Wednesday, April 22, 2009

A Month and More

Wow. It's been over a month since I posted last. Lots has happened. Most of it good.

We got a new fridge. She gives us water and ice through her door and doesn't complain. She allows us to open her freezer door without barfing ice cubes all over the kitchen floor. She keeps things in her compartments at the temperature she promises. She's shiny. I love her.
I turned 37 on the 16th of this month.
Dan made captain of the track team.
Darcie got a 102 average in math.
Dailaesse is having a blast homeschooling.

I bought the Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day book. If you don't have this book you should buy it right now. Amazing. And it honestly only takes a few minutes to make a loaf. Just look at my first loaf:
I've also done lots of knitting. I was on a serious dishcloth kick for a few days.

I also finished a pair of Blueberry Waffle socks. These were knit in STR Heavyweight Rocktober. So soft and squishy. I gifted them to my Aunt Noreen. She loves them as much as I did. I finished the Noro Kureyon socks I had started for my dad. My mom told me today she's washed them several times now and he still can't wear them. They make his feet itch something terrible. I'm so bummed. I didn't really enjoy knitting with the yarn but they are really nice looking socks. Maybe a couple more washings? Anyone have any thoughts?

There's lots more too but I've already shared enough photos for today. Back tomorrow with some more.

Sunday, March 08, 2009

A Little Something About Me

I found this at One Scheme of Happiness and just had to do it. If you post yours drop me a note so I can read it. :-)

1. Can you cook? Yes, but I don't really like to. What? Just about anything. My favorite dish is a penne and sausage dish with a cream/tomato sauce. Yum.
2. What was your dream growing up? To be a mom. I'm totally living my dream and loving every minute of it.
3. What talent do you wish you had? I wanted to learn to knit. I had a really hard time with it when I was younger but I finally got it when I was in my late teens.
4. Favorite place? Home.
5. Favorite vegetable? Broccoli.
6. What was the last book you read? Drunk, Divorced, and Covered in Cat Hair
7. What zodiac sign are you? Aries.
8. Any Tattoos and/or Piercings? My ears are pierced. 6 in my left ear and 5 in my right. I only wear 2 in each ear these days.
9. Worst Habit? Swearing like a trucker.
10. Do we know each other in real life? Nope.
11. What is your favorite sport? Football.
12. Is a glass of water half-full or half empty? Half-full for sure.
13. What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me (after we called for help, of course)? Knit, of course!
14. Would you share an embarrassing moment with me? Sure. Here??? Hmm...when I was in my teens I went to a water park with one of the families I babysat for. I went down a really high, really fast slide and was pushed way under the deep water at the end of the slide. I don't swim and was scared so jumped up as fast as I could. The combination of fast and jumping unhooked the top of my suit and when I popped up out of the pool I also popped out of my suit. I was really glad I didn't know more than several people there that day.
15. Tell me one weird fact about you: I'm almost 37 and I'm still afraid of the dark.
16. Do you have any pets? 3 dogs and 1 cat.
17. Can you read a book upside down? Hmmm...let's see...why yes, I can!
18. What time is it where you are now? 7:22pm
19. Who was the scariest fairy-tale/children movie hero ever for you? Puff the magic Dragon.
20. If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be? My weight.
21. Would you be my crime partner or my conscience? Conscience.
22. What color eyes do you have? Blue.
23. Ever been arrested? Nope.
24. A cop or a robber? Cop.
25. If you won 10,000 pounds/dollars today, what would you do with it? Pay bills. After I bought a little yarn.
26. What kind of bubble gum do you prefer to chew? Original Bubble Yum
27. Favourite fastfood restaurant? Arby's
28. Do you believe in ghosts? Yes.
29. Favorite thing to do in your spare time? Knit.
30. Do you swear a lot? Yes.
31. Biggest pet peeve? Rudeness.
32. In one word, how would you describe yourself? Mom.
33. Will you repost this so I can fill it out and do the same for you? Yup! :-)

Friday, February 13, 2009

Letter Game

I saw this on Genevieve's blog and thought it was fun. If you play along drop me a note. :-)


Use the first letter of your name to find a word for each of the following:


Your Name - Kerry

Four letter word - kind

Boy name - Kyle

Girl name - Katie

Occupation - knitter

Color - khaki

Beverage - Kool-Aid

Something found in a bathroom - Kleenex

A Place - Kansas

Reason for being late - keys lost

Food - kale

Something you shout - kitty kitty kitty!!!

