What are your thoughts on yarn and handmade yarny things?

 

Handmade anything is awesome and love and fabulous. But despite many many attempts at yarncraft I have come to the conclusion that I shall never be adept at things involving anything larger than an embroidery needle and floss.

 

For bath and body products: do you have a bathtub or shower?

 

I can do either with pretty much anything. All the bath and shower things!

 

Dear Swappee: is there anything you might have forgotten to put on your survey?

 

Nothing I can think of at the moment.

 

Are there any particular fandoms that you follow?

 

Fandoms (by which I mainly mean things I would be happy to receive swag about): Harry Potter (Ravenclaw here), Doctor Who, Muppets, Nightmare Before Christmas, StarWars (especially Yoda or Princess Leia or droids), Game of Thrones, Sandman, Firefly, Lego, Princess Bride

 

Do you own a wax/oil burner? (If no, would you like one?)

Incense, y/n?

 

Oil/Wax/Incense/Candles:Scented candles in nommy autumnal scents are cool, no incense, wax melts/tarts or burning oils, please.

 

Would you like loose, fancy tea?

 

All the chocolatey, autumnal flavored tea.I also love a good Earl Gray.

 

What is your favorite fall activity?

 

Favorite activities - I have to go to a pumpkin patch with the kids. And then we have to carve crazy-ass jack o lanterns. October is probably my favorite month of the year - the weather here is fabulous - cool and crisp, but not cold yet. I love having whatever giant creature my husband and son come up with in our yard, and our skelemingos and other silly-creepy things. I love prepping for our Halloween party and then Halloween itself - filling the big candy bowl and getting the first wee trick-or-treaters...I really can't pick just one thing, but if I absolutely had to, it would probably be the pumpkin patch.

 

I'm in Japan, anything specifically Japanese-y you want?

 

Cute Halloweenie Sanrio stuffs would be fun, or other similar items. Probably not much in the way of sweets or snacks.

 

Please briefly describe (color, style, preferred type of beads) or provide a picture of (if it is suitable), the type of necklace (if any) you would be interested in getting. If you do not like necklaces, what kinds of jewelry (if any) would you want to wear?

 

What I really seriously kind of sort of need, to the extent that it is possible for me to actually *need* jewelry at this point in my life, is a bracelet in purples/blues. I particularly like loose bracelets with a single charm. I don't like what I think of as hippy-quasi-Indian flowery fittings between beeds. I would also love Halloweenie themed bracelets or earrings (I have a necklace that I love and can only wear this time of year already).

 

In terms of necklaces, something purple and/or red would be cool. I have a lot of blues and plain silver and oranges and even a couple of green tone ones, but purple in particular is missing, despite being my favorite color. I have been particularly drawn to long drapey multi-strand things lately, but really, I just love big bold colorful statement jewelry that leans modern (as opposed to Victorian or hippy costume beads), although I also love art deco/nouveau.

 

What about hot chocolate/malt drinks?

 

I kind of have more hot chocolate than I will ever be able to use and most of the time I am too lazy to actually heat milk, etc unless I'm making Hershey's for the kids. That said, if you have a line on amazing pumpkin spice hot chocolate where you just add water, I'm all in. As for malt drinks, assuming you mean like Ovaltine or something, I'm not strictly opposed, but it's not something I seek out and I'd probably prefer my carbs elsewhere.

 

 

If you said that you are interested in books (or DVDs or any relatively big standalone sort of item), would you be okay with having multiples of such items spread over a couple of days, or would you prefer 13 distinct themish packages?

 

Personally, while I wouldn't want, say 4 days of books and 5 days of DVDs and just 4 of other goodies, I would be cool with receiving 2-3 days of books if they are things you think I would really love.

 

How into the day themeing mentioned in the first post are you? All themed? A few maybe if they are fun? Not at all?

 

I would probably be more into general Halloweenie/Autumnal theming than say bologna or mincemeat. If it helps my treater out of a bind or if zie really can have a lot of fun with it, have at.

 

Speaking of DVDs - are you interested in receiving movies and if so, what sort?

 

Anything on my Amazon wishlist is fair game, if not terribly thematic. I don't have a whole lot of time to watch tv, period, unless it's at least 11 year old friendly, but I would love to see "Let the Right One In" and I have a fondness for old Steven King movies.

 

Back to the books - if you said you would like books, would you prefer I send you, say, my favorite Halloween anthology or something else spooky/scary, or something off your wishlist/want-to-read on goodreads?

 

Personally, books are love. I would particularly love a new thematic anthology (I have Halloween by Paula Guran and send it to everyone in these things...which means I'll have to make that last this time if I repeat it) or something kind of scary or otherwise autumnal, but really anything you think I'd love would be fabulous. My next project still in progress on goodreads is shelving my "want to read" books into "have them/don't have them", since right now it's a mix, but it should give you some ideas at the very least.

 

Process question: Do you want to know who is sending to you right away, or would you prefer to be surprised on the last day, to the extent possible? Likewise, do you have a preference for specifically numbered packages or for reach in and grab according to your fancy?

 

I definitely want to know who you are. I don't feel super strongly about when I find out, although tradition leans toward the end.

