Many Thanks

The pain of returning from vacation was made better by picking up my gift at RK today. Are you sure that you weren't in my suitcase on vacation? I was just introduced to the wonder of mead while in Vermont. It was such a pleasant thing that I wanted to find out more about where I can find mead in this area. It is perfect! The other gifts will be used with delight. Did someone share that in my other life I am a hammered dulcimer player? I love hearing other players...it inspires me to practice! Many thanks for the great gift. Debbie

Thanks Pal! You are so good!

Well, I must say that I am so happy with my first ever secret pal exchange. Despite the fact that I never went to river knits and filled out a wish list, my pal did a great job of spoiling me with everything that I love. The brown worsted malabrigo is to die for! I have some lace weight malabrigo in my stash, but I have yet to knit anything with this wonderfully soft yarn.
My pal must have gotten some clues about me and what I like from ravelry, because I do really want to knit that irish hiking scarf. Thanks for the pattern!
The dark chocolate truffles are delicious. One a day is enough for me, and I still have some left... yum! I also love the dr. bonner's lavender soap and orange handmade washcloth. I keep forgetting to take them with me to the shower, but I am looking forward to trying out both the soap and the washcloth. I love dr. bonner's liquid peppermint soap, but I have not tried the bar soap or the lavender scent. The malabrigo yarn now smells like lavender. I hope that it stays that way for a while! Maybe I will just keep the soap with my stash for a bit to make all of my yarn smell as nice!
Thanks again for everything! I can't wait to meet you soon!

Mmmmmm, Aaaaahhhh, Oooohhhhh

No, it's not Poppin' Fresh Dough. It's better. :)

One of the perks of having a key to RK is that I can stop by whenever I want. (This can also be a bad thing....sort of like giving an alcholic the key to a liquor store, but I digress.) Yesterday afternoon, while out running a few errands, I stopped by RK to pick up my gift. I had been warned in advance that part of the gift was in the freezer, so made sure it was my last stop on the way home.

Mmmmm.....creme brulee! I can't wait until the kids go to bed tonight so Tim and I can each enjoy one. Yes, I'm going to share. But only with him. Not the kids. :)

Aaaaahhhhh.....Red Raspberry Wine! This falls in the "after the kids go to bed" category too. I have never had raspberry wine before, and I can't wait to try it!

Ooooohhhh......Atacama Alpaca yarn, so soft and wonderful! And the candles and soap smell heavenly! In fact, I have one of the candles burning on my desk as I type.

Thank you so much! I was just thinking, between the creme brulee, the wine, and the candles, Tim and I are all set to have a nice, romantic evening tonight. ;-)

Bad Knitter

In spite of all the "knitting etiquette" discussions on Ravelry, I've spent most of the weekend rubbing yarn against my face.

I can't help it. The Alpaca Sox from my Secret Pal is so luxurious that I don't want to put it down. I'm going to have to carry it around to pet until I can make it into something. When I combine it with my new rosewood needles (all safely protected by the dog-proof sock jar!) I'll feel more than pampered.

Thanks, Secret Pal!

Thanks, secret pal

Thank you pal for the delicious chocolate covered cherries, Cascade 220, bath fizzy ball and lavendar eye pillow.
The candy is gone. The yarn may become part of the Pirate Queen's Booty Bag. I will use the eye pillow and fizz ball tonight.
Thanks again.

I Love My Pal!

Clearly my pal knows me well! I got a smoked almond and grey sea salt chocolate bar from Vosges (my VERY FAVORITE), rosewood needles, and 4 balls of baby alpaca silk in lavender that I think is wanting to be a little baby kimono.

I showed more restraint than I ever thought I had and didn't open the chocolate last night, but I know that there is no way that it is going to stay that way today!

I am dying to know who this pal is who is either good at guessing my favorite chocolate flavors or listens really well! Thanks Pal!

Great Pal!

I don't know who by pal is but she must know me pretty well. That being said, a lot of you could fit that description, so I don't know who you are yet!

I found the best package waiting for me this week. I have a Jones Soda (creme soda type) getting cold for me at RK just waiting for the right moment to savor it. It had some ABCD stitch markers tied to it, so I guess I'm all ready for some Cat Bordhi style socks now. There is Bob's Red Mill Scone mix, which I'm looking forward to trying this weekend, great smelling soap from Colonial Williamsburg (who has been to Williamsburg lately??), a terrific Celtic CD that I've been enjoying in the car AND that's not all. I even got my very own skein of Socks that Rock in a colorway called Loch Ness. That is just about perfect!

Whoever you are, thanks!

Thank you!

Usually I don't manage to get in and get my package until the end of the week, but today I ran by on Tuesday and it was already there.

Woo!

Thanks pal for the patterns and the candles (What scent are they? Elizabeth, Heather, and I all smelled them and couldn't decide)

And mmm, chocolate covered pretzels. Also Godiva! I am trying to be good and not stuff them all in my face at one time.

Mmmmmm.

Thank You! Thank You! I Am Soooooo LATE!

I am sorry that I did not get here to the blog and thank you sooner for the perfect secret pal gifts that really made my day and week!! I picked up my package on Friday the 5th... after my dog whacked me in the mouth with her hard head and before I lost my keys (which I have yet to find). The gifts made me so happy as I prepared to go camping for the night
Thank you for the yummy cookies and hot cocoa... how did you know that I would be camping the night I picked up my gift? I shared the cookies (they were a hit), but the cocoa was all mine... yum.
I considered picking up one of the swtc soy/wool hat/mitten kits on the day I got the kit from you! How did you know? I was looking at brown or green, but the orange is perfect... it will be fun to wear on gray Indiana winter days. I recently realized that I do not have a hat that I really like anymore, and it is time to knit one before it gets too cold.
Thank you for the emergency sock kit holder and the stitch markers as well. I am in the process of re-organizing, and the needle holder will definitely come in handy.
The best is the dpn needle holder! I have been using it every day since I picked up my package, and I like it so much better than the tube style holders. My sock is happy too! No more dropped stitches!
I hope that I am not forgetting anything... you gave me so much great stuff!! Again... sorry this is late... thank you so much!!