Sunday, February 08, 2009

When the Circus Comes to Town

Remember that awesome Tiny Toes I showed not long ago that my SP13 pal sent me? I turned half of it into these:



Circus Socks for Dudette



Too cute, huh?

I cast on 48 stitches on a 40" 2.25mm needle (KnitPicks Harmony, thanks for prompting me to try these Leslie they are pretty nice) and knit in 2x2 rib for 24 rows before switching to stockinette for 12 rows. I then worked a pretty basic heel flap then knit the foot until it measured 5.75" long. I can't believe my 6 year old has 7" feet! She's only 2" away from catching up with me!

Up next...details on that no hole short row heel. It really does rock!

Monday, February 02, 2009

Look Ma, No Holes!


So I've not always been so in love with short row heels but this one, this one makes me weak in the knees.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Love Is Grand


This arrived in the mail for me yesterday. It's a second package from my SP13 pal. It includes some great gingerbread tubby goodies as well as some Breathe lotion and cream. Things have been very stressful here lately and boy do I ever need to Breathe. :-) Also included were some gorgeous stitch markers handcrafted by my pal and her hubby, a magnet from her recent trip to Cabo, Interlacements Tiny Toes, and Heavyweight Socks that Rock in Rocktober. Yum! Not pictured but also included are 3 great books...Baby Beanies, Scrumptious Toppers for Tots & Toddlers, AND Drunk, Divorced, and Covered in Cat Hair. OMG!!! I stayed up until 1 this morning reading this book by Crazy Aunt Purl. I assumed with a title like this there would be laughs-a-plenty. And there was. There were also some tears which I totally didn't see coming. Awesome, awesome book. If you've not read it you really should. Last but certainly not least...there were socks!!!


When I opened the socks knit just for me out of Socks That Rock I cried like a little girl. Nobody has ever knit me socks before.


I put them on immediately. They fit perfectly and are so warm and squishy. I've fallen head over heels in love with my pal. Thank you again pal, from the very bottom of my heart...and soles!!!

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Blueberry Pancakes




You Are Blueberry Pancakes



You prefer flavorful, fresh foods that are well seasoned.

You shy away from anything plain or overcooked.

It's not likely someone would find a lot of cheap convenience foods in your kitchen.

Instead, someone might find a wide array of spices, herbs, and flavorings.



I found this over at Stash-N-Stitch and just had to give it a try. Leave a note in the comments if you do it and let me know how close it was. I have to say that this is pretty much spot on for me.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Quite

Fetching.

Pattern: Fetching by Cheryl Niamath

Yarn: Dream in Color Classy in Wisterious purchased at Adirondack Yarns

Needles: US 6

Mods: Added extra repeats of the cables to both the beginning and end.

I can't wait to try these out on the playground next week!

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Finally

I finished the sweater for Dudette last week. It took all weekend for the fool thing to dry because our room is so cold. And then I once again had to wait for my model to be in a modeling kind of mood. Sheesh.


She loves the sweater and can't wait to wear it. She asked if she might be able to wear it for gym day. I suggested she wait until the weekend. We'll see who wins the war.

Oh, I've been meaning to share a funny little tidbit of info...I started this sweater 2 years ago on the needle recommended and was getting gauge. When I picked it back up I was WAY off. I went down a needle size and was still off but not by enough to warrant going down another. It's amazing to me how much I've relaxed in my knitting. What a difference a couple years can make. :-)

Thursday, January 08, 2009

I Did It. Did You?