In terms of numbering, both a free for all and specific numbering are fun, so whatever strikes you as most appropriate.

 

 

Would you be interested in solid perfume? What about lip balm?

 

I'm very much a BPAL only girl, so no on solid perfume. Lip balm forever, though, especially if it has SPF.

 

 

There was a lot of mention of not wearing costumes/not being allowed to at workplaces. Would you be interested in goth style or Halloween-themed(pumpkins, ghosts,etc.) normal clothes to wear instead, and what would be suitable?

 

I could probably get away with a costume more than actual club-wear and since I never actually get to wear any of the club wear I already own (and in fact might be raiding my stash of jewelry from my hardcore goth days for this swap, I'm a no on the gothy clothes question. I would love Halloweenie socks, accessories, fingerless gloves/armwarmers, t-shirts and other accessories (I'd lean more toward black/purple/spiders/bats than orange and pumpkins for anything other than socks or maybe jewelry). For that matter, a long wig could be fun - I actually borrowed a long black and purple wig and wore it to a work lunch for Halloween last year.

 

Rose City Comicon - Are any of them particularly appealing to you and/or your inner twelve-year-old (mine is calling dibs on the Goonies stuff)?

I didn't see anything that jumps out at me in the vendor list, but my inner 12-year-old will fight your inner 12-year-old for Goonies.

Day of the dead/ Dia de los Muertos stuff?

I go back and forth on DDLM stuffs (as opposed to my much hoarded stash of the 2004 DDLM oil. I would love some sugar skull earrings, otherwise, I'm pretty particular.

Question for all you knitters,crocheters and people who like yarn and yarnie things; can you give somebody just one or two balls of yarn? Can you make something out of that? Is it useful?

This is definitely not directed at me, but no, I would get absolutely no use out of yarn, unless you made it into something for me.

Does anything from this shop catch your eye?

I have a lotion in some sort of vanilla from Debauchery that I really love and I'm a sucker for bubbling scrubs, so I'd be happy to try those - in terms of scents, the Black Honey and Buttermilk Nectar both look fabulous and every single one of the autumn scents I looked at looked promising.

Dear Pumpkin: Do you have aversions to any animals or insects?

Centipedes/millipedes, wasps, cockroaches. I would not want anything with them on. Otherwise, there's not much that freaks me out.

How do you feel about canned foods like jams and things along those lines?

They are love!

Do you have a favourite colour scheme?

Black/gray, jewel tones and dark, almost black versions of same.

How do you feel about stickers (and stationery in general)?

Stickers and cute note cards are fine. Pretty papers are not likely to get used.

How do we feel about fibercrafting (knit, crochet, etc.)? wearables? crafted critters? If you would like a scarf or something similar, would you like it to be themed, like fall colors, or have a skull or other halloweenie motif/border?

We think that any of these are amazeballs, particularly in halloweenie themes.

What makes you feel pampered?

A long hot bath with some sort of scented product (bath oll, bomb, something), with a cup of hot tea and a good book. OR a really luxe massage or a pedicure.

New Question! We've covered what critters you don't like, but what about the critters that you DO like? What are your favorite animals/creatures, real or imagined?

Bats, owls, ravens, spiders, lizards, gargoyles, pegasi, DRAGONS!

 

I have a dumb question! I know it's a big joke that we get everything five years later than everyone else in the world, but is there anything specifically Canadian you'd like? Maple things, chocolate bars, or any of our creepy chip flavours?

Totally not a dumb question! I want maple everything and maple sugar candy is one of my favorite things in the world. Also, cheap Canadian chocolate is infinitely superior to cheap USian chocolate and I am happy to try any creepy chip flavors that do not include any of my blackout items (so no salmon dill blue cheese crisps).

A new question from me: While I am stalking the restock of the Rice Pudding hot process soap, does anything from Paintbox Soapworks catch your eye?

 

My answer - the afore mentioned Rice Pudding soap, also sorbetto, soaps (I prefer the hot process to glycerin, but both are fabulous) or lotion in any of the following (in order of preference): The Bees Lament, Indian Summer, Avast, Little Paper Umbrellas, Candy Floss, Guy Falkes, Pink Salt, Beet It

 

Is there is any TAZO tea you have a hankering for? Zen, Awake, Passion, China Green Tips, Vanilla Roibois, Calm, Refresh? (tea bags in a tin)

Cocoa Mint Mate looks yum, as does the Bushberry Black Iced.

 

How about any Teavana tea? (loose leaf)

I love their toasted mates. Also, anything fruity/chocolaty.

How about Starbucks coffee beans? If so, ground (and for what kind of filter) or whole bean?

Whole bean, all the way.

How about Starbucks coffee via (italian, columbia, anniversary, vanilla latte?) or Iced coffee via (caramel or regular?) Fruit flavored via (berry hisbiscus, cool lime, strawberry lemonade?) Pumpkin Spice Latte via?

Pumpkin Spice Latte!!!!!!!!!! Nothing else there I'm willing to take the carbs for, though.

Starbucks K-cups or Verismo pods?

No thanks.

