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.

Last year, I decided to take part in the Pay it Forward scheme… well six months on I finally got around to sending out my parcels and a few months after that I finally get around to blogging about it!

As part of the One Skein Swap a few years ago I was sent a mini knitted bag, to this day the mini bag sits in my knitting kit, I use it to store hand cream, lip balm and a nail file for all my girly knitting emergencies! The bag has a special place in my heart, it was the first hand knitted gift I ever received but is also serves as a reminder of all the wonderful friends I have made via the knitting world and their generosity. I wanted to spread this reminder…

… So for the Pay it Forward, I made these little bags… each one is based on a sock pattern!

The “Pomatomus” Bag is done on 96 stitches on 3.25mm needles. I began with the twisted rib for 15 rows (including an eyelet row for the i-cord), then I started on Chart A from the pattern for 3 repeats.
Finally, I repeated rows 1-12 omitting the YO (therefore decreasing a stitch each round), the result was an amazing swirling pattern on the base.  Until 8 stitches remain.
Break yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through the remaining sts and pull tight.

The “Jaywalker” Bag, started on 104 stitches on 3.25mm, 10 rows in stocking stitch (again including an eyelet row).
Row 1: K1 M1 K6 S1 K2tog psso K6 M1 K1
Row 2: Knit
Repeat rows 1 and 2 35 times, then omit the M1s until 6 stitches remain.
Break yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through the remaining sts and pull tight.

The “Monkey” Bag is made in a similar fashion to the Pomatomus bag (with 96 stitches).

Yes, I have yet another gift from a swap - it has become a little joke in our house - that nearly every day I get a package from some far off place. This one was from Irene in Denmark. This was a Trick or Treat Swap as part of the Whoduknit Group.

Irene sent me an array of Danish sweets (and some Haribo), Halloween candles, a Big Knit pattern book and some Adriafil Baba yarn in autumnal colours.

As I have received some amazing gifts through recent swaps (have I mentioned the softness of the Jasper yarn yet?). I am deciding to “Pay it Forward,” you may have seen this concept on other blogs, but I thought I would start a fresh version, so I can spread the love.

It’s based of the concept of the movie Pay it Forward where acts or deeds of kindness are done without expecting something in return, just passing it on, with hope that the recipients of the acts of kindness are passed on. So here’s how it works. I will make and send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment to this post on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange. I do not know what that gift will be yet, and it won’t be sent this month, probably not next month, but it will be sent (within 6 months) and that’s a promise! What YOU have to do in return, then, is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.

Before I went to South Africa, I stumbled across the Mystery Theme Swap - as haven’t wanted to sign up to Secret Pals this year, as I don’t have the time to commit to them, but I do miss putting together the gifts. This swap really appealed to me, you only had to commit for the month, sent out on package and the concept meant you could be really creative.

The notion is simple, you have one partner, you get given three themes and you have to put together a project kit based on the theme (better explanation is here).

My parcel from Farrah arrived today, she emailed me last week to tell me she had posted it and all weekend I was wondering which theme she choose. When I opened the parcel I found a blue box and guessed it was “Blue.”

The pattern she had picked for me was the Midwest Moonlight scarf from Scarf Style (the book was included), included was the needles, yarn (RYC Cashsoft DK), loads of knitting notions all in blue including a Chibi, stitch markers, and some DPN protectors. She also included some other fabulous knitting themed gifts, a blue yarn Christmas tree ornament, a blue notepad and some bookmarks.

As you may have noticed the postal workers have been in strike, but it looks like things are back to normal. This morning, I got this amazing package from andreainblue, it was part of the New Season Swap I organised on Ravelry, she has included all my favourite treats, M&M’s Twizzlers, Jelly Bellys and even some macadamia nuts.

One of the things I love about swaps in getting to try yarn that we can’t get in the UK, andreainblue included some Berroco Jasper - she mentioned it is a new yarn and that it would be perfect for making Le Slouch (a pattern that has been on my Ravelry list for ages).

I haven’t been doing much knitting recently, I have several projects on the go and I seem to have stalled on them all. I was so close to finishing Gretel before I left but couldn’t get the last few rows right - the cables were wrong when I followed the pattern, whilst I was away Ysolda posts an amended version of the pattern - so at least I can finish this piece.

I had finished one of my Baudelaire socks, and had started the second one - only now I have decided I want to make this socks longer - so I have ripped back the rib on the first sock and placed it back in the needles.

As I mentioned, I recieved my sockapalooza socks last week. These pretty socks where made by Regina from Sweden, I checked on the the list of paloozers! and she doesn’t have a blog

I am doing my investigating as I would love to know what yarn she used, as I love the colour on the toes, heel and cuff.

EDIT: The yarn is Bambino (Baby) Ull from Norway, and the pattern is Old Shale Two Yarn Sock Pattern by Stitches of Violet.

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.

Without a doubt the best thing about this weekend was the arrival of my One Skein Secret Pal Package, from the moment I saw the parcel with the Hawaii postmark I was smiling.

Inside, was a ball of Mohair Premier, I have never seen this yarn before, it seems to be a thicker version of KSH, and is amazingly soft. My pal informs me it is from Japan and pretty hard to get hold. As soon as I saw the colour, I thought of our bedroom walls, as it the shade I am hoping to paint our room later this year. So obviously, this yarn will have to become something for the room, I am thinking a cushion cover.

Also in the package was some Burt Bee’s Hand Salve, as a fan of their lip balm, I couldn’t wait to try this (The yarn also smells on this which adds to it’s yumminess). The yarn was also gift-wrapped with a lovely knitted flower, which I am going to add to my felted clutch (when I finally get around to making it).

In World Cup News, not only was this weekend a bad time for the England team, it was also a bad weekend for my knitting. I am still on the second sleeve and am pretty sure I will not met the deadline :(. But I am going to keep trying.

Yesterday we went to Royal Ascot and we finally got to see the new grandstand, unfortunately I had dead batteries in my camera and was unable to buy replacements. here should be photos of my in my hat, drinking Pimms and losing money!

Also whilst I was out the postman delivered my first package from my Secret Pal. So this morning, after a quick trip to the post office and shop to buy some batteries, I got to examine my goodies.

Inside was two skeins of this amazing Colinette Point 5 yarn - I have never seen it before and it is amazing! I think it will make a luscious scarf for the autumn.

Also was a collection of scrap-booking supplies all in shades of blue - just in time for me to make my Postcard for June’s Project Spectrum.

Finally, a Su Duko book for some brain training and candles.

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.

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).

As I missed Secret Pal 7 and thought I would sign up for both Secret Pal 8 and the One Skein Secret Pal. I have yet to receive my One Skein book – but I love the concept and all the FO’s I have seen at the blog look amazing – I can’t wait to start knitting cupcakes. All this secret palling means I can start looking at yarn again (I have been on a yarn diet). Get Knitted here I come.

I have finally finished two pairs of socks – unfortunately they have been worn and are now in the wash before I had a chance to update. Mum’s twin set is also complete and just needs some buttons. I must update my gallery because one FO in three months is embarrassing.

I am not taking part on Project Spectrum really this month and I am not keen on Yellows and Oranges, I have made a postcard for Laura (which is in the post). But proving colour is all around us – this morning when I was enjoying my morning coffee at my fMIL’s house (we are cat sitting), I thought this cup was a screaming out to be added to the photo pool.