princessdeia

Seeing as I haven’t done a swap for a while, I thought I would sign up for Socktopus Secret Santa Swap (or SoSeSaSwa for short).

1. What are your favourite colours and fibres? I love blues and purples, recently I have been moving towards green (but mainly blue-y greens like Teal).

2. Anything that makes your toes curl? (Fibre, colour, other) I hate neon’s, and am not keen on yellows or oranges. I hate that scratchy mohair yarn (too many nightmares as a child).

3. Would you describe yourself as a beginner, intermediate or advanced knitter? Intermediate

4. Do you have an online wishlist? (Amazon or other) I have an amazon one – it is a bit random through.

5. Any new techniques you’d like to learn? None that I can think of.

6. What is your favourite: These are really hard to answer.
Snack? I am more of a savoury gal – as I am fussy about chocolate – but I love M&Ms.
Book? I love the Harry Potter books, have recently got into the Twilight novels, but also enjoy Agatha Christie.
Movie? Original Star Wars Trilogy, The Goonies, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Finding Nemo, Dazed and Confused (the list goes on).
Music? I’m currently loving MGMT – but have also gone old school and am listening to a lot of Oasis, Blur and The Verve.

7. What are your favourite items to knit? Socks and Scarves – recently I have made a few shawls that I loved.

8. Any patterns that are top of your queue? As I am on a deadline I guess the 24 mini stockings I want to make as an advent calender and larger stocking for Christmas (yes I mention the C word).

9. Do you have any other hobbies? I have just started running (well jogging).

10. Tell us about yourself. When did you first pick up your needles? Who/what encouraged you to start knitting? How would you describe your knitting style? Are you a process knitter or a product knitter, etc. I first started to knit when I was 8, watching my mum and neighbours knit, I picked up techniques from them, I made a few items but soon got bored. I picked up my needles again when I was 16 to help with stress during my exams, then stopped when I went to university. I most recently started knitting again four years ago… this time it seems to have stuck
I would say I am a product knitter, I resisted the urge for almost a two years to start a stash, just buying the yarn to complete a project at a time, even know I like to only have two WIPs at a time.

Tags: questionaire, socktopus, Swaps

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Our hostess from SP8 has emailed this extra questionnaire.

1. What is your favorite season of the year?
I do love the summer even this amazing weather we are having now

2. Where is your favorite vacation spot?
I guess Miami – I had an amazing time there.

3. If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be?
Peru.

4. If you could pick any job, and be paid well, what would it be?
I loved being a barmaid apart from the pay – so that is the obvious choice. But my dream job is to open a funky little cinema, showing old films.

5. If you were going on vacation for 1 week, and had to take ONLY one project with you, what would it be?
Socks – as they don’t take up too much room in the suitcase. 

6. If you won a shopping spree to your favorite Yarn shop, what would you get??
A lot of funky sock yarn, oh and some more books for inspiration.

Tags: meme, questionaire, secret pal, Swaps

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1. Which yarn is most like your personality (you can be specific or general with your answer- brand, type, color, fiber, whatever)?
This is a tough question – I am not keen on acrylic, but they have the place. I love unusual yarn like Louisa Harding Glisten, but tend to only knit scarves with them – rather than a full garment that would be expensive (I guess I like a bargain when looking for yarn). I love cotton and use a lot of it all times of the year.
2. What is your favorite color yarn to knit/crochet with?
I love blues, but have been using a lot of pinks and wines this year.
3. Have you ever used variegated, or magic, yarns?
Yes, Hipknit’s Silk, KSH Spray and Opal sock yarn.
4. Do you tend to favor certain fibers when choosing yarns?
Cotton, but I am drawn towards merino at the moment.
5. Do you prefer to work with center-pull or traditionally wound balls of yarn?
I tend to use traditional, but I am not fussed.
6. Have you ever worked with organic yarns or are you interested in trying them?
No, and yes!
7. How many and what projects have you made in the last year?
Scarves, jumpers, mini-sweaters and even a pair of socks (all here).
8. Will you be knitting any gifts this year?
Yes, I am currently knitting a secret present for my sister’s birthday and I should be knitting some stuff for Xmas (again).
9. What is your favorite one skein project?
Confession time, I have yet to knit anything from the book – but am looking forward to starting the clutch and some cupcakes.
General one skein projects, it would have to be KSH scarves (having made 10 last year).
10. How much yarn do you have in your stash and how do you store it?
Not a lot really, at the moment, I have a box with odd bits and three small bags -all containing blue wool, all ear-marked for projects over the next few months.
11. Do you have a yarn in your stash that you love so much you can never use it or part with it?
No. I often buy a nice yarn because I like the colour or feel, but end up wanted to knit with it and then knitting a quick scarf of hat.
12. Do you knit less or differently in the summer?
I tend to knit lots of little cotton jumpers.
13. Do you belong to any knitting groups (online or offline)?
Just a few online groups, see my sidebar.