I stole this from Robin. The things I've done are bold. How about you? What have you done?

1. Started my own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than I can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sung a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched lightening at sea
14. Taught myself art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown my own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of my ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught myself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing (indoor)
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had my portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had my picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Rode an elephant

Wednesday, January 07, 2009

Freebie For Your Feet

I designed this pattern for the Sockathon group over on Yahoo and it was featured last month.


I'm not sure if anyone ended up knitting it or not as I've not seen any in progress or finished photos for it but I know several people really liked it. I'm hoping that the lack of photos from the group is only because it was introduced during the crazy busy holiday season.

If you want to knit it you can find it on Ravelry as a free download or you can email me and I'll send you the pdf. :-)

Monday, January 05, 2009

Something Fishy

Well, it was supposed to be for my friend's grandson but Dailaesse batted her sweet little eyes and asked if she could pretty please try it on just to see if it fit.


I know kids are all head but there's no way this would fit a little guy who's not quite a year old yet.


I thought changing the original pattern (worsted weight on size US 7 needles) to that of my own (dk weight on US 5 needles) would work out perfectly. Not.


So now it's back to the drawing board. Guess I'll just have to decrease the number of stitches cast on and fiddle with the rest of the numbers to get a smaller size.


It's all good though because I'm totally looking forward to knitting more of these.

Sunday, January 04, 2009

Dead or Alive


Since I'm waiting for the yarn for the sweater to arrive before I can finish it I thought it only fair for me to be able to cast on a new project. This is the Fish Hat (Dead or Alive) from Knitty and it's so cute! I'm knitting this one in some old Patons Astra that was WAY back in the yarn closet. I don't really care for knitting with it but I wanted something that would be machine wash and dry as it's going to a home that might not want to fiddle with anything but. Plus it's for a toddler and I know it will be outgrown quickly and the original pattern looks large on most of the adult heads I've seen it on. I'm hoping to finish this up soon. Although I cast on a new pair of Fetching today. Now the fish is on the back burner. HA!

Saturday, January 03, 2009

Memory Lane

Remember this?

Of course you don't. Know why? Because I started it 2 years ago, worked on it for 2 days, then stuck it in the bin of doom. I don't know why I put it there. It certainly didn't deserve to be tucked away. It's a fine sweater.

For some reason I've been in a finishing sort of mood lately. So I pulled it out the other night and sat down to finish it.



See that? I'm 5 rows from the end of the sleeve and I have about 1.5 feet of yarn left. Thankfully I found a nice lady on Ravelry who had a hank of the same yarn I need in her destash list. We worked out a trade and the yarn is on its way to me today. I can't wait to get this finished and Dudette can't wait to wear it!

Friday, January 02, 2009

New & Improved

My favorite LYS has a brand new blog! I'm really excited about helping out with it. I hope you'll take a minute to stop by and hopefully give us some ideas on what you think would be fun to see. Maybe an advice or fix-it day? FO day? Come share your ideas!

Monday, December 29, 2008

There's a Storm Brewing

Dan recently requested some socks in our school colors.







This Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock from The Loopy Ewe in their Loopy Ewe Mini Stripes fit the bill perfectly. One down, one to go.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Hubby Hat

I've been wanting to knit another Polly Wolly Doodle for quite some time now. So I did.


This one is for Bran. It was supposed to be for my dad but he wrinkled his nose when he saw. Pain in the ass. I don't know what the man has against cables.

Monday, December 22, 2008

Photo Shoot

Sorry to make you all wait until today for pictures of the other sweater but I had to schedule the photo shoot around the model. You know how high maintenance they can be.



This is the size 4. It's a tad short in the arms on her. I'm glad the one I started her last year is a size 6. Or at least I hope it is. Guess I better go dig that out and finish it up huh?

