GAL interview with stitchyhead

I got to interview stitchyhead for the GAL today:

What is your current # of wips?
Casting on too many projects tends to be my weakness.  Sometimes I just like to see a yarn and pattern in action.  I often set it aside for awhile and then when I return to it I can see if I really like where it’s going or take it out and try something different.  So currently I have 5 projects I’m actually working on but probably about 20 more projects that are hanging around.
What are you currently working on?

I just finished up a few hats and decided I couldn’t resist knitting up one of those little gnomes, I  finished up his beard this morning.  I’m about to start some more gift knitting: some mittens and a shawl.  When I finish with all my gift knitting I can get back to a sweater I am making for myself.

What are your 2019 GAL goals?
I had about 8 projects I wanted to complete in the GAL.  Some for gifts, some just because I want to try the pattern and a couple for me.

Where did you heard about the GAL?
Last year a favorite designer I subscribe to mentioned it and I followed her link to find it.  I had some fun so I kept my eyes open for it again this year.

How many years have you participated?
This is my second year doing the GAL.

What Do you like best about it?
I enjoy seeing new designs, getting a discount on patterns I’ve been wanting, feeling motivated to finish projects and gifts (with the possibility of winning a prize!), being inspired by others works, and I also love playing the little games!

Where do you craft?
I might craft anywhere.  Often in the living room so I can be with family, outside on a nice day, in the car if it’s an easy project as I can get carsick if I have to look down frequently,

other view out my window while knitting
aeriel view of my knitting space
view out my window while knitting

What time of day do You knit or crochet?
I like to knit first thing in the morning with a cup of coffee before the rest of the family wakes up and also in the evening after dinner when my husband is relaxing and watching TV so I can be with him even if I’m not interested in his show.

Is there TV? Music? Podcast? Audiobook? Anything? No distractions?
Sometimes no distractions like in the morning when it’s just me.  Other times I may be watching a show and knitting, listening to a podcast sermon and knitting, homeschooling with my son and knitting, The kids and I used to read aloud a book only I would share the out loud reading with my eldest and knit during his turn.

Which Social Gathering do you knit or crochet at?
I usually always have a project with me on the go just in case.  My husband enjoys stopping and talking with different ones and I find I am extremely patient and accommodating as long as I have my knitting with me.  I gauge each social gathering separately if I can knit while I’m there.  I like to always have something to do but sometimes it can be a distraction to others and some people feel as if you are dividing your time.

Do you have a favorite snack for while you do handwork?
I don’t normally eat while I do handwork but depending on the time of day I may be having coffee, tea, or just some nice ice water.

Flat or in the round? Ever try Tunisian Crochet?
I would prefer to work in the round than to seam it later…. I tried Tunisian crochet just to try it out but I have never done an actual project with it.

Wood, bone, plastic or metal needles/hooks?
Metal or wood depending on the project.  I’ve never tried bone before, it sounds interesting.

What is your go-to pattern or go-to item to make ?
Hats and mittens.

First picture is an aerial view of my knitting space.  My little corner is on the bottom left. The next two picture are the views I get out my windows while I’m knitting. The last picture is a little pile of recently finished gifts and a basket of yarn I can’t wait to dig into for my next project!

Do you have a yarn weight that you prefer or one that you really don’t enjoy working with?
I like the heavier yarns: DK, Worsted, Aran and Bulky.  I’ve never knit with lace weight before.  I probably will someday just to try it but it sounds intimidating.

What is your favorite fiber mix?
Oh, I like all the soft and squishy stuff.  Soft wool and wool blends will be my favorite.  I have a sensitivity to alpaca but will knit with it anyway if it’s for a gift. Acrylics have their place but it has to be a good quality acrylic. Cotton is not my favorite unless it is blended because I like yarn with a little bounce to it.

What is your favorite needle size?
They are all fine but small needle sizes are not my favorite — they may grown on me with more practice.

Continental or English?
English.  But sometimes I practice continental just to do it and often will do both during colorwork.

What is a technique you want to try?
Brioche.  I just bought a beautiful hat pattern for it and can’t wait to try it!

What favorite technique is currently in your repertoire?
Colorwork, the Latvian braid on mittens and also trying out different cast on and bind off methods to beautify your work or make your pieces more wearable.

Do you have a tip or ‘trick’ to share?
Maybe, but I can’t think of one right now!

When trying a new technique, what pattern features flips the pattern from intimidating to fun?
When the technique unfolds a thing of beauty in it’s wake it is  inspiring to master it!

Do you like to learn techniques from video or text tutorial best?
Both! I live in the country and am not always able to stream videos so I like to have a text tutorial too.

Do you buy technique books to learn techniques or single patterns?
Usually just single patterns.  I would probably use a technique book but if I have money I always end up buying a cool pattern instead…

To sum myself up I would just say, I’m just an outside loving, country girl who is inspired by nature and all of God’s creation in my own artistic endeavors.

Thank you for the interview stitchyhead!

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