Tags: meme, One Skein, questionaire, Swaps

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1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Any really, cotton, KSH.
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
An old needlecase, my circular needles and DPN’s are in a bag.
3. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I started when I was a kid (about 9), did a little during High School and College to relax – but started up a few years ago. I guess I am an advanced beginner.
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes – here
5. What’s your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
Anything berry-like, I love Bath and Body Works Sweet Pea.
6. Do you have a sweet tooth?
Yes, I only like British Chocolate – but I love Jelly Belly and Twizzlers..
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I make cards and scrapbook. No, I don’t spin.
8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
Mainly alternative, old school Britpop (Blur, Stone Roses, Verve).
Current tunes on my iPod, are Arcade Fire, Arctic Monkeys, Interpol and Nine Black Alps.
Yes – I can play MP3s.
9. What’s your favorite color? Or–do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can’t stand?
I loves Blues, but am using a lot of reds and pinks at the moment.
10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I got engaged this year to my long term b/f, we are getting married next year. No children or pets.
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Hats, scarves and gloves.
12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Mini sweaters, like OSW, Circular shrug or the Anthropologie-inspired capelet.
13. What are you knitting right now?
Striped sweater and some socks.
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Yes!
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Straight, but I am moving towards circular needles – as I hate seaming.
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
No – that is what I use my b/f for.
17. How did you learn to knit?
My mum taught me when I was a kid, then I have picked up tips from books and recently online.
18. How old is your oldest UFO?
Almost a year – it just needs buttons.
19. What is your favorite holiday?
Halloween.
20. Is there anything that you collect?
Birds of Prey Comics.
21. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
New Knits: 20 Knitting Projects with a Contemporary Twist.
Scarf Style: Innovative to Traditional, 31 Inspirational Styles to Knit and Crochet.
22. Are there any new techniques you’d like to learn?
I guess intarsia.
23. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Yes. Size 7UK
24. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
31st October (Halloween).

Tags: meme, questionaire, secret pal, Swaps

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I nicked this from Woolly Warbler

What new knitting techniques did I learn this year?
Thanks to Tracy (she sent me a sock starter kit as part of SP5), it has to be socks and knitting with DPN’s.

Which completed project from the last 12 months are you most proud of?
I think that would have to be Lucky – she became a labour of love, or the beaded bolero I made for my sister.

What was your biggest knitting disaster of the year?
Not sure really – I guess it would have to be Florence that I started knitting realised I was never going to wear it and also I think the pattern was a bit too much for me, I am useless at intarsia.

What knit craze grabbed you this year?
Without a doubt it would have to KSH - I love it, so far all I have used it for is scarves – but I think I may have to knit a Butterfly or Cami in the New Year.

And New Year Resolutions?
At the moment none – but it is an excuse to make a list

Happy New Year!

Tags: Beaded Bolero, Lucky, meme, questionaire, Socks, Spring Fling, Sweaters

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I have noticed a few questions have been added to the Secret Pal Questionaire…. so I am going to update my answers

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?
We don’t get Red Heart or Lion Brand in the UK, so I can’t really comment on them – I have no objections to acrylic for certian projects.

2. Do you spin? Crochet?
Crochet, a bit – but I haven’t done any recently.

3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)
No.

4. How long have you been knitting?
I started when I was a kid (about 9), did a little during High School and College to relax – but started up again last year.

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes.

6. What’s your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
Anything berry-like, I love Bath and Body Works Sweet Pea.

7. Do you have a sweet tooth?
Yes, I only like British Chocolate – but I love Jelly Belly and Twizzlers.

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
Card-Making. Although, I haven’t had the time recently.

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (If your buddy wants to make you a CD)
Mainly alternative, old school Britpop (Blur, Stone Roses, Verve).
Current tunes on my iPod, are Weezer, Funeral for a Friend, Interpol and Nine Black Alps.
Yes – I can play MP3s.

10. What’s your favorite color? Or–do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can’t stand?
I love Blue, but am planning to knit a lot of greens and purples. I’m not really keen on Oranges and Yellows.

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Been with my b/f for 6 years – no children or pets.

12. What are your life dreams? (Really stretching it here, I know)
I guess to be a success at my business and hopefully to get married in the next few years.

