I got to interview with Caylynn, Caylynn72 on Ravelry, for the GAL
GAL:
what is your current # of wips?
– I currently have 2 WIPs for the GAL, and 2 pre-GAL
What are you currently working on?
My current projects for the GAL are:
– Winterlaced HatÊby Yuliya Tkacheva (see photo)
– Understated SocksÊby Maybe Katie Designs
What are your 2019 GAL goals?
– For the 2019 GAL I hope to complete an opadoo and have at least two of the items be knit. IÕm still a new knitter (I only finished two knit items before the GAL, although I started and frogged many more).
Where did you heard about the GAL?
– In October 2017 I was rear-ended by a truck driver who ended up being charged with careless driving. I suffered a concussion and could no longer do any of my hobbies except for crochet. Crochet was allowed as it helps with memory, concentration, and attention to detail, all of things which are negatively affected by a concussion. When looking for crochet patterns, I stumbled across Ravelry, and the Crochet Shoulder Wrappers group. I was working on my first shawl in that group when someone mentioned the GAL in chat. The GAL sounded intriguing, so I checked out the group and lots of pre-GAL chat was happening. It was a bit overwhelming, but once the GAL started there was a slow lane chat group, so that was more my pace.
How many years have you participated?
– This year (2019) is my third year taking part in the GAL.
What Do you like best about it?
– My favourite parts of the GAL include discovering new patterns and designers, meeting and chatting with other crafters, getting Christmas crafting done, and learning new things. I guess the best part is meeting new people and reconnecting with people from previous years.
Setting you create in:
Where do you craft? (can I have a photo of your favorite spot?)
– I’ll craft anywhere, including at my desk (during breaks), on the bus or train, at the gym waiting for a class to start, but my dedicated crafting space is in our T.V. room on a futon that is pretty much always a couch these days (see attached photo where Chloe is standing where I normally sit). When I’m on the futon, typically one (or more) cats will be on my lap (as in the photo of Chloe and Merlin on my lap). The boxes to the side of the futon are a few of my husband’s comic book boxes that’s his hobby, collecting and reading comic books.
What time of day do You knit or crochet?
– Often I craft in the evenings, but also during breaks throughout the day. I’m a PhD student, so my schedule is flexible, and I usually use the Pomodoro technique. Basically I follow this schedule: 4 x (25 minutes work, 5 minute break) then a 30 minute break, repeat 3 times. During the longer breaks (30 minutes) I will craft.
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.)
– When I’m crafting during my breaks, there are no distractions. In the evenings or on weekends, if I’m by myself, there will be music or an audiobook in the background. If my husband is home, there will be TV on and we’ll be watching something together.
Which Social Gathering do you knit or crochet at?
– I’ve crocheted during Dungeons and Dragons games but that’s about it.
Do you have a favorite snack for while you do handwork?
– No. I tend to sip Sprudel (sparkling water) while I craft.
Crafting Preferences:
Flat or in the round? Ever try Tunisian Crochet?
– Flat for blankets, snuggles, etc. For items that will be in the round, I prefer to craft in the round as opposed to seaming after.
– I’ve completed one Tunisian crochet washcloth. I keep planning on doing more Tunisian, but I’ve started knitting instead! There’s not enough time for everything.
Wood, bone, plastic or metal needles/hooks?
– For crochet hooks, metal with ergonomic handles (Clover Armour are my favourite hooks). I use a pencil hold, and I find these to by the most comfortable hooks. I also have a set of Addi click crochet hooks and cables. This past summer I purchased one Kollage square crochet hook in 2.5 mm and I really like it for crocheting socks. For knitting, I haven’t found a favourite type of needle yet, I’m still too new to knitting!
What is your go-to pattern or go-to item to make (hat, socks, etc.)?
– Snuggles (blankets for animals) are my go-to. I’ve made a lot of snuggles over the years that I’ve donated to the local animal shelter.
Do you have a yarn weight that you prefer or one that you really don’t enjoy working with?
– I don’t really have a favourite weight. I don’t enjoy working with laceweight, as find it too fine for me. I haven’t tried those jumbo yarns, but I don’t think I’d enjoy those either. Otherwise, anything from fingering weight to super bulky is fine.
What is your favorite fiber mix (superwash, merino, nylon/merino mix, hemp, linen, acrylic mix, cotton, alpacaÉ)?
– My favourite fibre is merino wool. I love fabrics that wick moisture practically everything in my wardrobe is capable of wicking moisture (I’m very active and I’m quite a heavy sweater!) Merino is a wonderful naturally-wicking fibre, so I love it!
What is your favorite needle size?
– I don’t really have a favourite. I tend to use a G or H hook when making snuggles.
Continental or English?
– The little bit of knitting I’ve done had all been continental. It just comes more naturally to me as a crocheter.
Technique:
What is a technique you want to try?
– I’d like to try colourwork knitting. I’d also like to become more proficient at any type of knitting and expand my Tunisian crochet knowledge. I’d also like to try knitting cuff-down socks the only pair of socks that I’ve finished were done toe-up.
What favorite technique is currently in your repertoire?
– Any of the foundation stitches in crochet are favourites for starting crochet. Instead of doing a foundation chain and then crocheting into that for your first row, you create the foundation chain and the first row of stitches all at once. I find it is quicker and gives a nice finished edge. So foundation single crochet, double crochet, half double crochet, etc.
Do you have a tip or trick to share?
– Some things that I think are useful for all those who crochet: For crocheting in the round, starting with a magic circle/magic loop is great. Also, for starting a round, chainless double crochet (or half double crochet, or triple crochet) gives a nicer start than chaining.
When trying a new technique, what pattern features flips the pattern from intimidating to fun?
– A pattern that is well-written (I guess that goes without saying) and one with photos that demonstrate new-to-me techniques. I prefer learning from photos (where possible) as opposed to videos, so I appreciate those technique photos. I also like it when the designer places all those photos at the end, so that if I don’t need the help, I don’t have to print out all of those photo-heavy pages.
Do you like to learn techniques from video or text tutorial best?
– As I mentioned above, I prefer learning from text and photos. I’ll go to Youtube or watch a video if I have to, but I really do seem to learn best from written instructions supplemented by photos.
Do you buy technique books to learn techniques or single patterns?
– I will tend to borrow books from the library, but if there is a book that I think I will use again and again, I will buy it. I buy patterns more to make something that I want to make, and if I have to learn a new technique to make it, then I’ll learn it that way.
