Spring Fling Swap Topic and LIFE

Tell us how you started drinking coffee. Were you in high school or college and making it through all nighters? Did you get it from a family member? What drives your love of the bean?
It was in college, and it was for the espresso, not so much the straight coffee. I remember first year, actually writing an article for the school paper on the 'coffee ...' and bemoaning the fact that one must bring their own hot chocolate/tea to these things. My Dad drinks a lot of coffee. I love the aroma.

On that topic - yesterday I followed my nose from the emergency ward of the hospital to the coffee shop at the front. It was 7:30 am and I was in my PJs and a hoodie at the hospital with no knitting and praying that the little one would get better. The coffee was not as good as I wanted and probably should have had a danish or something too. The little one is discharged now, after 27 hours in the hospital - initiated by an hour long febrile seizure (woke me at 5:30ish am). We were at the hospital by like 6:05 am - delayed only by me finding someplace for the big gurl who was sort of sleep walking. Thank you Tammy. Those EMS guys are amazing (and a couple really hot looking) and my big gurl is such a grown up sometimes.
A cheery package arrived - the Firebird Tsock Flock package - I am going to enjoy knitting this and the only reason it didn't get started in the wee hours of the morning is that the knitting needles were at home and I was not. (and currently not started as I still have some UFOs and WIPs to complete - Sis's afghan was only delayed due to me running out of yarn.
And on Tuesday night I thought little temperatures and a bit of throw up was a problem (been thrown up on 3 times since then and temperatures were in 39.9 range...)
I need to sleep now, but we are just fighting nasty colds and lack of sleep (and Mum's horrid fear that it will happen again). My Mom is here helping out and making sure we get our rest.

Spring Fling Topic 2

Since some of us are beginning to see glimpse of Spring, while others are still getting snow have you changed what projects are working on?
not really - I want to finish up a variety of WIPs and UFOs, but I did cast on Monica (tank top from knitty) for my daughter that has been queued for at least 9 months.
Have you put away the hats, scarfs and mittens, and brought out the cute tank top sweater projects and lacy wraps?
yes - the winter clothes are away, but I am knitting whatever suits my fancy and it appears it may be socks.
Have you changed yarn to something more lighter and cooler, not so heavy and bulky?
what I am buying is lighter weight as there is so much lovely summery stuff out there.

Spring Fling Topic

Browse around some of the other blogs of participants, and find one person who enjoys a similar roast coffee to you - share something interesting about them that you find on THEIR blog, and tell us what you've been working on knitting or crochet-wise this week!

Chris C - she has a gorgeous WICKED - in my favourite yarn of (the moment) She likes the mellow roast better than the bold, but very close to my likes.
Katie B - my first swap spoiler ever and we love the same coffee.

I have just finished strip 2 of 4 on my sister's Malabrigo afghan - pattern based on this. I have 10 skeins of Emerald Blue and have used just under 5. That means I might have a little left over for Koolhaas 2. (mindless knitting is Monica from Knitty)

Re: Previous post on coffee

Didn't link it.
will try to find the right link.
Here it is http://www.coffeeresearch.org/coffee/roasting.htm
love coffee. wish not so sensitive to caffeine. want a cup now. will make hot milk and play pretend...

They Roast the beans or cherries...

in a cement oven. hmmm. wonder where the chunk might have come from.

in a need a break from data entry all day moment I googled 'coffee cement'. interesting read. explains a little bit.