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
Over the summer it was cotton, now it is Rowan’s KSH.

14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
None.

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
KSH Scarves – getting ready for Xmas

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I mainly knit cardigans and scarves – I love scarves as they are quick. I am getting to grips with socks.

17. What are you knitting right now?
Cotton Sweater for my Dad, Cardigan for my Mum, Branching Out Scarf.

18. What do you think about ponchos?
Hate them.

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
I am moving towards circular needles – as I hate seaming.

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Aluminum, I find plastic needles too light and have never tried knitting with bamboo.

21. Are you a sock knitter?
Yes

22. How did you learn to knit?
My mum taught me when I was a kid, then I have picked up tips from books and recently online.

23. How old is your oldest UFO?
About 3 months.

24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
Marvin the Marshin, Batman oh and I love the Disney/Pixar films.

25. What is your favorite holiday?
I love summer, but also Halloween as it’s my birthday.

26. Is there anything that you collect?
Batgirl and Birds of Prey Comics.

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
None – I tend to just buy magazines when I am in the store browsing.

28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on?
Easy Knitted Accessories.
New Knits: 20 Knitting Projects with a Contemporary Twist.
Weekend Knitting : 50 Unique Projects and Ideas .

29. Any patterns you have been coveting, but haven’t bought for one reason or another??
No

30. What are your foot measurements, and what kind of socks do you like?
Size 7 shoes (oh big feet) and I love self-patterning sock wool.

Tags: meme, questionaire, secret pal, Swaps

1 Comment »

1. My birthday is on Halloween.
2. I was born in London in 1974.
3. My full name is Dipika.
4. I hate my name.
5. Everyone including my parents calls me Dee.
6. I don’t have a middle name.
7. The hospital I was born in was across the road from my parent’s house.
8. Both my parents were born in South Africa.
9. My parents had an arranged marriage.
10. They have been married over 40 years.
11. All my grand-parents were born in India.
12. I have one sister.
13. I am the youngest – by 17 months.
14. I use to always fight with my sister when we were little.
15. Now we are really close.
16. One of my earliest memories is seeing my sister fall down the stairs.
17. I have never had any pets.
18. I have lived in London my whole life and can’t imagine living anywhere else.
19. I am left handed.
20. I have been with my boyfriend, Jason for over 7 years.
21. I met him at a firm I was temping at.
22. When I first met Jason, I thought he was annoying – but he made me laugh.
23. The first night we met we talked about driving across America together.
24. My favourite subject at primary school was Maths.
25. I use to think I would become a maths teacher or something.
26. I have always loved the Star Wars films.
27. I remember seeing Empire Strikes Back in the cinema and being scared of the Wampa snow monster at the beginning of the movie.
28. I learned to knit when I was 8 years old.
29. I designed and knitted my first jumper when I was 10.
30. I use to watch The Goonies every week, when I was younger with my sister.
31. I started wearing glasses when I was 17.
32. I went to a girl’s school.
33. I am glad I did as I think it gave me more opportunities.
34. I meet my best friend, Sabeena on the second day of secondary (high) school.
35. I was at the Brit Awards in 1989 (Yes that one!)
36. My favourite subject at secondary school was Media Studies.
37. My favourite TV show was Twin Peaks and I still love it now.
38. My best friend immigrated to America, just before we started Sixth Form – but we are still in contact.
39. I have three A levels in Sociology, Economics and Film Studies.
40. I was the only girl in my Film Studies class.
41. I was a typical grunge kid, doc martins, baggy t-shits, ripped jeans and floppy hair.
42. I have every issue of Empire Magazine since 1992.
43. My favourite place that I have visited is the Grand Canyon.
44. I have a B.A. (Hons.) in Social Sciences.
45. I went to university in East London (near where the Olympic village will be).
46. I am obsessed with Tiffany’s.
47. The colour scheme of this site is based on the Tiffany’s website.
48. My favourite colour is blue.
49. Especially, Tiffany’s Blue or #00CCCC.
50. I cry whenever I see E.T.
51. I became a vegetarian in when I was 20.
52. I still eat fish.
53. I remember the last meat dish I (knowing) ate.
54. It was a McDonald’s Hamburger in Acapulco.
55. I hate mushrooms.
56. This is very awkward as a vegetarian.
57. I always regret the fact I never saw Nirvana live.
58. The last holiday I went on with my family was in 1994.
59. We went to China.
60. I graduated in 1996.
61. I got my first job three days after leaving university.
62. I got my belly button pierced the day before my 22nd Birthday.
63. I spend two months traveling around America on my own in the summer of 1997.
64. I wanted to eat breakfast whilst staring in the window of Tiffany’s on 5th Avenue.
65. One of my favourite museums is the Air and Space Museum in Washington DC.
66. I started waering contact lens when I was 21.
67. I once saw Billy Corgan at O’ Hare airport.
68. My favourite city I visited was Seattle.
69. I have two tattoos.
70. One of a Scorpio on my thigh.
71. The other is of three stars on my lower back.
72. The last time I went to the Reading Festival, I refused to camp and stayed in a hotel.
73. I have vowed I will never go to a Glastonbury Festival again, after the quagmire of 1998.
74. Less than six months after meeting Jason we traveled along the East Coat of America for 6 weeks.
75. We spend two weeks in Orlando visiting theme parks.
76. We drove from Miami to New York.
77. After the holiday, I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with Jason.
78. I want to go to every Disney Park; I just need to go to Tokyo.
79. I planned my summer holiday of 1999 to coincide with the release of Star Wars Episode One.
80. I did a post graduate course on the Open University.
81. I wrote my final thesis on the Alien films.
82. I am scared of mice.
83. We once stayed in a youth hostel in Amsterdam with mice – which was the worst night of my life.
84. I love Converse; I have 3 pairs and really want another pair – in Maroon.
85. I love baby tees, especially ones from comics or films, my favourite t-shirt is a Tank Girl one I brought in 1995.
86. I started playing The Stone in 2001.
87. You can briefly see me in the Stoners film.
88. I taught myself HTML.
89. I gave up my job to do a Web Design course.
90. I need 9 hours sleep a night.
91. I am trying to collect every copy of Batgirl III comics.
92. I own all but on of the Birds of Prey comics (missing issue 40).
93. I cannot drive.
94. But I love our car.
95. I prefer the taste of Diet Coke.
96. I am a really slow eater.
97. I don’t want children.
98. I have a god-daughter.
99. I think I am cursed to never go to a Knit Flicks.
100. I love making lists so this was fun .

