Cocoa Swap 3: Questionnaire

I’m really happy to be in this year’s Hot Cocoa swap, even if it’s a tiny group! I will, however, cheat and mostly use last year’s answers, with new commentary [in brackets]!

Questionnaire
The Yarn…

1. Do you knit, crochet, or do both?
Just knit.
[Mostly. I can crochet, I just don't use it for anything other than edges and dishcloths!]

2. What is your favorite one-skein project? What item do you find you knit the most of?
Probably socks — I love sock yarn for a one-skein hit! I do think I knit a lot of hats, though, too, but most of those get given away!
[Yep - love me some socks!]

3. Do you like using a particular type of needle or hook? (wood, metal, straight, circular) Is there something you’ve been wanting to try, or a particular size you always seem to be short on?
I have come around to be a total circular-needle-lover! Addis are, of course, primo needles, but I’ve also had a taste of the KnitPicks Harmony wooden ones and they’re pretty sweet too. As for sizes, I love 2.25 for socks, which sadly Addi doesn’t make! I tend to buy all my circs. in 34″ or longer, too, since I magic loop most things.
[Am starting to get into the little circs, too, like 16" ones. Good for the aforementioned hats.]

4. What’s on your needles\hook right now? What’s your oldest UFO (unfinished object)?
Right now I have a hat and a lace shawl in progress, and a February Lady Sweater languishing in the wings. [a sock and a twice-ripped "hat" on the go. Soon will be casting-on for my 1Y1B projects!] As far as UFOs go, I’m not sure which is the eldest but I’d bet it’s a lone sock…

5. What are your favorite types of yarns? Are you allergic to any yarns, or just hate working with something? Anything type/brand of yarn you’ve been dying to try?
I’m all about little luxuries these days! (With the baby I have little knitting time, so when I take up yarn I want it to be lovely.) Pretty, soft, natural fibers are my #1 choice, hands down — life’s too short for acrylic! I am interested in branching into working with plant fibers (hemp, linen, even soft cottons?), and as far as “brands” go I’m a huge fan of Handmaiden/Fleece Artist, would love to someday try the mythical Wollmise, and am always interested in local/indie yarns!!

Shouldn’t there be a question #6??
[Where is this question?]

7. What are your favorite colors? Brights? Pastels? More muted colors? Variegated? Are there that make you want to stab yourself in the eye with your needles?
Love jewel tones (purples, burgundies, greens) and autumnal reds/browns. Hate fluorescents and not usually fond of pastels. Am not a blue or yellow girl.
[Lately I've been more into the semi-solids than the variegates. Don't really know why, but noticed it when looking through the stash yesterday.]

8. What is your favorite knit accessory, your fancy needles? stitch markers? your yarn cutter? What do you have TOO many of? What do you wish you had?
Probably fancy needles (e.g. Addis). I enjoy using my hand-made stitch markers from previous swap-pals, but otherwise don’t actually use/have many knitting accessories. I’ve seen some really nice yarn cutters & cable “needles” as necklaces, though…

The Chocolate

1. Do you prefer boxed/packets, or something homemade?
I’m always up for handmade treats! I don’t have much attachment to any one brand, but organic chocolate is almost always way better than non when it comes to bars, so I’d assume the same for cocoa (but haven’t tested any yet!).

2. Marshmallows or whipped cream?
Mmmmmarshmallows! :)

3. Do you use any ‘add ins’
Not really. Maybe a splash of Kaluah or Frangelico on rare occasions.

4. Are you a year round cocoa drinker or just in the winter months?
Year round, but still usually on colder days. Nothing like a hot cup of cocoa on a cold night’s camping, even in August!

5. Do you like flavored cocoas or are you just a ’straight chocolate’ kind of person?
Straight up.

6. Do you enjoy cocoa from restaurants or shops like Starbucks? What are some of your favorites?
I have a strong addiction to the Starbucks “Signature Hot Chocolate” these days. It’s reminiscent of their long-defunct Drinking Chocolate.
[Oh, Drinking Chocolate, how I miss you so!]

7. You’ve just made the perfect cup of cocoa – is it in a thick mug, or a thinner cup? Where would you sit to drink it?
Oversized thick mug! Time to curl up in an armchair with a book :)

8. You’re enjoying that perfect cup, what treats will you enjoy with it? Are they sweet or salty? Crunchy? Soft and flaky?
Probably sweet and crunchy (i.e. cookies!!)

It’s all YOU!

1. Do you have other hobbies like spinning or scrapbooking?
I spin, both spindle and wheel.

2. Do you collect anything?
Other than yarn and fluff? ;) Spindles. Books with faerie art (e.g. Brian Froud). Pretty blank journals; also stationary and non-refillable (read:cheap) fountain pens.

