Extravayarnza

Well...
I have some big news for those of you here in Lansing. You soon will be able to find Claudia's Handpaints, Regia Sock yarn, Nashua, and Rowan at my shop!!!
I can't even convey how happy this makes me. I've never even knit with any of these lines!
My big decision right now is whether I'm knitting a sweater out of Creative Focus worsted first or out of Rowan Tapestry. (Of course the first line of business will be knitting myself a pair of Regia Silk socks... the rep had to practically pry the poor sample ball out of my hands.)

BTW can I just say that having great reps is one of the things that makes running a yarn shop so much fun. As much as I liked our rep this morning for being honest & fun to work with but... all the ladies who stopped by on Tuesday morning said that Thom can come back any time. (I almost feel sorry for him, they spotted him from the car ) I totally agree with them but that's a whole other can of worms.

So, I still haven't got much to show for knitting, but I do have a swap questionnaire to answer. So here's yet another round of questions! This time for the Handspun Sock Yarn Swap.

Do you prefer sock yarn that is a solid color, variegated, or striping?
I can like each for a different thing... I love color work especially using a multicolor yarn with a solid. I love socks with all sorts of quirks and details, so sometimes a solid is called for or sometimes a multi can best show off the way the stitches are being distorted.

What are your favorite colors & are there any colors that you do not like?
Socks are pretty much an anything goes. I like purples and greens best. The only pair of socks I've knit that I don't love are my STR X-mas Rock sock (AKA the fugly socks). I guess combining fluorescent yellow, peach, red, and a deep green just isn't pleasing to my eye (despite this fact they happen to be the socks I'm wearing right now so, go figure)

How long have you been spinning & knitting?
I've been spinning on a drop spindle for around 4 years now, I've only had my wheel since August.
I learned how to knit in 4th grade & got really serious about it about 6 years ago.

Do you have any fiber allergies or preferences?
My only fiber allergy that may come into play for this swap is Angora. I can wear it, but not for socks. I'm also very allergic to acrylic, but I'm thinking there isn't to much of a chance you'll be spinning with that.
I only ask for something rather soft. I love wool, but things like Icelandic wool still make me itch.
Feel free to get creative with the fiber content if you wish.

Are you willing to hand wash your socks or are you a machine wash only knitter?
I'm steadily growing a 'hand wash only' collection of socks, so I'm happy either way.

Do you have any favorite candy or treats?
I love chocolate. Especially white & milk chocolate.

Anything else you’d like to share with your pal?
Have Fun!