A new week has begun

happy Sunday evening everyone!!
It was a busy weekend - bathing suit shopping will kill anyone, and add two children into the mix, it's lucky there was a Second Cup coffee shop around.
I went to the coffee store to exchange my concrete coffee for a more palatable one. I opted out of the Maple Harvest as she couldn't say for sure that it wasn't the same batch. Plenty on the shelves. There was a lovely Vanilla Hazelnut, which was fresh ground that morning, so I chose it. Interestingly enough, she stated it likely wasn't concrete/cement as they figure it is chunks of the ceiling from the roaster's building. As someone with new drywall ceilings in some rooms, I know what those old ceilings have in them and that is not something you want to say to a coffee lover. My coffee this morning was lovely, but I'm not certain I will shop there again (at $6 for 8 oz, I'm not wanting anything but the best coffee thank you).
I lied in my last post. I forgot one of my sock clubs. Funny that, it was really bothering me that I felt I had forgotten something. I won a place in a sock club that has interested my for some time. Scout's Swag Sock Club. I knew more money had left my account than I remembered. Now granted, i joined the Flock Sock back in February, so that doesn't really count (or does it).
Anyways, I am a member of the Sock Stash Elimination Campaign, so I need to start using some of this sock yarn. The problem is that I have a number of projects on the needles - only 2 of which are sock weight yarn.
They are: (in order of priority)
1. Sis's afghan - Malabrigo (10 skeins at 216 yds per.... just balled skein 6) 7 of 16 blocks done
2. Monica - BS Cotton Fleece - have 4 skeins of this - front tank part is done, back is half. Each from their own skein as hate weaving extra ends (and have two...) currently my mindless knitting time project as have screwed up #1 too many times when trying to multitask.
3. Pop scarf - ends to weave in, block and add decoration
4. Squatty sidekick - knitted and felted, need to needle felt a design, cut and sew the lining and add the button.
5. Briggs & Little Tuffy Socks -(forgot about these) helping Mel learn sock knitting so cast these on 2 weeks ago. First sock is like an inch from heel. Top down, Paton's textured & trimmed socks (2 colours)
6. Cinderella sockettes - little gurl - this is out of sock yarn - skinny duet to be exact and is the second pair from this 'duo' skein. one is done, 2nd is about a 1/4 of the way
7. Saartje booties - same yarn as above - JUST NEEDS SEAMING
8. Guinevere - I have less than half of clue 7 and 8 to do yet. And they involve decreasing.
9. Dashing - one is almost done, 2 not even started...
10. Baby afghan - it was for the little gurl. About one skein left to do.
11. Matching baby sweater - just needs seaming (sense a trend here
12. Cropped sweater - BSA dyed cotton, out of yarn and still deciding....will likely frog.
13. Moeibus head scarf - over halfway. Just need some mindless knitting time not occupied with Monica.
14. Opal (i think) Mom's Second sock - don't like what I did with the first, don't want to repeat, but the yarn won't frog. Thinking it makes a great stocking and will use the remaining yarn for something else.
15. Sis's scarf - one of these days. Out of Carmen I think and just not so nice to work with after Malabrigo.
16. Savannah (sotsii) - 6 rows in is still 6 rows in...
... and I still have to block my Koolhaas.
My fingers are just itching to cast on some little finger gloves for me.
MUST RESIST.
So am I going to make any stupid non yarn promises for next month? No, but I am going to try to finish at least 5 of the above items before I cast something else on. And, except for renewing my Robyn's Nest Club for May (I know when I am beat - but she has Noro Sock yarn and I am resisting that!!!!!) I am going to do my best to only buy yarn when I am on vacation in Florida and when I am shopping for coffee swap pal.
In order to help me in this endeavor, I sincerely wish that all the people whose blogs i peruse will not post any new cute projects or yarns. That way I will be happy with my stuff and not want to make these or this or....
I mean it's not like I don't have boxes of patterns and stuff, plus unlimited web options already.
Have a good week if I forget to post later...
and of course there is always the Firestarters. Does casting these on after frogging count as a WIP or a new item?

Passage of time and thoughts

I went to bed last night happy that I had posted something.
Then I realized that although I read all my emails, the current updates to my blogs and commented on a number of them, I did not actually write anything.
Some great knitting is going on - the sis's afghan has 5 blocks (of 16) and Monica has a front and the back is coming along. I plan on knitting the ruffle in one piece.
We have applied for our passports and they have an ETA of April 10th - good, cause we leave less than 4 weeks from today. I will be in Florida in 4 weeks time. Hurray.
I am a member of 4 yarn/sock yarn clubs. I don't know how it happened. There is the Lucky Lurker Sock Club . Love the yarn - 2 colours and the patterns. Then there is the Robyn's Nest Sock Club- Canadian dyer and pattern designer with sweet stitch markers each month. Guess that would be easy to quit as you purchase monthly, but haven't managed to quit yet. Kind of cool, way different for me is the Tsock Flock Club. The first kit is set to come soon and involves yarn and pattern. That is the Yarn Harlot's fault. Finally, the Plucky Knitter Classics got me on Tuesday. And I wasn't supposed to buy any yarn until the end of June (except as required and I was in a weather funk, so some cheerful club yarn is essential... right?!?!?