Tags: meme, questionaire, secret pal, Swaps

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1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?
No – we don’t get Red Heart or Lion Brand in the UK, so I can’t really comment on them – but “it is all the same to me.”

2. Do you spin? Crochet?
Crochet, a bit – recently mainly flowers and hats.

3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)
No.

4. How long have you been knitting?
I started when I was a kid (about 9), did a little during High School and College to relax – but started up again last year.

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes.

6. What’s your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
Anything berry-like, I love Bath and Body Works Sweet Pea.

7. Do you have a sweet tooth?
Yes, I only like British Chocolate – but I love Jelly Belly and Twizzlers.

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
Card-Making, stamping, and I have been doing a little cross-stitching.

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (If your buddy wants to make you a CD)
Mainly alternative, old school Britpop (Blur, Stone Roses, Verve).
Current tunes on my iPod, are Green Day, Weezer, Jimmy Eat World, The Killers and Razorlight.
Yes – I can play MP3s.

10. What’s your favorite color? Or–do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can’t stand?
I love Blue (esp. Tiffany’s Blue), I’m not really keen on Oranges and Yellows.

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Been with my b/f for 6 years – no children or pets.

12. What are your life dreams? (Really stretching it here, I know)
I guess to be a success at my business and hopefully to get married in the next few years.

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
Currently cotton – either 4-ply or DK.

14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
None.

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
I guess summer knits – 4-ply cotton cardigans or DK sweaters.

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I mainly knit cardigans and scarves – I love scarves as they are quick.

17. What are you knitting right now?
Spring Fling (Knitty Spr05) and planning Alice from Rowan 35.

18. What do you think about ponchos?
Hate them.

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
I am moving towards circular needles – as I hate seaming.

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Aluminum, I find plastic needles too light and have never tried knitting with bamboo.

21. Are you a sock knitter?
I have never tried knitting with DPN’s, but this is on my list of things to learn.

22. How did you learn to knit?
My mum taught me when I was a kid, then I have picked up tips from books and recently online.

23. How old is your oldest UFO?
I am pretty good at finishing projects now – I tend to only do two projects at a time.

24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
Marvin the Marshin, Batman oh and I love the Disney/Pixar films.

25. What is your favorite holiday?
I love summer, but also Halloween as it’s my birthday.

26. Is there anything that you collect?
Batgirl and Birds of Prey Comics.

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
None – I tend to just buy magazines when I am in the store browsing.

28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on?
1000 Sweaters.
Easy Knitted Accessories.
Last minute Gifts.
New Knits: 20 Knitting Projects with a Contemporary Twist.

Tags: meme, questionaire, secret pal, Swaps

No Comments »