Wow what a surprise!

I wasn't expecting my gift to be at River Knits when I went by there. What a nice surprise. I am thankful for all the goodies. The yarn, candy, and coffee has been very enjoyable. Thank you very much Secret Pal. Can't wait to find out who you are.

Wish List

I've done one, too (although I wound up crossing something off as I checked out!)

wish list

Mine is ready to go!

RK Wish List

OK, I'm guilty of not having my wish list updated. I will come in on Friday to do that!

Debbie

River Knits Wish List Request!

I have been asked by people who shall remain nameless, to remind all Secret Pals that YOUR Secret Pals would be really grateful if you would fill out a River Knits wish list if you have not already! And think of the other possibilties--after the Secret Pal cycle is complete, you can tell everyone who loves you that you have a wishlist on file at River Knits. Think of the great things you might get this year for your birthday...

Thank you!

I finally got a chance to get in and pick up my surprises over the weekend.

I had more yummy chocolates (Godiva,aren't you jealous?), a simple (I hope!) sweater pattern, and my big wish, the New Pathways for Sock Knitters book! Yay! I'm already planning at least 3 pairs of socks to try it out. Those kids dragon socks are just the cutest thing EVER!

Thanks again pal!

Thank you! Thank you!! (from Amanda)

Dear Pal,

I love the wonderful fabric tray and its contents: Indiana-made candy and maple sugar, a pocket light, candles, notecards, and Socka! My kids tried to make off with the mini deck of playing cards, but I put the brakes on that. :) The sock yarn is a gorgeous color. Perfect for fall. I also really like the snakey clip used on the outside of the gift to hold the card. I have it coiled on my desk holding a picture of me and my sisters. The tray is really cool, too. I think it will look great on my bookshelf/end table next to my chair in the front room. Perfect for holding my knitting essentials.

Thanks again!!!!
Amanda

Thanks Pal (from Sam)

Want to talk about practical? My pal gave me a great red and black project bag (it looks a lot like an old dr.'s bag) filled with knitting notions like stitch markers, needle gauges, swatch gauges (it has a needle gauge too and it may make me prone to swatching *snicker*), and highlighters and post-it notes (to contribute to my office supply addiction). There was a note in the bag to tell me to check all of the pockets and upon doing so I learned that each pocket that did not have a notion stuck in it was filled with Dove chocolates. Now that is practical! And the timing was perfect since I picked my gift up on my way to doing a teaching observation. The chocolates really came in handy for getting me through the afternoon.

I don't know who my pal is but with project bags, office supplies, and chocolate you are right on! Plus, a new bag means that I can cast on a new project!

ROTFLMAO!

I giggled my way through the day after picking up my Secret Pal gift - it's a "Very Bad Dog Proof Sock Jar"! Clearly, my pal has heard me curse every now and then about my canine knitting troubles.

Things may be looking up....yesterday Oscar ate Aaron's belt. I know I should be sad about this, but maybe if they develop a taste for leather they'll leave the wool alone. Poor Aaron's pretty unhappy, because apparently it's nearly impossible to find a size 30 belt.

The sock jar is so good that it's almost Laura-Proof too; I had trouble figuring out how to open it. And I KNOW it's practical, because inside there was a lovely set of Lantern Moon needles - my first ever! - so it definitely has something to protect. Tomorrow (when there's light for photographs) I'll test it out and see how confused the dogs get.

Thanks, Secret Pal, for the laugh and the lovely gifts!

Wonderful

What a cheery package and wonderful lot of goodies. My children and I were blown away by the little hand made sock kit. I just love little knitted things like that. They feel so good in your hands when your holding them. The needles and markers will be useful. The chocolates are definitely useful any time any day. Thank you so much secret pal.

Practical and Pleasant

Many thanks to my secret pal. I consider alpaca to be most pleasant. I think that now though, I like the idea of thinking of it as practical as well. That means that future stash acquisitions are a matter of practical purchases instead of luxury! I was busy in the summer making Harry Potter book marks for the family in anticipation of the new book...now I have my own! The light is very cool. I know exactly the spot that I need it, too. And finally, chocolate, mmm. Need I say more about that. I think that is one of the things that most of us can agree upon. We can just say "chocolate" and nothing more needs to be said. Thanks a bunch!

Debbie

Heather Thanks You!

So...I strolled into RK with Curtis last night, to get some yarn for the Lickety Split (tabi) socks he's wanting...completely forgetting that it was the first day of the second secret pal exchange. Fortunately, Amanda was there to let me know I had a gift waiting.

And what a great gift! Secret Pal, thanks for finally getting me off the fence and giving me Vogue's Weekend Knits. I've been looking at this book for months now...just never committed to buying it. Now it's mine. Hurray!

The handspun is lovely, as was the last batch. It's deciding what it wants to be...

And I'm all hopped up on the delightful (and child-theft-proof) chocolate covered espresso beans. Love 'em!

Pamper your Pal?

Is it pamper your pal week already?! No, but it sure seems like it! I was suprised to find a present for me already today! And I waited until there was a free moment and I really needed it. What a great bag full of stuff goodies...I got some incredibly blue CTH Supersock DK, some wonderfully good to smell bath salts that I just have the lid off of now hoping they'll infuse RK with the smell permanently, a Mason-Dixon wash cloth of my very own AND some decadent organic chocolate.

Oh my. In fact, I was just having an overload feeling a few minutes ago not sure what to do next because there seemed like so much to do. Then I remembered the chocolate and I opened the one with caramel in the centers and....wow....I feel so much better now and I've really forgotten about EVERYTHING I need to do...except eat this chocolate.