Sunday, December 21, 2008

The Pits

Ok, so way back on the 2nd I started writing a post about how I had the red sweater all the way to the pits but found a stupid mistake which required ripping all the way back to the ribbing. After that, I had a hard time getting back into the damn thing. Then all the holiday stuff started creaping in and things really stalled. Last Friday was a Christmas party for Bran's work and then Saturday I was volunteered to go shopping after my mother invited the girls to go with her. I would have loved it had I not had a ton of knitting sitting at home for me. Ugh.



Not sure what was up with the grumpy puss. She was actually quite happy.

I'm quite please with how this turned out. I've been really working on my finishing and I feel like it gets better each time I attempt it. The little blue sweater is also done but you'll have to wait until tomorrow for that.

Sunday, December 07, 2008

Toasty Tootsies

I finished up the second sock of the nice warm pair I was knitting for Daddy. I wasn't at all sure he'd like the heavier weight of the worsted yarn so I took the first one over when I finished it. It was an instant hit. So I of course wanted to quickly finish the second. But the little snowflake sweaters presented themselves. So I worked on Daddy's second sock for a couple minutes here and there just to take the edge off.


I closed the toe last night and brought them over today. He's thrilled and so am I. I've been under an enormous amount of stress lately and it felt so good to have something finished. Closure. It does a body good.

Thursday, December 04, 2008

SALE! SALE! SALE!

I know you've all been just dying to knit my patterns so in the spirit of the holiday, I've reduced them all to $1 for the entire month of December! They're over there in the right side bar if you're interested. :-)

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

Happy Holidays!

That's what my super awesome SP13 had to say when this arrived:



This HUGE box of goodies arrived yesterday from my pal. It contains:

4 gorgeous skeins of Nordic Lites Lace Weight wool in Lilac
Interlacements Tiny Toes II in Sock Gang
A Treasury of Magical Knitting (not pictured)
A Second Treasury of Knitting (not pictured)
New Pathways for Sock Knitters (not pictured)
Fall 2008 Interweave Knits (not pictured)
November 2008 Simply Knitting along with the 2009 Simply Knitting Calendar (not pictured)
Clover Antique Needle Holder Charms
Clover Antique Point Protectors
Clover Knitting Register
Clover Bamboo DPNS in US 1 (2.25mm)
ViewTainer
Gingerbread Men Earrings
Rhinestone Cross Necklace and Earrings
Crocheted Butterfly

Wow! Thanks so much for spoiling me like crazy pal!

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

Christmas MeMe

I snagged this from Got Gauge. Thanks for the fun Phyl!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?

Well, I love gift bags because they're quick and easy and I suck at wrapping but for the kids I always use wrapping paper.

2. Real tree or Artificial?

Unfortunately, artificial. I have pretty bad allergies so real trees are tough. I used to be able to tolerate them for a week or so but since we've added the cat and the lab to the family they are totally out of the question.

3. When do you put up the tree?

Always after Thanksgiving. Sometimes not until a week before Christmas.

4. When do you take the tree down?

The day after Christmas. We have a small house.

5. Do you like eggnog?

No. But I do like McDonald's new Egg Nog milkshake. Yum.

6. Favorite gift received as a child?

My 4 Wheeler.

7. Hardest person to buy for?

Daddy.

8. Easiest person to buy for?

Dailaesse. She loves everything.

9. Do you have a nativity scene?

We do.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?

Always mail.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?

A toilet paper holder from my MIL. Yeah.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?

The Santa Claus movies with Tim Allen.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?

A day or 2 before Christmas. Doesn't everyone?

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?

Nope. Too afraid I'd get caught.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?

Reeses Peanut Butter Trees!!!

16. Lights on the tree?

Small white twinkle lights and big primary colored solids.

17. Favorite Christmas song?

Merry Christmas from the Family

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?

