Picked Up the Needles Again!!

I decided I needed something to do in the evenings to get me away from the computer (saves money if you turn it off!!) so after almost 10 years away from the needles I'm starting to knit again. I discovered the Secret Pals program by accident and decided to see if I could join. This is a US based 'Multi-Coloured Swap-Shop' for Knitters and Crocheters. Once signed up you get allocated a 'Secret Pal' and you agree to send them Knitting/Crochet/Hobby related items that will delight and surprise. The rules say that there has to be one knitting/fiber (sic) related post on your blog per month so I guess this can be my first.

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
Anything natural - silk, wool, angora, cashmere, cotton, hemp, banana, soy etc etc
What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Mohair makes me itch!! and I'm not keen on eyelash yarns!

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
My husband bought me a complete set of straight needles in a zip up case about 10 years ago and I just shove everything in it. I probably have needles and hooks in places all over the house (see my blog and you'll understand what I mean!!)

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn?
I've been doing knitting about 30 years, I was taught to knit by my Mother who had me knitting dishcloths as Xmas presents. I learnt to crochet at Junior School (I was about 9 I think) and after that I learnt everything from books. A Norwegian relative taught me how to knit on a Circular needles and I've got a fantastic Norwegian Style sweater as a result.
Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
Advanced in that I can do any technique from a pattern - lace, cables, in the round etc but I can't 'make it up as I go along' unless I'm doing something fairly basic like babies cardigans.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
I'll put one on Amazon if it helps but I'm seriously trying not to acquire any more books (see my Blog!)

5. What's your favorite scent?
Anais Anais is my favourite perfume. I love the smell of Lilies and Freesias - these are my favourite flowers.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
I have the worst sweet tooth in the civilised world and a mouth full of fillings to prove it! I love it all apart from licquorice & toffee. P.S. I HATE anything with nuts.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
I can knit, crochet, embroider, cross-stitch, origami, draw, paint, upholster, make clothes & soft furnishings and have been to Pottery classes. I could probably do most crafty things if I saw something I wanted to try.

Do you spin? No I can't but I might go on a course and I definitely fancy giving dyeing a go!

8. What kind of music do you like?
I like almost everything.
Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) Yep!!

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Blue - any shade, pale pink, pearl grey, cherry red.
Any colors you just can't stand? Brights - Fuschia Pink, Lime, Orange, Acid Yellow, Lilac

10. What is your family situation? I'm married with three small children of 9, 4 and 20 months. The eldest has ADHD and is quite a handful so no we don't have any pets!

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Scarves - yes, I love them. Hats - only if unusual. Mittens - can't wear these as they aren't practical when you've got 3 kids who always need things carrying, coats fastening and noses blowing.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I like to knit anything - so long as I like the pattern and the yarn then I'll give it a go. I prefer jumpers/cardigans/coats to anything else.

13. What are you knitting right now?
A Kid Silk Shawl (for someone else as Mohair makes me itch), a Chenille cardigan for me and I might start some slipper socks soon as my slippers are worn out.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Absolutely - I hate over packaged commercialised gifts. Made with love and care is so much better.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I only have aluminium needles and I use whatever the pattern tells me to. I think I only have 2 pairs of circular needles anyway.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
No, but I will buy them if I see them cheap on eBay. Until then I'll be using my knees!!

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
Apart from an Unidentified Flying Object, what is a UFO and why would I have an old one?

18. What is your favorite holiday?
A sight-seeing trip with plenty to see and do (and no children) - Barcelona, Prague, Iceland, Peru. I hate lying on a beach all day and I'm not keen on hot weather - I get prickly heat rash.

19. Is there anything that you collect?
Ha Ha Ha!! See my Blog!! Is there anything we don't collect in this house?

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on?
Can't think of anything right now - will add books to my Amazon list and I prefer patterns for garments rather than bags, hats, mittens etc.
What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
Interweave Knits and Vogue Knitting.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I'd like to try hand dyeing, knitting a shawl in the round, broomstick and hairpin crochet.

22. Are you a sock knitter?
I CAN kit socks I just don't see what the big deal is and why everyone is doing it. I'm tempted though, just because the wool is so lovely to look at.
What are your foot measurements?
UK Size 5.5 European 38, US Size 7.5.

23. When is your birthday?
December so I'm not going to get a birthday card am I?