Sitting here with the afghan on my lap - have to frog rows 1 and 2 already of the second block as forgot am working on strip 3 not 2 and thus it should mirror strip 1 in placement of patterned blocks however that doesn't work with the way I want my chevrons to go. stupid redhead didn't think that far ahead.

I am only in one swap this spring - the Spring Fling Coffee and Yarn Swap . My coffee this morning was one I was likely going to pick up for my pal (provided flavoured coffees were in her list) and for Crystal from my last swap. Unfortunately the chunk of concrete in it has me thinking otherwise. Seriously, and I thought my tastebuds were shot the other day when my mind said this tastes like dirt - just added some more flavoured creamer and called it tasty.
Called the shop that sells it - this is not uncommon to them. Perhaps there should be a warning on the outside of the parcel - or better yet, better inspection of your products. She said it was from their supplier and arrived in with the whole roasted beans and.... IT IS CONCRETE AND TASTES LIKE CONCRETE AND THIS PIECE IS BIGGER THAN A COFFEE BEAN. I don't care if you've wrecked a couple of grinders on this or whatever, perhaps you better do something about it as I can't be the only person who has that concrete dust taste in her mouth.
Perhaps if the coffee had been cheap I wouldn't be upset, but I could have bought 2 packages of my favourite president's choice blend for the price of this and it doesn't even smell like maple and it TASTES LIKE CONCRETE.
I was very polite to the lady from the distributor/grinding company and will go in and get my replacement package. I think I will buy myself a grinder. And ask her for whole beans this time around. At least then I can 'strain' out the concrete chunks before I grind.
I promise not to give this coffee to my swap partner.
Ruined my whole coffee day.
(okay now am going to try to put links in all the places I want them)
all done - enjoy the read (I have no clue how to put lines through what I've written so i just leave it here)

Spring Fling Coffee & Yarn Swap Questionnaire

Coffee
1. What is your preference? ground
2. What kind of coffees do you enjoy? A rich, bold roast - leaded
3. If you were headed out right now to buy some coffee for the house, what would you be picking up? flavoured coffee - love hazelnut
4. Do you drink for caffeine, pleasure, or both? Drink it for pleasure, and occasionally caffeine
5. Do you enjoy flavored coffees? How about add-ins or flavored creamers? YES to both
6. A large, lovely mug or a small, dainty cup? Large lovely mug
7. Describe your perfect cup - not JUST the coffee, but how you'd enjoy it! morning, on my porch in spring or fall, just taking it easy before the busyness that hits at around 7:15 am
8. You're sitting down to enjoy a nice cup in the local coffee shop, knitting bag in hand, iPod all tuned up - or maybe you're there with a few friends for knit night! What treat do you pick up to enjoy with your coffee? A sweet, rich brownie, or something more healthy? How about a salty treat? What goes best with that great cup and company? it honestly depends on the time of day - evenings for knit night, it's a decaf latte with something slightly sweet or even a bowl of soup or chili; mid afternoons - high sweetness and half test coffee, and 10:00 ish - high test coffee with either muffin or sinful danish

Yarn
1. Do you knit or crochet? both
2. What are your favorite types of yarns to work with? 100% wool or cotton - or super soft
3. What do you have on the needles (or hook!) right now? toddler socks, afghan (baby and adult) sweater (hibernating) scarf, head scarf
4. What are your favorite colors in yarns? browns and blues What about those that you'd never find in your stash? anything fluorescent or neon
5. What sort of needles or hooks do you enjoy using? love bryspun and bamboo/wood Any you just detest? not really
6. Are there any particular notions you absolute do NOT need? stitch markers Some of us swap a lot - are you sure that you have enough tape measures to last your lifetime? would love a novelty tape measure - can't justify it when you have a practical one in your purse and knitting bag Enough stitch markers to mark every stitch of a 10 foot wide afghan?actually yes
7. You walk into the yarn shop and have exactly and only enough money to purchase 2 skeins of yarn in their 2 for 20 special they have going..The choices are a soft, thick cotton/viscose blend in your favorite colors, slightly variegated..a beautiful sock yarn that's just squishy and sproingy in your hands.. a soft, worsted weight wool like malabrigo.. and a lovely bamboo blend with colors to just die for. Which do you walk out the door with? cause it's spring it would be either the cotton or the bamboo
Spring
1. We're starting sign-ups on the first day of Spring - is it already truly Spring-like where you are? uhm, no - it snowed last night and is currently blowing outside with cold winds.
2. What's your favorite spring flower? tulips and daffodils Do you have one?
3. What do you most look forward to about springtime? all the buds and flowers and leaves
4. They've predicted a gorgeous day tomorrow - Sunny and about 65 with a nice breeze - how do you spend your day? gardening, take the gurls to the park, knit a little while they play
5. The day after, it's going to be cooler and pouring down rain - does that impact your mood? not really - nothing can do about it and it's gorgeous today How do you spend that day? housework and knitting what helps cheer you up? coffee and sweets
Odds n Ends
1. Do you collect anything BESIDES yarn and needles?
2. Are you allergic to anything? cats and most perfumes/floral scents
3. Do you have pets? no - just 2 gurls
4. Is this your first swap, or are you an old pro?this is my fourth What are the last 2 swaps you participated in? winter wonderland hot cocoa swap and Coffee Swap
5. List 3 of your favorite blogs - craft related or not - and tell us why you love them.