Thank you very much, my pal! (And I really liked the E on the bag; I just sort of assumed that meant is was for me. If it's not for me and there's someone else in this exchange with an "E" name then I've already eaten half of one of your candy bars. Sorry! Not!) :-)

Thanks secret pal from Michelle

Wowwieeee. Such a beautiful packing, you are a multi-talented lady. :-)
I waited until I was home to open it because after a gentle shake it sounded like candy was inside. I so did not want to share. Sorry sock clubbers but the truffles are mine all mine.

What was in the package you ask? Why a very yummy smelling candle, TWO sets of Hiya Hiya needles (which are much loved by moi), and you won't belive the last thing at all--two hand made knitting stitch holders that are pretty enough to wear as jewelry. They are too nice for the knitting.

Thank you so much secret pal. I am very lucky to have you. :-) I hope your pal is just as great to you.

Thanks pal!

I finally got in on Saturday for long enough to pick up my secret pal package, yay!

I got one of the awesome small lantern moon knitting bags, which I love. I have a red one and a green one now, so I'm all set for Christmas!

I also got some advice and directions on making lace less scary. We'll see if it works.

Also very delicious Godiva chocolates, mmmmmm. I shared one with my husband, mostly so he could be jealous while I ate the rest. :)

And an awesome puppy knitting book, I love puppy knitting. As I took it out, my husband said "Don't you already have that one?". And by the time we got home had me completely convinced I did have it, and was a horrible person for leaving it on my wish list.

But after searching the living room, and the knitting bookshelf, if I have it, I can't find it so I needed a new copy anyhow! (Although, I really don't think I have it, I think he must have been mixing it up with another book)

All in all, a fabulous package.

I have swap anxiety now that I didn't put enough in my package to my pal!

Sock Needles

I really can't decide on a favorite...
I think that wooden dpn's are the most aesthetically pleasing, and they make sock knitting look so complicated with all the needle ends sticking out everywhere. However, I knit my socks much slower with dpn's. Nonetheless, I have some new metal size 2 dpn's that I can't wait to try. I can't remember the brand name of the needles, but they are so light.
I also like using 2 circular needles and the magic loop method. With addi needles and all of my stitches divided between two needles (rather than 4 dpn's), my sock knitting goes so much faster. I think that with the magic loop it would be very hard for your stitches to fall off the needles. With the other two methods, I have dropped stitches while my knitting was bouncing around in my bag. Magic loop is also cheaper... you only have to buy one circular needle.
I like them all!

Hail DPN's!

I'm fairly certain it's not my pal wondering if I like dpn's or 2-circs since I am a pretty loud enthusiast of dpn's for socks! I think my dpn's are WHY I like to knit socks. :-) At least one of the reasons.

And yes, I was there when Sam opened the chocolate, and she was really nice to give me a piece. As to where the rest of it went I think only Sam knows!

I'm Not Funny

Pal, let me say that the half bag of chocolates thing was a joke. They only one who got to the chocolates was me (I think I shared 1 with Elizabeth). Unfortunately the bag was only half full by the time I got it home from RK! :-) So it was the gremlin in the car who ate them!

It was one of my many weird attempts at humor. Sorry!

Magic Loooooop

DPN's are tools of the devil. I've never been good with them. I do pretty much everything magic loop or some variant that involves circs.

Also secret pal, it's hard for me to get to River Knits, so that's why there hasn't been a thank you yet. I'm planning on making a quick trip over there today, I hope!

Which sock method do you use?

I use all three depending on the sock pattern. I have also done socks on two needles using the double knit method. I was worried the whole time I would knit it closed. I will never do it again.

Opps!

I ment to say I love to use 2 Cir.

sock needles

I love to use DPN's.

Sock Knitting Needles

Excellent question, Heather! DPNs for me.

Debbie

A question that should have been on the questionnaire....

So...another Secret Pal-er and I were discussing things yesterday, and thought maybe we need to know one more thing...

If you are a sock knitter...do you use DPN or circulars? Magic Loop or 2 Circs?

I use DPN's...

Thank You! Thank You!

I am happy, happy, happy to have the soft and fluffy fiber from my secret pal's favorite angora bunny!! It is sooooo soft. I can't wait to figure out what I will spin and knit with it. What makes a bunny a favorite? Was she the softest or the sweetest?
Thank you as well for the yummy coffee card. I just grabbed some espresso to get me through the closing procedures at the library tonight. Only a little over an hour to go... Yeah!!
I can't wait to meet my secret pal! I have so many questions...
Thanks again! The gift was perfect!! I love it!!

Fanny Says Thank You

Thanks to my secret pal for this great stuffed cow, who shall heretofore be known to one and all as Fanny. My first thought was "What a great cow!". My second thought was "How do I keep Josie from stealing her?". The handspun Icelandic wool is wonderful...my very first handspun...can't wait to find out whose talent made it possible. :)

I also had some Scooby Doo stickers...those were confiscated by Curtis almost before I had them out of the bag...

Oh my gosh!

How did you KNOW I wanted a real copy of Monty Python's Holy Grail, Secret Pal? How did you know I was thinking of buying one for Brent as an excuse to have this piece of epic cinematic work myself? And now that it is here, did you know that there are literally tens of extra features to keep us amused for hours? My favorite: "New! Subtitles For People who Don't Like the Film (taken from Shakespeare's Henry IV, Part II). " I am really looking forward to checking that out (even though I do happen to like the film). And even more interesting: "New! A Special Feature for the Hard of Hearing." Gosh there are so many special features, it might take us years to get to the actual film again. "How to use your coconuts," and "Monty Python and the Holy Grail in Japanese" look entirely compelling.

As for the cashmere and silk fiber...how did you know that only yesterday I DUSTED my spinning wheel? Yes, I felt its loneliness and thought to myself how nice it would be to spin again. And now what excuse do I have? None at all with the perfect little bit of delight to try.

Thanks very much to my very thoughtful Secret Pal!
--Elizabeth

My Turn!!

