Kitty: Knitting Meme

Knitting Meme, Thanks Amy for tagging knitbuddies over at Wittyknits

What is your all time favorite yarn to knit with? My favorite fibers are definitely; linen, silk, organic cotton, and camel.

If I had to pick only one yarn to knit with for the rest of my life, in a dream world, it would probably be Maggie Jackson's private stash of real Irish Linen from the old mills. The Maggie Ireland linen from Spain is close, but it really doesn't compare to the yarn she had for her class.

Your favorite needles? I have a lot of needles, and it seems like I keep buying more and more. I guess I keep looking for the perfect needles for the project I am on.

My most treasured needle would have to be the clover mini circulars. Don't get me wrong, I love my addi circulars, old innox straights, and lantern moon redwood needles, but the little clovers are a lifesaver.

I absolute hate the new Susan Bates quicksilver. I grew up using the old quicksilver ones in the 80's, but the new formula really sucks.

The worst thing you've ever knit? I hate to say it, but it would have to be Orangina. Not because of the pattern or the super easy lovely lace, but the fact that it was 46 stitches to big back and front. I didn't realize this until I was completely done, and it could have served as a shawl. Even though I am not a big fan of frogging, Audrey certainly enjoyed her big green ball, though.

Most valuable knitting technique? The most valuable knitting technique I have learned is to pay attention to translated patterns. If you have the pattern in the original language check all the measurement, stitch counts even if you don't really read the original language. It is worth the time to work through it, if you are taking the time to knit the garment.

Your most favorite knit pattern? I guess this question is kind of two fold, favorite pattern to read and favorite patterns to knit. Alice Starmore colour work patterns are my favorite to stare, read, and gawk in amazement over. Phildar patterns are my favorite to make since they are available in sizes that can actually fit me.

Best knit book or magazine? My favorite periodicals would have to be Simply Knitting and Phildar periodicals.

The tomes for knitting that I use are the Vogue's Ultimate Guide and also Nancie Wiseman's Book of Finishing Techniques. I picked these both up after reading Fluffa's reference books suggestions. I am still looking for the Readers Digest book that my mom had and The Knitter's Guide to Sweater Design (Hardcover)

Favorite Book? Maggie's Ireland: Designer Knits on Location, my brother-in-law got it for me as a Christmas present last year.

Your favorite knitwear designer(s)? There really is a tie for favorite designers, Delphine Wilson or Maggie Jackson are hands down my two favorite modern designers. I love the stitch combinations, and the use of unusual fibers that Maggie Jackson employs. Delphine Wilson though is a master of using stitches combined with complex angled construction.

I also really admire the sweater designs by Adrienne Vittadini. The use of unusual construction and clean classic designs that can be worn everyday.

Though I also have to mention the Prince of Knitting in the category. I am not sure I will ever make any of his designs but I am totally in amazement over the details employed in modern times.

Historically though you really can not beat the whimsical designs of Els Schiaparelli during the '30s or the truly classic designs of Christian Dior and his new look.

Your favorite knit blogs? This is really a hard one, there are so many great blogs that I read daily even if I am a quiet lurker. I guess if I had to reduce my links list to just a few I never miss; absinthe knits, blue blog, knitalicious, knit nut matters, knit and play with fire, knit and tonic, mellow trouble, pinku, schmeebot, sweet georgia, wee wonderfuls, and wittyknits

The knit item you wear the most? Probably the olive v-neck sweater I knit during the spring this year. It is light weight enough to wear even on the hottest summer day.

Who should I tag? I am kind of nervous to tag anyone. I know we all are under so much stress and pressure for the upcoming holidays and project deadlines. So I will go ahead and tag three people, but seriously don't worry if you gals don't have time to do it; Andrea, Laura Y, and Mia.