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Hey there folks! Long time no see! I've kind of fallen off the face of the planet, haven't I? Well, as the weather gets colder and the leaves begin to turn colors, my little fingers begin itching to be knitting again. Caleb is also changing shifts this week, so we will finally be back on the same -- and now new and improved day -- shift! Hopefully all this means that I can get back into normal routines that have been disrupted for the past several months, and will actually have something to write about in the coming weeks.

As far as what has happened in the last month and a half craft-wise... not too much other that stockpiling, haha. A lot of things have progressed some, albeit slowly, but nothing has really been completed (other than a chemo cap for a member of my knitting group which I didn't get a photo of). I've also been organizing and redoing my craft/guest room (making it more crafty, haha), but it isn't in a state to be photographed yet. So all in all, some progress, but no real pictures. I have a few pictures of the stuff I bought at Stitches and WI Sheep & Wool, but none from the actual events. I'll post them in another post later so that I can actually get this one posted :o)...

And now to leave you with a questionnaire for a new swap. I participated in the Spring Coffee Swap earlier this year, and am super excited about the Amazing Autumn Coffee Swap that is beginning now. Sign Ups are open until tomorrow, October 15, so go sign up now!

Questionnaire

About Your Yarn Passion

1. Do you knit, crochet, or do both? When did you first learn?

So far I only knit, but I would love to learn how to crochet. I learned when I was about 10, but then didn't really get into it until I went off to college... and even more so when I was studying abroad in Germany. See my first post on this blog for a more detailed account :o).

2. Do you like using a particular type of needle or hook? (wood, metal, straight, circular) Is there something you've been wanting to try, or a particular size you always seem to be short on?

I use dpns for socks and circs for most everything else. I usually use metal because I'm a rather tight knitter and am always afraid I'll break wooden ones. I did recently get a gorgeous pair of wood dpns in a sock club package though... I may have to try them.

3. What kind of projects do you enjoy making? Any types you just haven't ever gotten into as much as others?

I've done a lot of socks, but am really on a mittens and sweater kick right now (well, I haven't actually knit any, but I got yarn for a few patterns I really like - ha!). As far as types of projects I don't do.... I don't think there are any really. I love any challenge!

4. What's on your needles\hook right now? What's your oldest UFO (unfinished object)?

I have a lot of WIPs/UFOs. A lot. Like about 15 -- as you can see from my Ravelry list on the sidebar. I get distracted very easily. I have a few pairs of socks, a couple shawls, a stuffed pig, an afghan, a couple more pairs of socks, etc. etc. Haha. My oldest UFO would be an afghan. Since we can use the part that is done, I don't really have any motivation to work on it. I should get back to it though.

5. If you were going on vacation tomorrow, what project(s) would travel with you?

The socks that I'm almost done with and the shawls for my friends that recently got married. They're all almost done.... and I really could use some free time to work on them!

6. What are your favorite types of yarns? Any you're allergic too, or just hate working with? Anything in particular you've been dying to try?

I love (and have a lot of) alpaca. It's the softness that does me in. I've also recently purchased a merino-tencel blend.... sooo pretty! It looks like silk! As far as what I dislike working with -- acrylic. I'm somewhat of a yarn snob, though can see where it has its place. When it feels like plastic though, that's where I draw the line.

7. What sort of colors do you love in yarns? Brights? Pastels? More muted colors? Variegated? Are there any you can't stand?

I love saturated fall colors! Reds and yellows and oranges. I'm not a big fan of pastels, and try to avoid pink at all costs (unless it's in some cool variegated yarn, and then I at least look at it, haha).

Your Coffee Passion

1. Do you prefer caffeinated or not?

Caffeinated. I don't think I've been in a situation where the caffeine was not OK, haha.

2. Whole bean or ground? For what type of pot or press?

I got a grinder just before the last coffee swap, and have used whole beans ever since... yum! We have an autodrip coffee maker, and also one of the little stove top "Italian coffee" makers.

3. What types of roasts do you enjoy? Are you more the light and lively or dark and robust type?

I am a light roast gal... the dark ones can get a little too bitter for me. I also like flavored coffee -- caramels and nutty flavors.

4. How do you 'take' your coffee? Creamers? Sweetener? Other add ins?

I like my coffee like I like my chocolate -- with milk and sugar! I usually have a hazelnut creamer, but have also added just milk or half-and-half. I 've also been known to add a shot of flavored syrup if I'm at a coffee shop.

5. That first morning cup - is it about the taste, or the caffeine?

Can I say both? In the past it was all about the flavor, but since transitioning back to day shift from nights, it's been a little about the caffeine too. If it tastes bad though I won't drink it just for the caffeine -- hence me bringing my own coffee to work everyday instead of drinking the crap they have there.

6. Do you enjoy going out to coffee shops like Starbucks? What are some of your favorites?

I do like coffee shops, though I usually get the espresso drinks there and not just straight coffee. I like Caribou Coffee and a couple other local shops that are in my hometown.

7. You've just made the perfect cup of coffee - is it in a thick mug, or a thinner cup? Where would you sit to drink it?

Thick mug!! I'm all about the coziness of the experience, I'm not into fancy designs or thin porcelain cups. I like something I can wrap my hands around. Typical I curl up on the sofa and wrap myself in an afghan.

8. You're enjoying that perfect cup, and have a magic cabinet in your kitchen - when you open it, magically, your favorite treats will appear to enjoy alongside the coffee - what are they? Are they sweet? Crunchy? Soft and flaky?

Since I'm all about the sweet, flavored coffee, they would of course have to be sweet too! Like I said before, I like my coffee the same way I like my chocolate.

All about YOU!

1. Do you have other hobbies like spinning or scrapbooking?

I "spin" (I have a wheel), "scrapbook," "embroider," and "sew" -- but don't have time to do it as often as I like. I just have time to shop for it, haha. If only I could retire at age 25 and just craft the rest of my life.

2. Do you collect anything?

Unless you count crafting supplies, not really. I do have a "bierdeckel" (sort of like paper coasters from bars) collection that I have from when I lived in Germany.

3. What is your favorite part of Autumn?

I love everything about Autumn! The colors, the weather, the air, the holidays -- it all makes me happy!

4. What sort of scents do you enjoy? Any difference in what you like for your house versus what you like for your body?

I like spicy scents -- vanilla, cinnamon, etc. -- and fresh scents -- cucumber melon, green tea, etc. I don't like flowery scents! (except maybe lavendar)

5. Are you allergic to anything?

Nothing other than a couple medicines -- but I really don't like coconut!!

6. Are you on Ravelry? What's your ID?

I am :o). My nickname is KnitEurope -- even though I'm not in Europe anymore, haha.

7. How would you spend an ideal fall afternoon/day?

Hmm... it would probably start by drinking a mug of coffee sitting in a chair outside wearing a big, cozy sweater, then a walk through the park with my boyfriend, and finished by curling up on the couch knitting while watching a movie.

I suppose that's "everything" about me. I probably go into a little more detail than required, but I always want to know more information about my pal than a simple "yes/no" answer, so I try to provide it too. I can't wait to get paired up and start working on getting together fabulous stuff for my pal!