I don't usually do these things, but since Janice thought I might have something interesting to say, I'll oblige.
Do you knit using the English or Continental method?
Continental. I have never tried the English method, and don't know if I'll need to learn to do that when I finally branch into two color knitting, but for now I'm sticking with the tried and true. I've had people tell me I knit strangely, because the left index finger holding the yarn is right down on top of the needle. But it works for me.
How long ago did you learn to knit?
I believe it was in 1957, when I was six (do the math if you can't resist - hee hee)
Who taught you how?
My mom. She's a very crafty woman, and was always knitting or sewing something or other. I suppose she thought it would be a way to keep me from being bored while I was sick, which I was a lot! But I don't remember knitting anything again until I was in my 20's, when I took it up to have something to keep me busy on the commuter train from the burbs where we were living at the time, into NYC.
What was your first FO?
A "muffler" for my dad. I used some 100% wool in a varigated black and red, and good old garter stitch. I'm pretty sure it was purchased either at the local five & dime or department store. We lived in a very small town in Illinois, so the choices were probably fairly limited. I still have the muffler, tucked safely away in a bottom drawer.
Favorite yarn?
I love all the natural fibers, but so far have enjoyed working the most with Plymouth Indicita Baby Alpaca, Blue Sky alpaca, Elann's Peruvian Highland Wool, and Artyarns Supermerino. Soft is definately the key here.
Favorite pattern you've knit so far?
Clapotis, although the cable sweater is coming in a close second. If I could remember to do all the YO's, I think the Flower Basket Shawl would also qualify. It's in time-out now, though, and will stay there for a while longer.
Favorite pattern source?
I can't think of one in particular. I find patterns I like in books, magazines, and online. Really can't beat those free on-line patterns, though.
Favorite needles?
Addi turbos and Crystal Palace dpns. Next favorite, Susan Bates Quicksilver dpns.
Nicest thing you've ever knit?
In the early '80's, I made a lot of baby and toddler things for my son, and think they are some of the best things I've done. During that same time period, I knit a really smashing red wool cabled turtleneck sweater for myself. Poor thing suffered at my ignorant hands, being on the receiving end of the washing machine and dryer treatment. Made a nice hot pad.
Most hated project?
I hate to say this, but it was one of Bonnie Marie's bucket hats. That was not becasue of the pattern, which is really easy and fun, but because of my novice knitting skills. I made a felted one with no problems, but the cotton nonfelted version made me nuts. I never did achieve the right gauge, but by the time I was done trying, there were quite a few shredded balls of yarn around the place, along with my shredded nerves. I may try it again this summer, and I may not.
Who are you going to pass this on to?
No one. But if anyone wants to pull the questions off here to answer, I'm sure I'll enjoy reading your answers.
Ha ha ha... I just tagged you, but looks like I was too late. I thought you'd have interesting things to say too ;-)
Posted by: carrie | February 28, 2005 at 11:57 AM