Thanks so much to my pal for the most awesome KF Regia yarn and the Dark Chocolate carmels. I'm not quite sure of why you gave me half a bag, but they were tasty all the same :-)

As for the beauteous sock yarn...it is already on its way to becoming socks! I know that I promised not to knit more socks for me until Michelle's socks were finished, but...hell I may not get to keep them anyway Lisa looked at the yarn and said "I'd like something with cables." I told her no friggin' way, but now I may have to knit her some cabled socks. Maybe the Yarn Harlot's Earl Grey Socks.

So in a nutshell, thanks for a half bag of chocolates and more work to do! :-)

Thank you!!!!

I want to add to the list of thank-yous being sent out. My secret pal must be just about the most fun person ever! I love the picnic supplies--those Sporks are awesome! The firecracker, candles, pocket kite and other accessories are wonderful, and the Fireworks Regia sock yarn is great. I want to especially thank you for the wonderful Chocolate Mint Sticks and recipe. They are delicious! I made the mistake of giving one to Tim when I got home from class tonight, and now I'm going to have to keep them hidden from him. :)

Thanks again! This is so fun!!!

Amanda

Thanks for my gift

Thank you so much for th e Favorite Socks book. I can't wait to try one of the patterns. The cookies were divine and the coffee will be my wake up in the morning. Thanks again.

More Thanks

Thanks, pal! I've wanted the Yarn Harlot's book for a long time, but I've been listening to the little angel (or devil?) who says "you don't need ANY MORE knitting books!" Now I'm free to give in to temptation for something else :-)

I can't wait to get home and read! Poor Aaron will be up all night, because I know I'll be laughing out loud.

Secret Pal Thanks

Many thanks to my Secret Pal. I was just fingering the DPN holders last week. I came home from RK and immediately put my Monkey socks into the holder! One of my quirks, not that I have more than one :), is that I like to iron. I don't imagine that there are many people who would get excited about a spray starch, but I'm definitely one of them! I have a knitted bookmark waiting for that. I appreciate the other goodies, too! Thanks again...this is so much fun!

Debbie

Thanks to my pal

Thank you to my pal. I was surprised when I stopped at the shop on Saturday to pick up the new spin off, you had already been there to spoil me. :-)
Thank you for the sock yarn, candle tart, and tape measure. The sock yarn spells so good because of the tart. I think I will buy some more to keep with my yarn.
Thanks again.
Michelle

Glennalee's Survey

Name: Glennalee Owens

1. Do you have a Ravelry ID? No

2. What is your skill level (beginner, intermediate, advanced)? intermediate

3. What are your favorite yarns to work with? Least favorite? Soft yarns preferably not wool. Usually DK weight.

4. What are your favorite types of projects to work on? I have so many unfinished projects, I think I need to finish several. So any new projects should be small or in a well paced class.

5. What is your favorite color? Green, although blue and purple are also favorites. I tend to avoid the olive or sage like greens and go more for the deeper hues. I have a strong distaste of pink, although I don’t mind a mix of colors I like with something like chartreuse.

6. Are you a sock knitter? Yes.

7. What technique or skill are you working on? Finishing more projects.

8. What technique or skill would you like to learn? Not sure what to put here, I’m open to learning most things.

9. What book or pattern are you anxious to have? The new Cat Bordhi book, “New Pathways for Sock Knitters: Book One”

10. Do you have any allergies your pal should be aware of? Most wools tend to make me itch although some superwash merinos don’t.

11. What are your non-knitting hobbies or interests? I do lots of crafts, like spinning, lace making, and crochet. I like to travel. I enjoy horseback riding, reading, and sailing. I recently purchased a bicycle and am looking forward to using it more.

12. What kinds of knitting accessories have caught your eye lately? Unfortunately, when one catches my eye, I tend to buy it, although I have been trying to put more items on my wish list at River Knits.

13. Have you filled out a Wish List at River Knits? Yes

14. Do you have an Amazon Wish List? Yes.

15. How do you like to spend your “down time”? I typically relax by reading, doing crafts, watching tv or chatting on the computer.

16. Do you have any “guilty pleasures”? I would have to say I love Ice wines and a nice quiet evening.

17. Who is in your home/family? I live with a SO who likes to watch/sleep to the TV.

18. What are your favorite scents? I like scents like Pumpkin, Vanilla, Lavender, Hyacinth, Roses. I tend toward the more flowery and or food scents and not so much the musk.

19. What are your favorite treats? Milk chocolate caramels.

20. If you didn’t knit, what would you do? I have many other crafts I like to do. I enjoy weaving, spinning, bobbin lace, silver smithing, glass bead making. Plus there’s always reading in which I enjoy sci-fi/fantasy, mysteries and other fictional fantasies that take my mind away.

It's almost here!

Just a few more days until Secret Pals 2007 kicks off! I've been having lots of fun shopping for my pal - although my own wish list grows every time I look at hers! Is everyone ready for next week?

AMAZON & River Knits lists

Hi Secret Pals!

I've been having fun updating my Amazon list (and getting a few things from it over the weekend for my birthday too, btw!). So I just wanted to recommend that you spend a little time browsing & getting your list started or up to date if you don't have one yet or it's out of date. It's fun, people might buy you things you actually want, and you can tell your family it's there too! :-)

And if you don't have a River Knits list, it's easy to start one. Next time you're in the shop ask me for an index card. You walk around and touch all the yarn and write down what you want the magic fairy to bring you! It doesn't get more fun that that.

