I got to interview Andréanne, Solarys on Ravlery
GAL:
what is your current # of wips?
At the moment, shockingly, I only have 2 wips : the project I’m working on for the GAL and a sweater pattern I’m testing for one of the GAL designers… I usually also have WIPs all over the place (weaving, crocheting, knitting, spinning, felting, etc.)… I did set up a project page for my planned GAL projects, though. Only, I’m working on them one at a time (which is not typical for me!)
What are you currently working on?
Winter Leg Huggers from Helen Gipson. This will be my mom’s gift.
What are your 2019 GAL goals?
I want to tame the Opaloo! I already finished two projects (Monty the Diplodocus dinosaur by Patchwork Moose and Baby Merry-Jane Booties by Bekah Knits.
Where did you heard about the GAL?
On different Ravelry boards last year.
How many years have you participated?
This is my first year actually participating. Last year, I bought patterns and lurked.
What Do you like best about it?
I like how everyone is so supportive! Also, the tight deadlines help me focus on the different projects I set myself to make.
Setting you create in:
Where do you craft? (can I have a photo of your favorite spot?)
Em… Everywhere. My living room couch is the spot I use the most, but I have to admit that I also love to craft in waiting rooms. Beats playing games on my phone! Now that I craft, I suggest long road trips so that I can knit while my husband drives – I made most of my Sunset Highway sweater on a family vacation.
What time of day do you knit or crochet?
I have a demanding and stressful full time job. I craft whenever I’m not at work and I can sit down and relax. I’m also a tabletop roleplayer, and I even craft when we have friends over to play! I always have a project bag with me, just in case I can put in some crafting.
Is there TV? Music? Podcast? Audiobook? Anything? No distractions? (My favorite is when my husband reads aloud to our kids and I get to do handwork.)
All of the above. All of my Netflix/Prime Video/Disney+/etc. Time is spent crafting. I can’t sit still. Once, I even knit in a dark cinema during a movie (only knit stitches on a simple pattern, of course, but still). I’m also a fan of audiobooks, I listen to them when I warp a loom, or when I do the dishes/house tasks or when I commute (can’t knit when I drive).
Which Social Gathering do you knit or crochet at?
I’m a social person, but a solitary crafter. I have yet to find some time to go to social crafting gatherings (right now, my crafting time serves as “me” time). But there are some activities, like game nights, where I craft.
Do you have a favorite snack for while you do handwork?
No. But snuggling on the couch next to a cozy fire with a cup of coffee to craft when there is a slow snow fall is one of my definition of a perfect day.
Crafting Preferences:
Flat or in the round?
In the round. Although I’m not against flat knitting either!
Ever try Tunisian Crochet?
Sadly, not yet! This and tatting are on my “to learn” list.
Wood, bone, plastic or metal needles/hooks?
It really depends on the project. I have metal hooks, so I use them. I really like my nickle plated DPN’s and interchangeable needles, as well as my wood DPNs and my square interchangeable wood needles.
What is your go-to pattern or go-to item to make (hat, socks, etc.)?
I hit phases… Crochet wise, I always go back to my first love : amigurumis. I make other crocheted articles, but Amis are the projects that bring me the most joy/satisfaction. Knit wise : right now, I’m all in for colorwork sweaters, but I tend to go back to accessories.
Do you have a yarn weight that you prefer or one that you really don’t enjoy working with?
For crochet, I prefer worsted weight yarn. For knitting, I’m a fingering weight fan. Super bulky yarn ends up hurting my hands, so I use this less. I’m not a fan of extra huge yarns.
What is your favorite fiber mix (superwash, merino, nylon/merino mix, hemp, linen, acrylic mix, cotton, alpaca…)?
That’s like asking me which of my children I prefer! I love them all, they all have their use. But I tend to go for superwash merino with nylon for my garments.
Continental or English?
Continental knitting all the way!
Technique:
What is a technique you want to try?
Next on my to-try list : Steeking. I’m actually going to try in in this very GAL, with the Wolf in Sheep’s clothing sweater I’m planning for my nephew. My sister admitted that she tends to forget sweaters and that they end up not being used, but a vest would be worn more often.
What favorite technique is currently in your repertoire?
Right now, I’m big on stranded colorwork in knitting. So I guess it’s high on my favorites right now
But if I have to single out a favorite technique, it would be brioche. Have you seen the impact it has on a project? Just wow!
Do you have a tip or ‘trick’ to share?
It all comes down to basic stitches. Knits, purls, yarn overs, turning, single crochet, double crochet, increases, decreases… Once you have the basics done, you can do anything. So just relax, enjoy your craft, and you can do anything eventually!
Do you like to learn techniques from video or text tutorial best?
Depends on the technique, but I learned a lot from videos. Youtube has been a great source!
Do you buy technique books to learn techniques or single patterns?
I mainly buy single patterns, but I own several technique and pattern books. I also found great resources at my local library, and, of course, in the online community.
Thank you Andréanne!