I got to Interview with Dorien, kadootje on Ravelry for the GAL.
GAL:
what is your current # of wips?
At least 10, I always have a pair of socks on the needles in the car, just in case I get stuck in traffic.
What are you currently working on?
Several projects, two sweaters, one of them is waiting for just one sleeve, mittens and another Gnome
What are your 2019 GAL goals?
Knit as many little Gnomes as I can for gifts.
Where did you heard about the GAL?
I saw posts come by on Instagram, and was intrigued.
How many years have you participated?
This is my first year participating, I don’t know why I did not see it in previous years, since I have been active on Ravelry for years.
What Do you like best about it?
it is a perfect way to support independent designers, explore new patterns, try new skills and have a motivator to finish Christmas gifts.
Where do you craft?
Usually I knit right in front of the TV or listening to a podcast. But I bring a knitting project almost anywhere. I do have a spare bedroom where I keep my sewing machine and beading supplies.
What time of day do You knit or crochet?
Mostly in the evenings, I wish I had more time in a day to craft.
Which Social Gathering do you knit or crochet at?
I am lucky enough to be part of a lovely group of knitters that have been meeting once a month for years now, we meet in a restaurant or coffee shop and chat and knit the night away.
Crafting Preferences:
If a craft interests me, I have to try it. Years ago, before moving to the US I worked in a big Craft store and loved it. We had lots of workshops and the philosophy was if you sell craft items you need to know about it. We had the opportunity to try everything, from bobbin lace to beading to painting and woodworking.
Flat or in the round? Ever try Tunisian Crochet?
In the round for colorwork, otherwise I don’t mind flat or in the round. I did try Tunisian Crochet, don’t exactly remember what I made, but the special Crochet hook came from my Grandmother who was a genius in Crocheting big tablecloths and curtains in very thin cotton.
Wood, bone, plastic or metal needles/hooks?
I prefer metal, but also have some plastic and wood needles.
What is your go-to pattern or go-to item to make (hat, socks, etc.)?
I don’t really have a to-go to pattern, since I need a challenge and am a sucker for a new stitch-pattern or construction. But I do love socks and mittens
Do you have a yarn weight that you prefer or one that you really don’t enjoy working with?
most of my yarn stash is fingering weight.
What is your favorite fiber mix (superwash, merino, nylon/merino mix, hemp, linen, acrylic mix, cotton, alpaca…)?
I love a good sticky wool, and a good wool mix for socks. I don’t think there is acrylic in my stash.
What is your favorite needle size?
anything between a size 00 and 2
Continental or English?
English, but when knitting with two colors i do mostly both.
Technique:
What favorite technique is currently in your repertoire?
Two handed stranded knitting, perfect for keeping color dominance.
When trying a new technique, what pattern features flips the pattern from intimidating to fun?
Charts, I love knitting from charts.
Do you like to learn techniques from video or text tutorial best?
Both, although a good video does help when I am trying a new technique
Do you buy technique books to learn techniques or single patterns?
For a new technique single patterns. I do have a lot of knitting books but prefer historical patterns and knitting books. Learning about the history behind knitting patterns and techniques is fascinating.
