1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
My favorite yarns are merino wool and wool/cotton blends. Specifics I like: anything by Brooks Farm, Tess Designer Yarns, as well as Rowan Calmer and Cascade Pima Tencel/Pima Silk. I really don’t like acrylic or fun fur. I’m also probably one of the two knitters on earth who don’t knit socks or shawls.
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
The Circular Solution for the needles, and a divided plastic box for the hooks. I really only use circulars.
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 since January 2005 and I’d say I’m somewhere between intermediate and advanced. It depends on how you define it, really. I think getting garments to fit well and not being afraid to try new things (although not going out of one’s way to try them just for their own sake) is a key part of being a more advanced knitter.
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes, it’s under rmartin_cpa at hotmail dot com.
5. What's your favorite scent?
Lemon!!! Also seaside/outdoorsy scents.
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
I do in fact have a sweet tooth. My favorites are milk chocolate and/or milk chocolate/caramel/peanut butter blends. I also like Sour Patch Kids and Lemon Heads.
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I knit, crochet, make jewelry (on occasion) and sew. I don’t spin, weave, or scrapbook.
8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I have an iPod and iTunes, so I should be able to play anything on there. I have very eclectic musical taste. If you look at my iPod, it has Ingrid Michaelson and other artists featured on Grey’s Anatomy’s soundtrack, Frank Sinatra, classical music, 80s songs, 50s songs, and classic rock/metal. The only thing I really don’t like is most country music and some rap. I LOVE audiobooks and have an audible.com membership.
9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
Apple green, teal, red/orange, vibrant aqua, plum, chocolate brown are all colors I love. I tend to like warm colors and dislike pastels.
10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I have been married to the love of my life, Jim, for five years (together for twelve!) and we have two kitties.
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Scarves – yes
Hats – depends on the type: Bonne Marie’s bucket hat or newsboy caps, yes; ribbed hats, no
Mittens – no, but I like fingerless gloves (Fetching was one of my faves)
Ponchos – no. I do like shorter capelets and shrugs but I think they’re on their way out quickly.
12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
It’s all about the sweaters, baby.
13. What are you knitting right now?
It changes from week to week – the best source is my WIP list in my right-hand sidebar. Usually it’s at least one thing from each of the KALs I started (Fitted Knits Along, Lingerie Style Along or Loop-D-Loop KCAL), one thing with the Sexy Knitters Club and one other thing, usually something from Interweave Knits or a Rowan magazine.
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Yes – please see items #11 and #22.
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I only use circulars – I have tons though. I use all kinds – addi turbos, bamboos, rosewood, ebony. About the only thing I don’t like is plastic. For crochet hooks, I only like aluminum and plastic – hate bamboo for those as they seem to stick in the yarn too much.
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Yep, I have both.
17. How old is your oldest UFO?
Pretty new after some recent UFO cleanup, probably only a few months old.
18. What is your favorite holiday?
I’m not big on holidays, except as they relate to long knitting weekends! I guess I would say my favorites are more offbeat - Flag Day as that is when Jim and I got married, Memorial Day as it kicks off the summer, and Labor Day as it starts the autumn season. I used to be a summer-only type of girl, but now I love fall b/c of the great knitting and cool weather. Reading what I wrote, I guess I really like holidays that usher in new seasons, which is something I never thought about before.
19. Is there anything that you collect?
No actual “collections” per se, but judging from what’s collecting in every corner of my house - yarn, knitting books, knitting patterns, Interweave Knits and Rowan magazines.
20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
Books are a great thing to get for me as I really, really appreciate them and I keep my Amazon wish list updated. I have been wondering about the new Interweave Felt magazine as I haven’t seen that yet. I have subscriptions to Interweave Knits, Interweave Crochet, Rowan International, Vogue Knitting, Cast On and Crochet Today. The only one I don’t have that I like is Rebecca – I have a lot of the back issues but would love a subscription.
21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I’ve learned a lot of techniques, but haven’t necessarily made garments with them yet. I haven’t made an intarsia garment or sweaters utilizing slip stitch or brioche. I am starting the Mirepoix Bodice soon so will be getting some practice on fair isle and steeks. I have a hairpin lace loom, and the patterns for the skirt and dress from stitchdiva.com but haven’t made anything yet (although I’ve swatched on the loom.) I am also working on improving my crochet skills.
22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
I’m not. I would love to get a pair (especially a lace pattern) but don’t want to make them. My shoes range in size from 6 to 7 depending on the style, because my feet are a little wide across the toes. I have never taken measurements, though – just ask me if you’d like me to!
23. When is your birthday?
February 19.
24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?
Yep. RobinM is my ID.