Elizabeth

Name:Billie Jo Beaver (BJ)
1. Do you have a Ravelry ID? No, but on the waiting list.
2.What is your skill level (beginner, intermediate, advanced)?intermediate to advanced
3.What are your favorite yarns to work with? Least favorite? Wool and all animal or natural fibers are my favorite. My least favorite is acrylic or synthetic yarns.
4.What are your favorite types of projects to work on? Socks are the favorite. I have been making a lot of shawls this summer that is becoming a big favorite next to socks.
5.What is your favorite color? Purple then blue, green, and red. I hate pink.
6.Are you a sock knitter? Yes
7.What technique or skill are you working on? Lace, all those shawls I have been making.
8.What technique or skill would you like to learn? Intarsia
9.What book or pattern are you anxious to have? Favorite Socks
10.Do you have any allergies your pal should be aware of? No
11.What are your non-knitting hobbies or interests? Beading and some quilting on the sewing machine.
12.What kinds of knitting accessories have caught your eye lately? I always see a bag I like. You can't have enough knitting needles.
13.Have you filled out a Wish List at River Knits?no
14Do you have an Amazon Wish List?no
15How do you like to spend your “down time”? Watching movies and knitting. Sometimes I get to read.
16Do you have any “guilty pleasures”? Chocolate and coffee
17Who is in your home/family?A husband, 4 boys 14-6, a pug, and a mouse that has lived way past his time.
18What are your favorite scents?I don't really care for scents.
19What are your favorite treats?chocolate, coffee, cookies I have an awful sweet tooth
20If you didn’t knit, what would you do? walk around impatient and confused

Kerry's Survey

Name: Kerry Neely

1. Do you have a Ravelry ID? kanknit

2. What is your skill level (beginner, intermediate, advanced)? intermediate to advanced
   
   
3. What are your favorite yarns to work with? Least favorite? Favorite: almost any natural fiber (wool, silk, bamboo, soy, hemp, etc.) Least: any synthetic yarn or mix, cotton
   

4. What are your favorite types of projects to work on? smaller projects that do not require much finishing, socks
   
   
5. What is your favorite color? earth tones (especially brown) and orange
   
   
6. Are you a sock knitter? YES
   

7. What technique or skill are you working on? socks and lace
   
   
8. What technique or skill would you like to learn? not sure... more lace techniques, cat bordhi's
   

9. What book or pattern are you anxious to have? not sure... any of cookie a's sock patterns, i will work on my ravelry queue
   
   
10. Do you have any allergies your pal should be aware of? synthetic fragrances/perfume
    

11. What are your non-knitting hobbies or interests? spinning (I just got my first wheel), making stitch markers, hiking, reading
    
    
12. What kinds of knitting accessories have caught your eye lately? small individual project bags
    

13. Have you filled out a Wish List at River Knits? no, but I will try to do this asap.
    
14. Do you have an Amazon Wish List? no, but I will queue some projects on ravelry soon, most (but not all) of the knitting books i have are on my ravelry page
    
15. How do you like to spend your “down time”? knitting, spinning, hiking, listening to music and podcasts, reading, watching movies
    
    
16. Do you have any “guilty pleasures”? chocolate, dark beer, and red wine
    
17. Who is in your home/family? 2 cats (simone and jean paul) 1 dog (medea) husband (sol)
    
18. What are your favorite scents? lavendar, vetiver, cedar, ylang ylang
    
19. What are your favorite treats? coffee and chocolate
    
20. If you didn’t knit, what would you do? go crazy... spin, read, and hike
    

Milissa's Survey

Name: Milissa
1. Do you have a Ravelry ID? No

2. What is your skill level (beginner, intermediate, advanced)? Intermediate

3. What are your favorite yarns to work with? Least favorite? Malabrigo and Manos are my favorite. I do not like toofootsies.

4. What are your favorite types of projects to work on? I am working on two lace projects, two socks, a heavy shawl and a felted bag. I like everything☺

5. What is your favorite color? Red, purple or blue

6. Are you a sock knitter? yes

7. What technique or skill are you working on? Lace and turning heals still gives me a fit

8. What technique or skill would you like to learn? Different cast on methods, toe up socks and how to start them.

9. What book or pattern are you anxious to have? Anything about lace

10. Do you have any allergies your pal should be aware of? no

11. What are your non-knitting hobbies or interests? I am getting a spinning wheel in September. I also like to rubberstamp and make cards.

12. What kinds of knitting accessories have caught your eye lately? Lace needles

13. Have you filled out a Wish List at River Knits? yes

14. Do you have an Amazon Wish List?no

15. How do you like to spend your “down time”? knit, take a bath, walk, listen to Bon Jovi

16. Do you have any “guilty pleasures”? Jon Bon Jovi

17. Who is in your home/family? Husband Kirk, Daughter Kate, Dogs Abby and Meri

18. What are your favorite scents? Lavender

19. What are your favorite treats? Chocolate anything

20. If you didn’t knit, what would you do?

Vanda's Survey

Name: Vanda Paladino

Do you have a Ravelry ID? raynbow

2. What is your skill level (beginner, intermediate, advanced)? I think I have to go with solid intermediate.

3. What are your favorite yarns to work with? Least favorite? I'm not typically much of a fiber snob. I'll work with most anything that feels nice and comes in good colors. I love the whole concept of self patterning yarn and I love trying to make things other than socks out of it. I've recently discovered the joys of bulky yarns as well! I'm not a big fan of novelty yarn.

4. What are your favorite types of projects to work on? I love socks, I'm always looking for the perfect sock formula. I also love knitting doggie sweaters, they are such perfect little bite sized projects and my dogs never say they don't like them.

5. What is your favorite color? By itself, green, most any shade but pea green. But I love combinations of bright colors, especially rainbow like combinations.

6. Are you a sock knitter? Absolutely!

7. What technique or skill are you working on? I'm always looking for the perfect sock patterns. I'm finally trying to do lace, the Mystery Stole killed me, so I'm taking a step back and looking for something a little less challenging.

8. What technique or skill would you like to learn? I admit to still being intimidated by sweaters. I started one for my husband but never finished it. All the seaming intimidates me as much as everything. I've heard there are some neat top down raglan patterns with less seaming, I wouldn't mind learning one of those!

9. What book or pattern are you anxious to have? New Pathways for Sock Knitters, any of the neat toy knitting pamphlets/books by Jean Greenhowe, Handspun Revolution

10. Do you have any allergies your pal should be aware of? I'm allergic to pretty much the whole world, so things that are washable are good!

11. What are your non-knitting hobbies or interests? I love spinning and I'm finally learning to crochet. I make melt and pour soaps. I love to read fantasy type books and I play alot of video games.

