to 1s to 2s so that's not one tool.

4) What are your 3 favorite yarns (fiber type or brand)?

Claudia's Handpainted sock yarns (well, all of her yarns... love the colors!)

Blue Sky Alpaca and Silk (oh, the softness! the sheen! the rich color!)

Cascade 220 (nothing fancy, but so many colors, and a real workhorse.)

What are your 3 least favorite?

I don't think I've ever worked with a yarn I really disliked. I did use a handspun once that had a lot, a whole lot, of VM in it. But the texture and color sort of made up for that. Sort of.

ETA: I should mention though that like a lot of knitters I'm not crazy about acrylics and have found minimal use for novelty yarns. There are some good acrylics though, and I have occasionally seen an interesting item using a novelty type yarn so I'm not saying "Yuck!", but more of an "Ergh".

5) What is your favorite color?

Purple and green is my all time favorite color combo. All greens I love. But I also adore a good rich cool red.

6) If you had a 5 minute shopping spree in your LYS, how would you plan your attack?

First I would head to the Blue Sky Alpaca shelves (on the right) and dump it all in my basket. If I was thinking I would stop quick and grab up the ArtYarns worsteds (further to the right and down). Then I would turn to the left and clear out all the Claudia sock yarns. And her silk laceweight, which is conveniently located next to the Alpaca with a Twist laceweights.
Then I would start randomly grabbing greens and purples and reds and blacks everywhere! Until I was wrestled to the ground. Or overcome by the glorious yarn fumes.

7) What is your favorite FO and why? (post a pic if you have it!)

Wow, another tough question!
I think maybe my Rib and Cable mitts (from Interweave Knits). I love them because they are my favorite color combo, but a little whacky, and so warm!

(Special thanks to my hand model, Kristen!)

Second place would probably be my Ruffled Roses scarf by Annie Modesitt. Because I got obsessive and created the ribbon yarn used in the ruffle (I couldn't find the required ribbon locally so I used two others and sewed four rows into one wide lacey edged single ribbon.) and I love it!

8) What are your favorite things to knit/crochet?

Socks. On DPNs. Easily portable, and a simple one for busy times can alternate with a complex patterned one for more concentration friendly times. And I love the way handknit socks feel and look.

9) Do you collect anything?

You mean besides yarn?

What don't I collect! I like vintage/antique fashion prints, shoes and hats, and other accessories. Also art glass and ashtrays from the 50's and 60's (although I don't smoke, some of those old ashtrays were works of art). Plus pottery, both art type and from the 30's-40's. And Pogo comic collection books (remember the possum by Walt Kelly from the 50-60's?).

10) What are your five favorite things (not necessarily knitting related)?

DH and my family (including my cats).

My house (we rent, but I love it).

My yarn and fabric stash(es).

My choice of career (Theatre and Dance Costumer/Teacher).

That moment in early Spring when the tulips and daffodils have poked out their heads and sweet bursts of bright color return to the land.

11) Are you on Ravelry? What is your ID?

KathleenC

12) Do you drink tea/coffee/cocoa?

Yes to all three. In the winter I love to mix a spoonful of cocoa mix in with my coffee.

13) Favorite Sweets?

I am a huge fan of baked goods. Love 'em! I also like things like caramels and toffees.

14) Any allergies?

Nope! Except for mold. And some sort of tree bloom thing that happens around here in the Fall.

So no moldy trees please.

15) Do you have pets? kids?

Two cats.