We used to travel to my MIL but then she gave me a toilet paper holder. hehe

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's?

Nope. I figure I've made it this long without being able to so what's the point in doing it now.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?

Usually our angel but sometimes the star.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?

Christmas Eve with my parents and Christmas morning at home.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?

Crowded stores!

23. Favorite ornament theme or color?

I love all blue lights, just not in my house or yard. LOL

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner?

Some sort of beef or ham. This year we'll be dining on a prime rib roast.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year?

Peace on Earth, good health and happiness for my family and friends, and yarn.

26. Who is most likely to respond to this?

If you post this to your blog leave me a comment with a link!

27. Who is least likely to respond to this?

I have no idea. Really.

28. Favorite thing about Christmas?

Seeing the kids light up. Their faces. Not cigarettes.

Monday, December 01, 2008

It's Limp and It Makes Me Loose

I told you I'd review the new Kollage square circulars today and that about sums it up in a nutshell.





I've never used a needle with a more flexible cable. Normally flexible is good when you're working Magic Loop but in this case, not so much. The cables are flopping around all loosey-goosey and twisting around to beat the band as they hang on the sides in anything but a loop form. To be fair, I ordered the 40" US 1 (2.25mm) and 40" US 2 (2.5mm) and I'm going to go out on a limb here and assume (damn I hate to do that) that the cable thickness will grow with the needle size thereby adding some stiffness to the cable as the needle size increases. These smaller size needles in combination with the limp cable just aren't cutting it for me when trying to knit socks ala ML. I will confess that the more I use them the quicker I'm knitting but I think the speed comes with anything you do over and over. It doesn't make me like them any better. The join is also not smooth at all. At least not on the 2 needles I have. Couple that with the limp cable and well, it's just not good. I'm pulling up loops through the center of the line of stitches to be knit.

It's not all bad though. The one thing I really love about these needles is their shape. As you know, I normally have a problem with being tight. These have drastically changed that. I was quite surprised by this since when I ordered there was a blurb about ordering up a size as most knitters found they had to do this to make gauge with the needles. Not me. I was shocked.

So, would I buy more of these needles? Definitely not for Magic Loop. I might try a couple of the 24" lengths for sweaters though. I really do love that it's hip to knit square.

Almost forgot...Leslie asked if I hadn't tried the Harmony wooden needles. I haven't. I can only assume (there I go again) that since you asked they must have a nice cable and a smooth join. Do tell sweetie. :-)

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Oh, Oh, Oh It's Magic

You know.

I had really hoped to have this second snowflake sweater to the armholes by last night but as you can clearly see, I didn't make it. In my defense, I have managed to get 2,697,318 loads of laundry done. I've done several more loads today and am now about ready to go pick the sweater back up. With any luck I'll get it to the armholes and compete the back today. Small goals. That's what I need.

Q: Knitterman asked if I would pick up and knit the sleeves downward or if I would knit them cuff-up and then set them in.

A: I would love to be able to pick up and knit downward but the stitches would then be upside down from those in the body of the sweater. Right? I'm thinking that since there are those damn little white stitches here and there that the direction of the knitting would make a difference. If I'm wrong PLEASE tell me now because I would love nothing more than to not have to set the sleeves in.

Q: Leslie says she's surprised to hear me talk about 2 short circs since I was the one who gave her her first 40" needle.

A: Would everyone please hum the tune to "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing" as I respond?

I'd like to buy the world a needle, a 40" circular needle.
I'd like to buy the world a needle and teach it Magic Loop.
That's the song I sing.
Let the world knit today.

He he. ;-)

Leslie dear, I am still crazy, head over heels in love with Magic Loop. The needles I ordered are a US 3 and 7. One for the ribbing and one for the body of the sleeve. I went with the shorter needles instead of one long circ for ML because I'm knitting with acrylic and I just can't stand the way the acrylic grinds across metal needles like nails across a chalkboard. Since I've not found any wooden circulars with a cable that I feel are flexible enough for ML or with a smooth enough join, I resorted to 8" and 9" circs. Not my first choice by any means but it will beat having to knit them flat and seaming them after.