12. What kinds of knitting accessories have caught your eye lately? I wouldn't mind some sock blockers. It's one of those things that I covet but I would just never buy for myself.

13. Have you filled out a Wish List at River Knits? I don't think I have much if anything there. I think I might have left something once in the past for my husband as a birthday suggestion, but that's about it.

14. Do you have an Amazon Wish List? Yes! And make sure you check the 'purchased' items section, my birthday is later this month, so there are probably alot of things on there that I no longer need. I also have a wist at http://www.wists.com/raynbow

15. How do you like to spend your “down time”? I'm pretty much a homebody. I like to stay home and play games or watch movies with my husband.

16. Do you have any “guilty pleasures”? I love pretty much anything chocolate. I used to be a huge bubble bath fiend but we finally bought a house with a hot tub, so I tend to use that more often these days! Also trashy romance novels.

17. Who is in your home/family? My husband (we'll be married one year next month), and our two dogs. Kids are in the future, but not on the way yet.

18. What are your favorite scents? I mainly like vanilla or other food/fruity scents. I don't like florals that much.

19. What are your favorite treats? I do love chocolate. Pretty much any kind, although I prefer white or milk to dark. I like chocalate covered pretzels and that kind of thing although generally a plain old Hershey bar makes me just as happy as anything. Oh, and I looooove chocolate covered cherries.

20. If you didn’t knit, what would you do? Probably something else crafty. I went through a whole range of crafts over the years looking for one that really stuck before I found knitting. When I was younger I did alot of cross stitch. More recently I tried things like beading, papermaking, polymer clay, weaving, etc.

Amanda's Questionnaire

Do you have a Ravelry ID? Yep! gaeacreations

What is your skill level (beginner, intermediate, advanced)? advanced

What are your favorite yarns to work with? Least favorite? Natural Fibers, definitely! I don’t love cotton as much as I love animal fibers. Alpaca is one of my very favorites, and I really like bamboo and bamboo blend yarns. I really don’t like synthetic or novelty yarns.

What are your favorite types of projects to work on? Lace, fair isle. I love all types of projects, but those are my two favorite techniques.

What is your favorite color? I don’t have just one favorite. I like deep, rich colors. Fall colors are wonderful. I’m not a big fan of pastels at all.

Are you a sock knitter? Yes!

What technique or skill are you working on? I’ve been doing a lot of crocheting lately.

What technique or skill would you like to learn? Tunisian Crochet, tapestry crochet.

What book or pattern are you anxious to have? I can’t think of any off the top of my head….

Do you have any allergies your pal should be aware of? Nope.

What are your non-knitting hobbies or interests? Cooking, spinning, beading, writing, playing the Nintendo DS or Wii with my kids, listening to music while doing any of the above, watching TV (mostly SciFi or Discovery/Discovery Science channel, Good Eats).

What kinds of knitting accessories have caught your eye lately? I love the new shawl sticks at River Knits, and I like gadgets of all kinds.

Have you filled out a Wish List at River Knits? Yep!

Do you have an Amazon Wish List? Yep!

How do you like to spend your “down time”? I like playing video games with my kids. Otherwise, I’m knitting during my down time.

Do you have any “guilty pleasures”? Reading a novel or magazine while taking a long, hot bath; Creme Brulee Bread Pudding from Nine Irish Brothers.

Who is in your home/family? Hubby, two kids (ages 6 and 9), and three cats.

What are your favorite scents? Sandalwood, cinnamon, vanilla, spicy scents.

What are your favorite treats? York peppermint patties, Junior Mints, cheesecake, margaritas, WooWoos.

If you didn’t knit, what would you do? That’s a really hard question…I don’t know what I’d do. I can't remember what I did during my downtime before I was a Knitter.

Heather's Questionnaire

I must admit, I 'm a little sheepish (get it, sheep??) about calling myself an advanced knitter on the same blog as some of you other, more advanced knitters... :)

Name: HEATHER WENIG

1. Do you have a Ravelry ID? No…I’d lose my job

2. What is your skill level (beginner, intermediate, advanced)? Advanced, I think.

3. What are your favorite yarns to work with? Least favorite? I don’t like anything cotton or acrylic. I love wool, alpaca and anything from Brown Sheep…except their cotton. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE sock yarn

4. What are your favorite types of projects to work on? I love, love, love socks. I enjoy cables and lace.

5. What is your favorite color? Fall colors…greens, especially

6. Are you a sock knitter? YES!!

7. What technique or skill are you working on? I’m working on a raglan sweater, bottom up, right now…I’m a sweater novice

8. What technique or skill would you like to learn? I keep saying entrelac…I need to practice colorwork more….

9. What book or pattern are you anxious to have? I keep looking at Knitting on the Road (Nancy Bush)…Shawls & Scarves: The Best of Knitter’s Magazine…Vogue Knitting on the Go: Weekend Knits ...I'm anxious to start the Yarn Harlot's "Earl Grey Socks"

10. Do you have any allergies your pal should be aware of? Nope

11. What are your non-knitting hobbies or interests? I love old movies, Victorian lit, reading about Youth Development

12. What kinds of knitting accessories have caught your eye lately? I’m always in need of row counters (love the clicky kind)…dpn protectors (haven’t tried the tube-y kind yet, but they look interesting)…I just generally love gadgets. I would love to try the new smooth Clover dpn's...

13. Have you filled out a Wish List at River Knits? Yes

14. Do you have an Amazon Wish List? Yes

15. How do you like to spend your “down time”? knitting and/or snacking

16. Do you have any “guilty pleasures”? love campy soaps and music from the 70’s

17. Who is in your home/family? Joe, Curtis (14), Josie (12), Tagalong K and Tally (cats)

18, What are your favorite scents? I love sandalwood, mowed grass and spring rain.

