Kicking and Screaming into the Swap

I blame Gaylen for this. Making me a joiner. Bah. Actually it sounds like a good time, even for a decaffeinated cow such as myself. Big deep breath and in we go:

About Your Yarn Passion
1. Do you knit, crochet, or do both? When did you first learn?
I'm a knit-only girl. I know how to cr*ch*t, I just choose not to, unless it's critical to the structure of the knitted garment (this eventuality hasn't happened yet). I began in college, knitting the world's ugliest, scratchiest scarf for my future husband. He wore it until it mysteriously dissappeared in 1995.
2. Do you like using a particular type of needle or hook? (wood, metal, straight, circular) Is there something you've been wanting to try, or a particular size you always seem to be short on?
I do love my Crystal Palace dpns, but lately have enjoyed the Harmony wood dpns from Knit Picks... though I don't have a full set of either 2 or 2.25 mm, due to the laminates separating. Bummer.
3. What kind of projects do you enjoy making? Any types you just haven't ever gotten into as much as others?
I'm sock-obsessed. I have at least nine pair going right now, and three of those are toe-ups, done together on magic loop. I also enjoy knitting seamless sweaters, and after making scads of them the 'traditional' way, am looking forward to making another one top-down.
4. What's on your needles\hook right now? What's your oldest UFO (unfinished object)?
Socks, socks, socks, a "Taos" sweater, and socks. Oldest UFO would be the sweater kit I bought in 1999, knit all but the sleeves, and bagged it up for the frog pond.
5. If you were going on vacation tomorrow, what project(s) would travel with you?
Um, socks. If it were a long journey, I might start another "Clapotis" or a simple scarf, just to keep my hands busy while I watched scenery go by.
6. What are your favorite types of yarns? Any you're allergic too, or just hate working with? Anything in particular you've been dying to try?
Mohair is not my friend, and I am terribly allergic to angora rabbit hair. I don't like synthetic anything, and alpaca is usually too hot for me. I tend to stay away from most 'crunchy' yarns... anything with twigs or burrs in it is probably not going to find it's way into my stash. Sock yarns are my favorite, especially self-striping.
7. What sort of colors do you love in yarns? Brights? Pastels? More muted colors? Variegated? Are there any you can't stand?
I love all handpaints, even purple, which is probably my least favorite color next to black. I do like a clever mix of colors, the more unexpected the better. Pink and orange together? You bet.

Your Coffee Passion
1. Do you prefer caffeinated or not?
Sadly, my tender heart requires decaffeinated.
2. Whole bean or ground? For what type of pot or press?
Whole bean, though if I find a good ground decaf, I stock it for mornings when I don't want to alert the children that mom's up. A regular old drip pot is how I brew, though sometimes the press gets pressed into service. I try to avoid the silt, though. My all-time favorite, Starbucks decaf 'Breakfast Blend' is being phased out (or so I'm told), so I'm in a bit of a panic.
3. What types of roasts do you enjoy? Are you more the light and lively or dark and robust type?
Light and bright. I worked as a barrista in college and the smell of French Roast kind of gags me. Too many bad ones out there, I think.
4. How do you 'take' your coffee? Creamers? Sweetener? Other add ins?
A third of a Splenda packet (yes, really... sometimes half, but it's almost too sweet) and some 2% milk. I'm a Weight Watcher, after all. Weaning off real creamer was hard, but I'm getting used to it. I practice drinking black coffee once in a while, but that really requires a donut.
5. That first morning cup - is it about the taste, or the caffeine?
It's about the perfume, and the ritual.
6. Do you enjoy going out to coffee shops like Starbucks? What are some of your favorites?
Iced decaf Cafe American from Starbucks, roomy, so I can add skim to it myself.
7. You've just made the perfect cup of coffee - is it in a thick mug, or a thinner cup? Where would you sit to drink it?
It's almost always in my 'Fruit Medley' Longaberger mug. I only had the chance to buy two, so they aren't shared with the general public. My other fav mug is a Valentine's mug from Starbucks. Brown and pink, with the word 'sweet' on the inside. Turrble cute. Coffee is had at table or, if I get to stay home that day, on the love seat in the living room, with a book in my lap.
8. You're enjoying that perfect cup, and have a magic cabinet in your kitchen - when you open it, magically, your favorite treats will appear to enjoy alongside the coffee - what are they? Are they sweet? Crunchy? Soft and flaky?
Toblerone chocolate, chilled to perfection. Dark chocolate, again, cold. Perhaps some home-baked chocolate chip cookies. Oh, and a good lemon poppy seed cake. All good with coffee.

All about YOU!
1. Do you have other hobbies like spinning or scrapbooking?
I'm a wanna-be spinner, but the Louet wheel is still kind of kicking my rear. Drop spindle is fun, too, but I'm lazy and my arm gets tired. I enjoy patchworking, but of course if I want my quilts quilted, I have to send them out.
2. Do you collect anything?
Snowmen Christmas ornaments. Copper cookie cutters in weird shapes. My two 'best' are a bat and a pig.
3. What is your favorite part of Autumn?
The colors and smells of fall, the cooler weather, the excitement leading up to Halloween and Thanksgiving. Carving jack o'lanterns and roasting the seeds. Deciding to make marshmallows to have in our hot chocolate. Buying bags of store-bought jet puffed to eat instead.
4. What sort of scents do you enjoy? Any difference in what you like for your house versus what you like for your body?
Spicy, herb-y smells are best. My inner hippie comes out in a big way in fall, with patchouli scented candles, soaps, anything I can find. Woodsy scents are a big favorite, too, and a bit of cinnamon isn't frowned upon, either.
5. Are you allergic to anything?
Strong florals and vanilla scented things are head-achey, but all I'm really allergic to are small, fur-bearing animals.
6. Are you on Ravelry? What's your ID?
Of course. Camillaknits. I hardly ever go there. It's a time-suck that I never seem to have the luxury for. Sad, but true.
7. How would you spend an ideal fall afternoon/day?
Reading an engrossing novel without interruption, the windows of the house cracked open to let in the sounds and smells of fallen hickory leaves, drinking coffee, and lounging around knitting a sock, or sketching out an idea for a quilt.