3. What is your favorite part of Winter?
Quiet nighttime walks in fluffy snowfalls.

4. What sort of scents do you enjoy? Any difference in what you like for your house versus what you like for your body?
I like woodsy, musky scents and bright citrusy ones. I don’t usually scent myself (sensitive skin and asthmatic husband) but sometimes indulge in light scented creams or quality incenses.

5. Are you allergic to anything?
Just dust/smoke/etc.

6. Are you on Ravelry? What’s your ID?
“aemmeleia”

7. How would you spend an ideal winter afternoon/day?
Snuggled down in warm PJs with good books and lots of treats, watching the snow.

8. What’s your favorite animal?
Foxes, cats, and ferrets.

Good Mail: Cocoaswap!

I finally got myself over to the post office today yesterday and picked up a package: my Hot Cocoa Swap package!!

Not only was it full of yummy treats (spiced cocoa and truffle meltaways, mmm!), but some delicious Manos Silk Blend in luscious burgundy, very cool stitch markers, and an adorable black knit kitty!

I love this rectangular cat. He reminds me of something from
Mirrormask, very Dave McKean-esque.

Thanks so much, Sarah!!

Good Mail: SP Goodness!

I have a great Secret Pal. Not only does this one put up with my tremendously bad postings, but s/he also sends me hilarious e-cards and fabulous, on-the-dot packages!*

So a belated “Hippo Birdie” to me, (the “belated” entirely the fault of Canada Post, not the SP), and here’s my treats:

Chocolate, bathstuff, sock yarn (I love FA SeaWool!!), and Crazy Aunt Purl‘s book… I’m a lucky girl!

*I didn’t blog the first one. It was full of awesome. Happy sock yarn, Folk Socks, treaties… all unphotographed and long since put away/eaten. I’m such a bad blogger!

Cocoa Swap 2 Questionnaire

OK, so I’ve gone and signed up for another swap. It’s my way of saying, “Hello Outside World! I still exist!”

A post with real content coming soon, I promise. Am negotiating “blogging time” with the Dru — it’s hard to blog with a baby taking up one typing hand for cuddles!

Questionnaire
The Yarn…

1. Do you knit, crochet, or do both?
Just knit.

2. What is your favorite one-skein project? What item do you find you knit the most of?
Probably socks — I love sock yarn for a one-skein hit! I do think I knit a lot of hats, though, too, but most of those get given away!

3. Do you like using a particular type of needle or hook? (wood, metal, straight, circular) Is there something you’ve been wanting to try, or a particular size you always seem to be short on?
I have come around to be a total circular-needle-lover! Addis are, of course, primo needles, but I’ve also had a taste of the KnitPicks Harmony wooden ones and they’re pretty sweet too. As for sizes, I love 2.25 for socks, which sadly Addi doesn’t make! I tend to buy all my circs. in 34″ or longer, too, since I magic loop most things.

4. What’s on your needles\hook right now? What’s your oldest UFO (unfinished object)?
Right now I have a hat and a lace shawl in progress, and a February Lady Sweater languishing in the wings. As far as UFOs go, I’m not sure which is the eldest but I’d bet it’s a lone sock…

5. What are your favorite types of yarns? Are you allergic to any yarns, or just hate working with something? Anything type/brand of yarn you’ve been dying to try?
I’m all about little luxuries these days! (With the baby I have little knitting time, so when I take up yarn I want it to be lovely.) Pretty, soft, natural fibers are my #1 choice, hands down — life’s too short for acrylic! I am interested in branching into working with plant fibers (hemp, linen, even soft cottons?), and as far as “brands” go I’m a huge fan of Handmaiden/Fleece Artist, would love to someday try the mythical Wollmise, and am always interested in local/indie yarns!!

Shouldn’t there be a question #6??

7. What are your favorite colors? Brights? Pastels? More muted colors? Variegated? Are there that make you want to stab yourself in the eye with your needles?
Love jewel tones (purples, burgundies, greens) and autumnal reds/browns. Hate fluorescents and not usually fond of pastels. Am not a blue or yellow girl.

8. What is your favorite knit accessory, your fancy needles? stitch markers? your yarn cutter? What do you have TOO many of? What do you wish you had?
Probably fancy needles (e.g. Addis). I enjoy using my hand-made stitch markers from previous swap-pals, but otherwise don’t actually use/have many knitting accessories. I’ve seen some really nice yarn cutters & cable “needles” as necklaces, though…

The Chocolate

1. Do you prefer boxed/packets, or something homemade?
I’m always up for handmade treats! I don’t have much attachment to any one brand, but organic chocolate is almost always way better than non when it comes to bars, so I’d assume the same for cocoa (but haven’t tested any yet!).