Peaknit & Ragan Knits etc. - often find one of them had a day like mine

Yarn Harlot - local celebrity who faces the same things we do
Knit & Purl Mama - great yarn store, Canadian and talks about almost everything.

please be advised I read many more and love them too, but could only be 3 and already at 4.

Patience....

...is way overrated. It gets you nowhere. I have recieved the destash Malabrigo, but the others are still MIA.
My house is... well no further than on Thursday, and unfortunately (sorry Keith) the progress of the whole week was not really seen (only empty boxes of mud and cracks and screws covered). Not really extreme makeover speed. I'm not criticizing his work, it is precise and I know will be near perfect. It's just, we have been living in our bedrooms for 2 weeks now. Occasional extra time spent in the kitchen, but when you are upset with your 6 3/4 year old, sending her to her room doesn't have much bearing when that is the only place she can go - the landing halfway down was a timeout location, but doesn't work well when you need to get by.

I did work on organizing things in my bedroom/craftroom. I know where the majority of what I wanted to find is, and actually found what I was looking for - the camera, small skein of black angora for Hot Cocoa Buddy, other items for Hot Cocoa buddy, and all the skeins of yarn I thought I had (and a dozen or so more that I had conveniently forgotten).

I have some FO's to show too. One that was finished for SAM4 in December, but never made it to the post - it was my last FO of 2007. And the other - underneath the socks, was my Friday/Saturday project cause I needed a quick knit - I love my stoles and socks in progress, but they just don't give that instant gratification with long lasting results.
I'm pretty impressed with both. (long pause as I get the camera, hook it up and upload the picture to Flickr, then reload one of the pictures as I deleted it) I'm listening to Josh Groban right now, think of that as I go get the pics...

The socks are 'Toddler socks' from 2007 knitting calendar, in Skinny Duets, Cowgirl. Little gurl loves them. The washcloth is knit in SRK Cool spun cotton (from my SP11 spoiler). The stitch is called 'Textured Diamonds' and is from Simply Knitting' s December issue. (the ends have since been woven in) A 3rd FO is not pictured as it is for my Hot Cocoa Swap partner and I want her to see it first.

And the second picture, I owe Crystal an apology as this was my Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap "MAIN" package. I posted previously about the gorgeous mug and coffee I received from her. Due to being ill, she couldn't get everything to me in one swoop, so she sent this when she could. There were two skeins of Cascade 220 Superwash in a lovely green (finding them on Friday night reminded me to do this post); more coffee - lovely stuff had some this morning; chocolate dipped apricots; 2 chocolate santas (one didn't make the photo shoot); candy tree; adorabel snowface/flake ornament; a mermaid book for big gurl; and I think it was 'The Mitten' board book for the little gurl. Everything was greatly appreciated and the chocolate apricots were, well hoarded by me.

SPOILED - and they aren't even done yet!!

So today was a little busy - big gurl had an eye check up, all is perfect (my hair is curled tighter than normal with prayers that she avoids glasses even though she is dying for a Barbie pair).

Lunch at Joey's Only Seafood - cause I was craving fish and chips and figured it was a smidge healthier than McDonalds (big gurl's first choice).

Shoes (black Mary Janes), boots (Hannah Montana useless $%^^%%) and a pretty coat (sparkly pink with fake fur lining) were bought for the big gurl. She received money from her grandparents in Florida and I had promised to buy her shoes as her others (last Christmas gift) were destroyed. The boots were purchased due to the fact that, well all the other gurlz do have them and her grandparents would have bought them for her. The coat - well she has one winter coat - it goes everywhere, she needed something pretty and it is at least a size too big, so should last a couple years. Plus it was all on sale.