Coffee/tea travel mugs or ceramic home mugs?

Travel mugs would be fabulous.

Coffee maker (french press) or tea steeper?

A tea steeper would be cool.

Anything else from Starbucks/Teavana? Syrups, honey, whatever?

I always love honey.

How would you feel about a gently-used card game? For example, something I may have purchased several years ago and maybe played with my daughter *twice* before she became a moody teenager, and too cool for card and/or board games?

Oh, absolutely. Especially if it is pre-moody teen friendly.

Alcoholic beverages in your goodies-- yay or nay (mostly I'm thinking minis, tho I did get a full bottle of liqueur in a Switch Witch years ago!)-- if yay, what kind?

Total yay! I love whiskeys of pretty much all sorts, flavored vodkas, gin, weird artisan brews. Really there's not much I won't drink.

CANDY CORN--- YAY OR NAY?

Nay for me.

 

New question! Name at least one thing that you really wouldn't like to receive in your package.

 

Totally cribbing from someone else's answer and saying Spongebob stuff.

 

I have eyeshadow pigments which have been decanted from--as in the powder tapped out into another container,never used directly. (I don't use very much makeup, though I love it, so I keep shadow pigments clean so I can safely share.) Would a jar of pigment handled thus bother you or are you ok with costmetic-type stuff that has not been directly touched?

 

That is totally cool with me. Bring on the bright sparkles!

 

ETA: For those with fiber allergies, is it ok if you get, say, an ornament/amigur-whatsit yarn thing that has wool in the blend, as long as it's not something to be worn? Also, because I don't know, do people with wool allergies generally also have sensitivity to other fibers like alpaca?

No fiber allergies here, so no worries. Just nothing too scratchy.

 

does anyone especially like or want anything from cost plus/world market?

 

I love World Market with an unholy passion. In fact, I should probably swing by there this weekend for my pumpkin, but the short answer is yes, that is a very safe place to shop for me.

 

does anyone need any small kitchen items or utensils?

 

Need is such a strong word. I would love measuring cups in weird sizes - 2 cup, 2/3, 3/4 sorts of things. I can always use more spatulas and measuring spoons, especially if they are colorful and/or seasonal. Also, wooden spoons or other non-stick pan friendly spoony things. And baking stuff - cupcake liners, sanding sugars, that sort of thing, are always grand.

 

Dearist Pumpkin- do you have a preference of edible/drinkable vs. non edible items in your package? Would you prefer your package heavier on one side or the other?

 

Probably more on the non-edible side. I'd be happy to have some edible/drinkables, though.

 

Any guilty pleasures? TV show you're embarassed to admit you like? Musical group/preference that seems out-of-place for you?

Gray's Anatomy is probably the closest thing.

 

And now, a new question: to sort of piggy-back onto the question about small kitchen items, do you like to bake or cook, and if yes, are there any special ingredients, spices, or decorations for baked goods (like sprinkles in seasonal shapes or those decorative picks you put on top of cupcakes, for instance) that you would like?

I love baking and would definitely love Halloweenie accessories, especially early on in the swap where I could incorporate things into our party.

 

Hey, Pumpkin! How do you feel about lounge pants/pajama pants?

Sounds great. I probably need an XL.

 

Do you have long, medium, or short hair? What kids of hair accessories do you like to use?

 

Very very short is my hair. I make it kind of spiky with pomade and that's about it. My daughter has super long hair and will adopt any styling related goodies, hair oils, etc.

 

If you could have a lotion/soap scented just for you, what are some notes you'd like to see? Autumn themed? or tried and true loves?

 

I would love something autumnal, but not pumpkin (I have a Punkie Night lotion from Paintbox, so I'm good there). Maybe a spicy apple cidery scent or something? I tend toward more foody in my body products.

 

 

Pumpkin: Is there something that catches your eye from this shop?

 

I love love love the overall style, but I never wear gold. Very occassionally I'll wear copper, but in general, I prefer my jewelry silvertone, so assume that all of my lusting is imagining silver. To the extent that is possible, the Games necklace is amazeballs and now I want one in silvertone. I also like Rough Diamond, Circle Bib, Lightning Cloud, any of the Feathers and all the bracelets.

 

If I were going to the mountains tomorrow, for the apple harvest, would you wanted some dehydrated apple rings???

Late to this party, but sure!

 

If you have an Etsy favorites list, are all of the things on the list things you'd be happy to get, or are some of them gift ideas for other people, or stuff that you've already bought and loved but don't need more of, or for any reason not something you'd want to get in this swap?

Everything on there is for MEMEMEME. Mostly it's sort of a general idea list, or a way for me to sort out the items I want to seriously consider from an update, but generally speaking, if you got me anything from there, I would be thrilled.

 

New question from me! how do you feel about music? would you like some? if so, what would you be interested in & in what format (do you still have somewhere to play CDs, or would a flash drive be better, etc)?

Music would be cool, probably best as a burned CD. I don't have much of anything from the last 4-5 years or so, so indie/alt-country/rock in that vein would be fun.

 

Lilith Update?

 

I am interested in decants of Goofballs, Mermaid, Venustas, Very Pink Surprise Cake