2. Marshmallows or whipped cream?
Mmmmmarshmallows! :)

3. Do you use any ‘add ins’
Not really. Maybe a splash of Kaluah or Frangelico on rare occasions.

4. Are you a year round cocoa drinker or just in the winter months?
Year round, but still usually on colder days. Nothing like a hot cup of cocoa on a cold night’s camping, even in August!

5. Do you like flavored cocoas or are you just a ’straight chocolate’ kind of person?
Straight up.

6. Do you enjoy cocoa from restaurants or shops like Starbucks? What are some of your favorites?
I have a strong addiction to the Starbucks “Signature Hot Chocolate” these days. It’s reminiscent of their long-defunct Drinking Chocolate.

7. You’ve just made the perfect cup of cocoa – is it in a thick mug, or a thinner cup? Where would you sit to drink it?
Oversized thick mug! Time to curl up in an armchair with a book :)

8. You’re enjoying that perfect cup, what treats will you enjoy with it? Are they sweet or salty? Crunchy? Soft and flaky?
Probably sweet and crunchy (i.e. cookies!!)

It’s all YOU!

1. Do you have other hobbies like spinning or scrapbooking?
I spin, both spindle and wheel.

2. Do you collect anything?
Other than yarn and fluff? ;) Spindles. Books with faerie art (e.g. Brian Froud). Pretty blank journals; also stationary and non-refillable (read:cheap) fountain pens.

3. What is your favorite part of Winter?
Quiet nighttime walks in fluffy snowfalls.

4. What sort of scents do you enjoy? Any difference in what you like for your house versus what you like for your body?
I like woodsy, musky scents and bright citrusy ones. I don’t usually scent myself (sensitive skin and asthmatic husband) but sometimes indulge in light scented creams or quality incenses.

5. Are you allergic to anything?
Just dust/smoke/etc.

6. Are you on Ravelry? What’s your ID?
“aemmeleia”

7. How would you spend an ideal winter afternoon/day?
Snuggled down in warm PJs with good books and lots of treats, watching the snow.

8. What’s your favorite animal?
Foxes, cats, and ferrets.

Good Mail: Spoiled rotten!!

I’ve been absolutely spoiled rotten by my SP12 pal, Tanya! Check out these lovelies:

This is a better photo of the baby blanket/wrap she hand-wove (using some of her own handspun yarn!) that was sent in package #1…

And in this package there was both a hand-knit Baby Surprise Jacket (it’s so small and cute!) for my one-on-the-way…

And also a pair of lovely hand-knit socks for me!!

They fit perfectly :)

She also sent me some wonderful purple Polworth roving to spin (and I’m even getting that wheel-spinning bug, these days!). And a handmade beaded DPN-holder!

I feel lucky to have been paired with such a generous pal. I have never been the recipient of so much of someone else’s creative energy, and am very grateful of these beautiful things. I’m sure I (and my baby) will love them for years to come!

Next time… I have been KNITTING!!

SP12 Question of the Week #9 & 10

Am I boring you yet? Are these questions really blog posts, or just a cop-out way to let me feel like I’m still blogging but really I’m just too lazy/distracted to take photos and write genuine original content?

I think I might be boring myself, these days…

QotW #9:
Have you ever entered your knitting (or anything else) in the fair? Would you ever consider it?
Ever entered? Nope. Would I do it? Yes, I think so. Currently my “local” agricultural fair is the Royal, so I don’t think I’m up to calibre here! But if I were to move to a smaller community, I think it could be interesting to see how my knitting/spinning held up to others’.

QotW #10:
What Olympic event would best describe you knitting/knitting style?
Confession time: I don’t really care about the Olympics. I remember watching with my parents as a kid, but I’ve never been a “sporty” one. So now, I barely know what counts as an Olympic event.*
Are there any non-competitive events in the Olympics? (Um…ok, probably not.) Well, I don’t really think of my knitting as any competition or event. My knitting is something I do to relax, to make girly things and the occasional gift. Maybe I’m the “Interpretive Ribbon Gymnastics” of the knitting world…

*Last night we were in a pub, which had several t.v. screens showing Olympics. The one most in my view had what I can only imagine was “women’s power walking”. Dudes. I had no idea this was considered a sport (it’s a race, obviously; but if someone starts to jog, are they disqualified?!?), and it certainly was bizarre seeing a crowd of scantily-clad athletic women with flipping feet, jelly legs, pumping arms and wibbly-wobbly middles, all walking as fast as they all could (without jogging, of course) around the course.

SP12 Question of the Week #8

What is your favourite supper for a hot summer evening?

Other than ice cream? :)

Well, ok then. A fresh salad with delicious cheese and a vinagrette (like this Goat Cheese, Walnut, and Strawberry Salad) is always awesome, since there is no cooking involved whatsoever!

