First of all, stealth project:

The Kittyville hat from the Stitch and Bitch book. Yes, I am that goofy.

Second, from the best Secret Pal in the world:

Which I unwrapped to reveal:

The green yarn is Nashua Handknits Creative Focus Worsted. The pink/gold/green is unlabeled, but looks very spiffy. It will be interesting to see what it says to me.

Mike immediately tried to lay claim on the chocolate covered macadamias. In fact, the package got opened before I got the picture, because he *had* to have one before going to work. He was late today because his alarm didn’t go off. As opposed to being normally late.

Air freshener for the car, which is good since I’m driving his these days. The book is Vogue’s American Collection, and has Lily Chin’s Reversible Rib Shawl, which I’ve been pondering lately.

And, the best thing of all? I’m sure you’re all wondering what that is.

Opens up to this:

It is, simply, the coolest circular needle case in the world. My SP had it made JUST for me. I *adore* it.

SP: *squees and hugs* You’re the best!

I actually got this package before my hospital trip, but I’m just now getting around to posting it, as my bed has been rather irresistable.

Isn’t this a lovely wrapping job? Mmm…yarn ties. And what’s inside?

I have to say, I’m not quite sure what the blue/green yarn is, but it’s lovely. The tag only has two words on it, “Petille!’ and “Environ,” which don’t turn up anything in English in a web search. Still, I adore the sparkly strand that binds the bulky part together. It’s going to be something special, when it speaks to me.

The blue and red is SWTC’s Karaoke, which I’ve been *dying* to try! Even Mike thinks it’s neat.

The rainbow hank on the top of the pile is Prism Yarn’s Pebbles in Tutti Fruiti. So cheerful, and it feels slightly velvety.

Finally, my favorite, is the rainbow stuff on the right. Berroco Foliage, and I might actually never knit this. I have the two balls sitting at different spots on my desk, and they make me smile every time I see them. Sometimes yarn isn’t for knitting, it’s just for being.
I love my Secret Pal - she’s the *best*!

(Apologies if my SP is not, in fact, female. I just figure odds are in my favor.)

Today, in the mail, the most beautiful stitch markers!

I know it’s not a great picture. It is not worthy of them. I don’t know if my knitting is, either.

Thank you, SP!

As always, click for larger versions

Opened the door to a box covered with hand-drawn flowers on it. What’s this?

Oooh…shiny! I love shiny!

Lots of shiny things!

Inside the shiny, lots of yummy stuff! Sirdar Bigga, in black, with a scarf and bag leaflet to go with it. Absolutely delicious KnitPicks Decadence in Grape. I just want to snuggle this all night. Some Aqualina Pink Sugar, which I have to admit, is new to me, but smells nice! Chocolate covered pretzels…ooh, I’ve been craving. And then, the *best* card:

How adorable! This was very much a SQUEE from the heart. My cats are stil a bit scared…

Now to find the *perfect* thing to knit with this. Such lovely indecision…

Because, you know, I’ve realized I’ve changed over time, and so have the questions.

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

I prefer natural fibers, but I’ve come to realize, after spending time with my young nieces, that there’s a time and place for good acrylic.

2. Do you spin? Crochet?

I’d like to learn to spin at some point. I used to crochet as a young girl, but I’ve probably forgotten how to by now.

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

Erm. Yeah. DPNs are in a needle roll and/or a little case from Knit Foundry. I don’t do straights. Circs are half in the case from my SP7 angel, and half just sitting in my knitting bag. The husband has vaguely agreed to get me some sort of storage for my birthday.

4. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

On and off for awhile. And I don’t know what I am. I’m not afraid to try anything. I might not like it, but I’ll do it.

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

Yes, under tina@foogrrl.com.

6. What’s your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)

Vanilla. Mmm.

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

Oh, yes. And chocolate, mostly chocolate dipped pretzels or fruit.

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

I’ve tried just about everything. Origami, chain mail, cakes, soap making.

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

Just about anything. I have a short tolerance for rap or country, though. And yes, it can.

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 purple and black. I also adore rainbowish things. That, in my opinion, is one of the rare times yellow is acceptable.

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

Husband of nine years, four incredibly stupid cats.

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

Scarves, hats, and mittens. I don’t get ponchos. I really don’t.

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?

Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock. And half of KnitPick’s things. Mainly the alpaca ones. Mmm.

14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

Bad acrylic or cotton. Cotton makes my hands hurt.

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?

Lace. And to a certain extent, socks.

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

So far it’s been a ton of socks. But I adored the lace scarves I knit for Christmas. It was just…magic.

17. What are you knitting right now?

At this very moment, I’m still untangling the Knot of Death(tm). I also have one sock on the needles, and the very beginning of the Adamas Shawl from KnitPicks.

18. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Oh, yes!

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?

I always have to go with the snarky answer of DPNs. But circulars, since I have wrist problems.

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

I’ve lately discovered that I really like the Bryspun needles. Very pointy. And I adore Brittany Birch DPNs.

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

Would die without them. Or possibly need a new husband.

22. How did you learn to knit?

Knitting books/internet/those cheap “learn to knit” kits. I.E. - I have no idea. I’ve “learned” a few times.

23. How old is your oldest UFO?

Not very. I have to attempt to stay disciplined with my knitting. So it’s probably the pair of wristlets that I’m working on, from a few months ago. These may end up getting completely frogged, though. I’m not happy with them at all.

24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?

I really don’t have one. I don’t watch TV often at all. I will, however, admit I have a thing for Darth Vader and Stormtroopers, though.

25. What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas, if I’m with the small children in my family.

26. Is there anything that you collect?

Not so much, anymore.

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

Interweave Knits

28. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on?

Not really. I’m still pondering a Charlotte, but that might pass.

29. Are there any new techniques you’d like to learn?

I’d like to try my hand at entrelac and shadow knitting this year. And colorwork. And basically anything I haven’t tried yet.

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

Oh, yes. And I’m a weird foot size. I generally wear a women’s 8.5 shoe, but because I have a wide foot, and it’s hard finding wide shoes. Well, without going to a real shoe store.

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

02/06

My Secret Pal 6 disappeared on me. Luckily, an angel came to the rescue. Thank you, Julie!

Apparently I’m coming down with Round 2 of whatever it is (up all night with a fever - ugh!). However, wouldn’t this make any knitter feel better?

Hm, what do we have here?

Ooh. KnitPicks Wool of the Andes in Winter Night and Pumpkin. And Andean Silk (*drool*) in Olive. Peaches & Cream cotton in Winterberry, and Sugar & Cream in Faded Denim. I was just going to buy some cotton to play with, too…

Also a bath bomb, a teeny candle that I want to eat, and which has a cherry inside it (it’s cake scented. Oh. My. God.) Chocolate covered blueberries, yum! Plus a size 8 circular, and a nifty case for needles and things.

I’m really overwhelmed. Honestly. And I might take the Andean Silk to bed to snuggle with. I’ve been wishing I could keep some of it for myself, after using it for Christmas gifts, and now I have my very own. What to do, what to do?

Oh, and apparently even the box is spiffy. At least according to Aurora:

The box had been on the floor for maybe 90 seconds. She’s claimed it as her own fort now. Let’s see if the others try to take it away.

 I know, it’s late…