Little gurl - two fleece sleepers - cause she doesn't stay under her covers and gets as cold as me, and a sweet My Little Pony - with the money from grandparents again (also on sale).

And a Madeline video, since the other Christmas present is still winging it's way too me.

Little gurl has a nasty cold thing going on - I went to two different shops today, I had the Dimetapp in my hand and cart, but when we got home it wasn't there. At least they didn't charge me for it. I called the little pharmacy around the corner for it - it's off the market?!?!?!? I was pleasant with her, but I know it was in the store. This stuff is amazing for the little gurl's cold thing - we wouldn't have survived last winter without it. ARRGGHH

Me - well some travel sized toiletries, new contacts, groceries and oh yeah - my swap packages have arrived - or portions of them.

First up - WWCS - this one I know is not complete as my spoiler was ill, but wanted to make sure I got something.

This was what I saw when i opened the box - and it smelled like pine needles.

In the box -Hazelnut flavoured coffee and a gorgeous tall mug with a knitting embellishment (it was in the cute reindeer bag). If it hadn't been after 4:00 pm I would have brewed some right up. Smelled heavenly.

I also received my Harvest Sock Swap package (forgot to take a picture before I opened it). Here is all the glory.

Color Wonder for litle gurl, flower magnet/painting set for big gurl, Burt's Bees Bee-Bop wristlet (while waiting for the mail lady to come back I eyed the display of these)Better Homes and Gardens - pot holder with snowflake cookie cutter and Sugar Cookie Mix; Keychain Sock Blocker set - want to make the little socks out of all my yarn ends; Austermann Step - been wanting to try this, and the sock - made with Knit Picks Essential in Blue Violet Multi. Here's a close-up

It fits great - unknown pattern right now as Stacey had to order more yarn and will send the pattern with it. Thank you so much, Stacey!!!!

Must go now as little gurl is crying and coughing and... I don't know that I will make it to work this week after all..

Coffee Topic #?

What would be the perfect vacation during the Winter Season? Would rather you head to the beach, to escape all the cold weather or want to pack your ski's and head to the mountains. You tell us what vacation you prefer during the Winter Season.
I honestly don't know. I've never really had a winter season vacation, but I think a week at a resort specializing in all those wintry fun sports would be great. Something to entertain the kids, but also to have adult time. I don't really feel the need to escape the cold weather by going somewhere warm - would much rather be in a winter wonderland. Skiing, skating, tobogganing and other snow fun.

update- little gurl is better (after politely throwing up on the kitchen floor rather then my bed) and tomorrow will be back to work. Of course, the washing machine has died. Full of water and wet laundry. Happy holidays - oh and all my Christmas parcels that required mailing have left the building!!!

Coffee Topic

For many people, Winter is a time of cold weather and snow - and many fun outdoor activities that can only be enjoyed during those times! What's YOUR favorite activity in Winter, and is it even outdoors??
I love to get outside with the gurlz and just be in the snow - building something, wrestling, sledding, pretty much anything. And then to come inside once you've reached that point of total cold and (really need to pee) to make a hot drink - cocoa or coffee with yummy cookies. Oh yeah.

Coffe Topic #3

What is the ideal setting for enjoying the perfect cup of coffee? Who would be there - or would you be alone? Inside or out? Morning or night? With food or just the steaming cup of joe?
I love sitting with my feet up in the morning hours, (inside when it is cold and outside when it's warm), the steaming hot cup there, perhaps food with it, and just savouring that mug (12 oz at least) of coffee. It's my time and my gurlz know they should let mum be. (not that they do)

Coffee Topic 3

The Thursday upcoming is Thanksgiving in the U.S., so let's all - American and not alike! - just share a post with what it is we're thankful for. A wonderful thing to do any time of year, I thought it'd be a nice thing to share for this week with the group!
I am thankful for my family - little gurlz who love me, parents who help whenever they can, brothers and a sister far enough away that they still love me; friends who seem to know when you need a pick me up; freedom to worship God above all else; and a job that supports my yarn habit.

Coffee Topic #2

As the cold of winter approaches, do you change the projects you work on? Not really. I may work on some of the UFO's from the previous years, however, I continue with whatever is the next project I wanted to do.
Do you work on gifts for others or do you continue working on projects for yourself? I'm finding that the knitting itself is determining whether it stays or goes, depending on how it knits up. I've given more completed knits away this past summer than in the past 5 years.