Good mail, bad blogger

Dear Secret Pal,

You are totally awesome. I have now received 2 packages from you, and both have been fantastic and unique and thoughtful. It took me a while to pick up package #2, since I thought the postal notice was a hold-over from #1, they came so close together, but please don’t stress that they weren’t shipped or recieved!

Your first package was great — I am still touched that you spun some of the yarn, and then used it to hand-weave an awesome shawl/baby blanket. Thank you for giving me both a lovely object, and the gift of your time and creativity. The yarn is beautiful and I have already commissioned the stitch-markers (they’re nice and big, and most of my others are too small for my current project!)

The second and very surprising surprise package is a thing for which many others hold jealous: the Cat Bordhi New Pathways for Sock Knitters book, complete with some lovely sock yarn and needles (in my favourite 2.25mm size, nonetheless)! I have already knit the two “practise” socks (how perfect is it that these come out baby/kid sized?) and my brain has only exploded a few times from the awesomeness of these new “sockitechtures”. I am even getting the hang of the wacky new increase techniques*.

You should know just how much these packages have brightened my days, how grateful I am and how spoilt I feel. I don’t know you (yet) but you certainly have got a handle on my likes! I think you should also know that between the blanket and the sock-yarn, you may have chosen my baby’s “colour scheme” — I love the way purples, pinks, and lime greens go together!

So thank you, Secret Pal. Maybe someday I will find my camera again, and then a week after that will post pictures of your generosity… Until then, I hope my words give a hint of how great you have been to me.

~Em

* Will I trade in my old fave M1R/M1L for RLinc/LLinc? I wonder…

SP12 Question of the Week #5, 6, & 7

I am so behind on these!

QotW #5:
1) Where is your favorite place to go for vacation/holiday?
2) Where is one place you’d like to go?

1) My most frequent “vacation place” in my adult life has, of all things geeky, been Pennsic War, a very large SCA event held each August. There are some fantastic people there (you make friends from all over) and it;s so busy that you never need be bored (and in fact are much more likely to just get exhausted from all the fun!).
2) I would love to go to Britain or Ireland someday.

QotW #6:
What is your favorite type of project to take along on holiday/vacation?

Socks, of course! Just one skein of yarn, one long needle (I magic loop), somce scizzors and a tapestry needle and you’re set. Perfect for travelling!

QotW #7:
What is(are) your favorite place(s) to knit? and
What supplies (besides yarn & needles) make the setting perfect for knitting?

I love knitting either curled up on my couch — additional supplies include tea, comfy clothes, and something good on the DVD player or a podcast/audiobook — or at one of my 2 LYSs — additional supplies include tea/refershing drinks, treats, and the fabulous company of other knitters! At home I am free to be as relaxed as I want, but out with others I often relax even more :)

Secret Pal 12 Questionnaire

Secret Pal 12 Questionnaire

Editor’s Note: Writing all the answers isn’t’ very helpful if the post stays in “draft” for days — sorry, Secret Pal! Here it is, better late than never…

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I really like soft wools and silks. Anything natural, really, nothing synthetic!

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
A shoebox, and a roll-up holder my friend sewed for me.

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 about 5 years or so now. Definitely a strong intermediate.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes I do — Knitting book list here, spinning books here!

5. What’s your favorite scent?
I like deeper scents, like amber and vanilla, for perfume, but citrus-y scents for cleansers.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
I love sweet treats! Chocolate is always a winner (organic dark even better!)

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I love to spin, now. I’d like to get into felting, too. Otherwise I occasionally dabble in sewing and other crafts.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I really like Folk, Celtic, and world-fusion electronica, but have a very open “ear”. I definitely have mp3 capabilities.

9. What’s your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can’t stand?
I really love burgndies and purples, and also rich autumnal tones (brown, deep green, russets…). I don’t really wear blue, and a have very little interest in neons!

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I’m currently pregnant with baby #1!! We also have two kitties.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Heck yes — Toronto gets cold!

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Socks and lace. Very addictive!

13. What are you knitting right now?
Socks, when I have the energy.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Yes.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Metal for pointiness, wood for smoothness.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
A swift yes, a winder no.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
Um… maybe a year? It’s buried somewhere, so I’ve forgotten about it!

18. What is your favorite holiday?
Christmastime.

19. Is there anything that you collect?
Faerie art books. Small oil lamps. Yarn. Spinning fibre. Instruments I love but can’t play.

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 really should get a subscription to Spin Off, but I haven’t yet. I am currently coveting a set of KnitPicks Harmony needles.

21. Are there any new techniques you’d like to learn?
I’d like to get better at making a sweater actually fit me.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Indeed I am! I wear a women’s size 8 shoe.

23. When is your birthday?
February 1st.

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what’s your ID?
aemmeleia