19. What are your favorite treats? Cheetos, almost anything chocolate (not dark chocolate!!), diet coke, twizzlers, chocolate chip cookie dough, I could go on and on…

20. If you didn’t knit, what would you do? Before I was a knitter I did a lot of Creative memories albums…I would read a lot more…

Questionnaire - Elizabeth

1. Do you have a Ravelry ID?
I am #341 in line on the waiting list now...
**Late Breaking News - I'm in! I'm "RiverKnits" on Ravelry

What is your skill level (beginner, intermediate, advanced)?
Advanced

What are your favorite yarns to work with? Least favorite?
Wools of all kinds, other animal fibers - favorites. 100% cotton is not my favorite although I will use it sometimes because if I want the effect of cotton. I avoid novelty yarns but will use good quality acrylic blends sometimes depending on the needs of the project.

What are your favorite types of projects to work on?
Socks, sweaters, hats, mittens.

What is your favorite color?
Blues are my favorites, followed closely by earth tones and fall colors

Are you a sock knitter? Yes!

What technique or skill are you working on?
Making sure I have time to knit every day.

What technique or skill would you like to learn?
Knitting something out of New Pathways for Sock Knitters (I already have the book) and improving my understanding of crochet

What book or pattern are you anxious to have?
A fun sock pattern that Michelle has never heard of. :-)

Do you have any allergies your pal should be aware of?
No.

What are your non-knitting hobbies or interests?
Crossword puzzles, sci-fi adventure shows like Battlestar Galactica, Heroes, Eureka, and Stargate Atlantis, local/natural foods and environmental issues.

What kinds of knitting accessories have caught your eye lately?
Hip Knit Sack, a free standing felting machine (I don't think anyone's going to buy me that!), decorative magazine organizers from Target, etc.

Have you filled out a Wish List at River Knits?
No.

Do you have an Amazon Wish List?
Yes

How do you like to spend your “down time”?
Knitting (!), car trips with my family (while knitting), listening to podcasts (while knitting), watching tv (while knitting), going to movies & concerts (generally not knitting), doing crossword puzzles, taking walks, sitting in our new screen room

Do you have any “guilty pleasures”?
Good shoes, massage, good bread, real unpasteurized apple cider, (oh it's almost time!), Jones Soda Cream soda (or any cream soda), a great bath with Aura Cacia bath salts (and I don't think I feel guilty about any of these things)

Who is in your home/family?
Husband, 3 kids, one dog, one cat and 15 chickens

What are your favorite scents?
Vanilla, Sandalwood, a little Patchouli, and other earthy or even citrus scents (not floral)

What are your favorite treats?
Anything especially dark chocolates from Kathy's Kandies, Chocolate chip cookie dough(the real thing, not ice cream) or just the actual cookies, cereal for a snack (really bad stuff like Lucky Charms - which Michelle will note is now made with whole wheat) and all the things I said under guilty pleasures.

If you didn’t knit, what would you do
Be harder to live with... And probably read more, cook more and play more musical instruments (clarinet, dulcimer, piano)

Laura's Questionnaire

Name: Laura Shumar

1. Do you have a Ravelry ID? VeryBadDogs

2. What is your skill level (beginner, intermediate, advanced)? Advanced
   
   
3. What are your favorite yarns to work with? Least favorite? I like natural fibers - especially merino wools and silk blends. I haven't worked with as much cotton and linen as I probably should. Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sport and Gems Merino are two yarns I use a lot, but there are plenty of others that I like! I prefer my sock yarns to be 100% wool, but so many fun yarns are blended with nylon and other synthetics that I've reconciled to using them. I'm not fond of synthetics, and I haven't done much with novelty yarn.
   

4. What are your favorite types of projects to work on? Socks! Bags, baskets, hats, shawls, and sweaters are all on the list, but socks are the easy favorite. I like projects that give me a chance to try something new - a new yarn, or a new technique.
   
   
5. What is your favorite color? Blue, Purple, and Green
   
   
6. Are you a sock knitter? Yes! I wear handmade socks all winter.
   

7. What technique or skill are you working on? Finishing my @#&$%$@# projects. Lace knitting.
   
   
8. What technique or skill would you like to learn? Cutting steeks and sweater blocking. And one of these days I want to make some cute little knit flowers. Oh, yeah - dyeing sock yarn.
   

9. What book or pattern are you anxious to have? None leap to mind right now.
   
   
10. Do you have any allergies your pal should be aware of? Cats
    

11. What are your non-knitting hobbies or interests? History, reading, lampwork, baking, lots of other types of textile/needlework, travel.
    
    
12. What kinds of knitting accessories have caught your eye lately? One never has too many knitting bags, eh? And it turns out row counters get chewed up by dogs. I'm starting to want some nice needles - but I've been resisting temptation because of the dogs.
    

13. Have you filled out a Wish List at River Knits? No.
    
14. Do you have an Amazon Wish List? Yes, here.
15. How do you like to spend your “down time”? Reading (historical novels, some science fiction, and just about anything else), watching TV (Battlestar Galactica, Firefly [I've just started to work through the DVDs], Good Eats), playing with my dogs, knitting.
    
    
16. Do you have any “guilty pleasures”? I'm very selective about my chocolate, because it gives me migraines, but the good dark stuff is worth the risk. I like yummy baked goods and creamy desserts in general. It's hard to beat good bread and cheese as a snack, especially with a nice glass of wine. But I'm not above indulging in Chef Boy-ar-Dee pizza, either. And I just bought an iPod.
    
17. Who is in your home/family? One live-in boyfriend (for the next 4 months), two bad dogs.
    


18. What are your favorite scents? Spices and light florals, lavender and lilac, fresh, clean scents.
    


19. What are your favorite treats? Everything above - plus gummi bears, mixed nuts, and SweetTarts (but not the orange ones).
    


20. If you didn’t knit, what would you do? More schoolwork? And probably a lot more embroidery. I'd watch less TV, too. And maybe take up smoking.
    

Secret Pal Questionnaire

Name: Debbie Doggett
1. Do you have a Ravelry ID?
I should have one any day now!

What is your skill level (beginner, intermediate, advanced)?
Advanced

What are your favorite yarns to work with? Least favorite?
Favorites – wool, alpaca, soy, mohair. Least favorites – novelty and acrylic.