Coffee Talk: Topic One

When did you first start drinking coffee? (tasted as I child and still recall making my Dad and his accountant Instant that stood their hair on end)
What age were you? Was it about the caffeine, or do you love the taste and smell? Tell us how your passion began

Honestly - I was about 20 and working as a waitress/hostess/banquet server. I needed a pick me up some mornings (cause at that age you while away the evening hours after work dancing and drinking non coffee). I can even recall my first year at university (prior to this) telling someone that coffee was disgusting and I would never become a drinker of it and why is there only 'coffee hour' and not hot chocolate or tea... But at work, it was the only 'free' hot drink and when you are there greeting people as the door opens and closes, you kind of start. It was not about the caffeine because I had a very low tolerance and I usually had decaf, but it was about the flavour. I got to the point, when I knew that the pot was off and new brewing was required. Then I had one of Starbucks specialty coffees and it was all over. Also, if we were out for dinner with others, I would order the flavoured dessert coffee, and suddenly I was a coffee drinker.

I have proven to myself a number of times that I can do without the caffeine(stopping cold turkey or drinking decaf, but I always miss my coffee and tea just doesn't do it for me anymore.

Happy November 1st and I won!!!!!

It is a great day whooeee. Okay it was hohum nasty female issues day until about 5 minutes ago, when I found out I won on the Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap. First of all I love coffee and then there is this great swap starting today and then I go over read the stuff and there is my name as a WINNER!!!
November is going to be awesome!!!!
plus those church books have left the building and there are only 2 little details must finish up for them!!!
The dishes can wait, the laundry can wait and life will go on!!! I won!!

Please be advised that I am super excited and not poking at anyone who may not have won.

Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap

OH MY! Link to it here if you want to join
Thank you SP!
I am in on this in a big way.

Here is my Questionnaire:

Coffee
What are your favorite kinds of coffee?
I love dark roast coffee. Melitta and Van Houtten

Do you prefer whole bean or ground coffee?
Although I prefer whole bean, I do not have a coffee grinder(looking for one in that new 'kitchen red' to match my coffee maker) so ground will have to do.

This time of year, there are often Holiday Blends available, and many flavored coffees - do you drink flavored coffee?
YES

Do you enjoy special blends?
YES

How do you take your coffee?
I take milk and sometimes whipped cream on top with sugar. Cream is taken when it is the only choice.

Decaf?
I love a nice flavored decaf in late afternoon and evenings.

Do you prefer drinking from a nice thick mug, or a matched cup and saucer?
Generally I drink coffee from a nice thick mug. When I have company, I will put out the matching cups and saucers.

Winter and Holidays - PLEASE be descriptive! Your pal will need this information to be sure to put together a package you will enjoy!
What is your favorite part of Winter?
I love snow. Watching it fall, romping in it, and taking the kids for a walk.

Do you celebrate a holiday in December, and if so, which holiday?
Christmas with a tree.

Would you enjoy items related to the holiday, or would you prefer a Winter themed package?
I prefer a more Winter Theme, however we have and collect miniature ornaments and Angels.

Do you wear scarves? Mittens? Hats?
Yes to all the above.

What is your favorite holiday or winter treat?
Baileys laced coffee or hot chocolate with fresh baked cookies or cake.

Please share a favorite Winter or Holiday memory.
My favourite holiday memory was making a Snowman in the back yard with the gurls last winter. They were so helpful and he stayed for some time.

Yarn and Crafting
Do you Knit or Crochet?
I do both.

For how long?
20 plus years

Do you like wooden, metal, or plastic needles\hooks? Circular or straight?
I work with all of the above but the plastic hooks are slowly being replaced. I love the circs and DPN more than the straights.

What sort of projects do you enjoy making?
I prefer smaller projects like socks, hats, mitts as they don't take quite as long.

What are your favorite types of yarn to work with?
2 years ago I would never have said this, but primarily wool or wool cotton blends.

Do you spin or dye?
No

Do you do other crafts such as scrapbooking or needlepoint or anything else? Yes, cross stitch and sewing and pretend to do scrapbooking.

General

When is your birthday? December 2

Do you have any children? Yes - 2 girls

What are your favorite colors? Blues and Greens

Do you have any allergies? the furry kind - cats.