And speaking of flexible cables and smooth joins, be sure to tune in tomorrow when I review the new Kollage square circs.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Could It Be

a vest?

I decided to try my hand at working this sweater in the round instead of in pieces. I've always been somewhat afraid of this because I've heard so many people say that you can be in big trouble when it comes to splitting for the front and back and you have to start working back and forth rather than in the round. So far, so good. Now I'm so excited about working in the round that I've ordered a couple really short circulars so I can knit the sleeves the same way. If they don't arrive in time do you think I could convince the lady who I'm knitting them for that she'd rather have ski vests instead of the ski sweaters she asked for? I didn't think so either.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Happy, Happy

Bran and I were married 8 years ago today. Most days it feels like yesterday. Very seldom does it feel like more. I guess that what makes it work so well. That and the fact that I only occassionally want to kill him while he sleeps. ;-)

Happy anniversary honey! You still rock my world!

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Road Trip

The boys won the game again this weekend so we're off to Kingston!!!


If they win there we go all the way to the Carrier Dome in Syracuse for the state championship. Keep your fingers crossed!

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Tra La La


Trellis. Done and delivered. The color is accurate in the close up. I hope they like it as much as I do.


Saturday, November 08, 2008

Twenty (four) Questions

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

I love natural fibers. Acrylic makes my teeth hurt but I've been known to use it for some of my kids knits when I know the item will be going to someone who might not be inclined to hand wash. I think anyone who willingly knits with fun fur or any other overdone novelty yarn should be forced to wear a patchwork poncho knit from them for the rest of their life. Sock yarns tend to be my favorites (Socks That Rock kicks ass!) but I also love wools (the newer superwash wools are awesome) in varying weights with the exception of bulky and worsted weight tends to be the heaviest I normally knit with. I also adore laceweight in solid and heathered shades.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

I have a binder with all of my older and cheaper circulars. My Addi Turbo needles are in their own separate quilted case as are my straights. My crochet hooks are in a leather zippered case.

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 for close to 20 years now. I taught myself by watching the "Keeping You In Stitches" video I bought at a department store. I'd say I'm probably close to advanced.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

I have a list at The Loopy Ewe.

5. What's your favorite scent?

Cinnamon.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

I love Green & Black milk chocolate.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

I crochet and cross stitch but not nearly as much as I knit. I don't spin yet. I wanted to learn but my desire isn't as strong as I thought as I've not been able to stick with it.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

I love country and 80's rock.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

My favorite color is blue. I like most other colors with the exception of some browns.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

I live with my 3 amazing kids, ages 17, 13, and 5. My wonderful hubby and I will celebrate our 8th anniversary on November 25th. We have a Shih Tzu and cat who are both almost 4 and a 15 month old black lab.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

I would wear mittens if I had them. I don't wear scarves or hats. I'm only 4' 11" so ponchos just look absolutely ridiculous on me but I also think they look absolutely ridiculous on most everybody.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

Socks.

13. What are you knitting right now?

Socks. Sweaters. Hats. Mittens. Afghans.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Absolutely.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

I love circulars. My favorites used to be Addi Turbos but I've really taken a shine to the metal HiYa HiYa needles. When I knit with acrylic I much prefer wood.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

Both.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

It's so old that I can't remember how old it is.

18. What is your favorite holiday? What winter holiday do you observe?

My favorite holiday is Halloween. We celebrate Christmas.

19. Is there anything that you collect?

Yarn. Patterns. Needles.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

I'm dying to get my hands on some Wollmeise. I have a subscription to Interweave Knits.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

Mobius.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

Yes. My foot measures 9.25" long.

23. When is your birthday?

April 16th.

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?

I am and kerryknits is my ID.