What are your favorite types of projects to work on?
Socks, shawls, and fingerless mitts seem to be my current trend.

What is your favorite color?
Reds, blues, teals, and purples in any value.

Are you a sock knitter? Yes

What technique or skill are you working on?
Stash reduction projects…well not entirely. The new yarn still comes in!

What technique or skill would you like to learn?
Cat Bordhi’s new socks…I love the book. And, I think I want to get into dyeing more.

What book or pattern are you anxious to have?
Barbara Walker Mosaic Patterns, any of the upcoming Harmony Guides

Do you have any allergies your pal should be aware of?
I don’t think so.

What are your non-knitting hobbies or interests?
Spinning, weaving, reading.

What kinds of knitting accessories have caught your eye lately?
Shawl blocker

Have you filled out a Wish List at River Knits?
Not recently, but will fix that!

Do you have an Amazon Wish List?
Need to update that one too!

How do you like to spend your “down time”?
Knitting, spinning, weaving, reading, watching movies, cuddling with my honey

Do you have any “guilty pleasures”?
Red wine, ( I really don’t feel guilty about it, I drink it for my heart health!), Fuji apples, eating out for breakfast, good coffee, massages, and foot massage from Brian to name a few!

Who is in your home/family?
Husband, Brian, and cats, Otis and Matilda, on temporary stay while daughter is in India, and stuff belonging to kids and Brian and I that seems to be gaining a life and multiplying.

What are your favorite scents?
Victoria’s Secret – Heavenly and Desire, and other stuff - Vanilla, Hazelnut, Cinnamon

What are your favorite treats?
Red wine, fuji apples, pineapple, popcorn, peanut butter

If you didn’t knit, what would you do
Spin, weave, and read more. I would probably pick up quilting again.

Michelle's secret pal info

Name: Michelle Ogden
Do you have a Ravelry ID? sockmuse
What is your skill level (beginner, intermediate, advanced)? advanced
What are your favorite yarns to work with? Least favorite? wool blends. I don't like fun fur
What are your favorite types of projects to work on? socks and sweaters
What is your favorite color? raspberry
Are you a sock knitter? yes
What technique or skill are you working on? The new Cat Bordhi sock patterns
What technique or skill would you like to learn? Cat Bordhi's new sock patterns
What book or pattern are you anxious to have? Handknit Holidays
Do you have any allergies your pal should be aware of? 100% mohair
What are your non-knitting hobbies or interests? manga, anime, gaming and reading
What kinds of knitting accessories have caught your eye lately? Hiya Hiya dpns
Have you filled out a Wish List at River Knits? yes but it may be out of date
Do you have an Amazon Wish List? yes
How do you like to spend your “down time”? watching anime while knitting
Do you have any “guilty pleasures”? long hot baths
Who is in your home/family? husband, daughter, dog and cat
What are your favorite scents? food type scents My newest perfume in fig and brown sugar
What are your favorite treats? chocolate covered cherries
If you didn’t knit, what would you do? quilt and scrapbook

Secret Pal Survey (Samantha)

I messed up and deleted the survey Laura sent so I'll just repost my SP11 survey!

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? I am allergic to acrylic. I prefer natural fibers.

2. Do you spin? Crochet? Spin a bit by hand. Basic crochet

3. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? A wicker basket in their original packages or a plastic tube.

4. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? Knitting since I was a child returned to it about 3 years ago.

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Of course, the amazon list is here and my froogle list is here.

6. What’s your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.) Musky scents. I am not a fan of floral scents.

7. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? Absolutely! Vosges chocolates in Chicago has an awesome milk chocolate bar with grey sea salt and smoked almonds!!

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? I used to do ceramics but life got in the way!

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I have eclectic tastes in music and 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 jewel tones…blues, purples, etc. I do not like pastels, they look horrible on me and I absolutely abhor pink!

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I have a partner and a big drooly St. Bernard

12. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? I wear scarves, hats (if they are big enough, I have lots of hair), and mitten, but never the poncho!

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? Lamb’s Pride, Malabrigo, Lorna’s Laces, Cherry Tree Hill…

14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I do not like acrylics or novelty yarn of any kind!

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s? Socks and I am working on lace.

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? I always have socks and a sweater on the needles!

17. What are you knitting right now? Mudflap Girl sweater, socks (of course), a flower basket shawl, and the Lift and Separate sweater from Big Girl Knits
18. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Who doesn’t? :-)

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Straight hardwoods and Addi turbos for circulars.

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? Hardwood and aluminum

21. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? No

22. How did you learn to knit? My grandmother taught me.

23. How old is your oldest UFO? 1 year
24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird? Winnie the Pooh!

25. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas

26. Is there anything that you collect? Eggs :-)

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? Interweave
28. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? Peace Shawl pattern, Victorian Lace Today, addi turbos, lantern moon ebony/rosewood needles, any self patterning or hand dyed sock yarn in non-pastel colors,

29. Are there any new techniques you’d like to learn? I want to work on my crochet skills and improve my lace knitting skills
30. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? Absolutely! About 10” around and 9” long (yes, I have always had fat feet) :-)

31. When is your birthday? (mm/dd) 05/15

32. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what’s your ID? Saffista

33. Do you have an Amazon or River Knits wish list? Yes, I have both. The link for my Amazon list is here and is probably the most up-to-date because I can update it online :-)

The Schedule

Here's the schedule for Secret Pals 2007:

Gift One
During the week of September 18-22, leave something for your secret pal that’s fun or new.

Gift Two
During the week of October 2-6, leave something for your pal that’s practical or useful.

Gift Three
During the week of October 16-20, leave your pal a gift that’s luxurious or decadent.

Gift Four
This gift will be given at the “Reveal Party”, date to be announced. For the final gift, bring something for your pal that will make them think fondly of you when they make/use it! This could be something you’ve made for them, or perhaps something on their wish list that reflects a shared interest.

Welcome

Welcome to River Knits Secret Pals 2007!