Interview Questions from Kathy at MinxKnits

1. You may never have seen an alien in Roswell, but do you believe that there is life on other planets?
   Sure, I mean, why not? It is a little ignorant to say that WE are the only ones in the universe… Are the other living beings like the aliens we see in movies and X-Files? Well… it is an archetype of sorts now, with the gray bodies, and big eyes, but they might look like Gizmo from the Gremlins too. I am hoping that at least some of them look like Chewbacca. I *heart* Chewy.

2. So what was that big Girl Scout lie?
   Oh my… I really did dig my own grave here. Would it be a total cop out to say that I don’t really remember? Perhaps I could make up another lie to make that lie sound really good. Maybe my mom remembers… she reads the blog, and she has my permission to out me if she remembers...

3. Dewey Decimal or Library of Congress - which system is better? Discuss.
   It depends on the institution. My experience is really in academic / university libraries, and Library of Congress definitely suits these collections better. Public libraries have a nice niche in Dewey, so status quo works best, I guess. Perhaps my position will change after I take my Cataloging course this summer…

4. In your opinion, what is the most important archaelogical find of the last century?
   Oh, good one. Wow, this could really be narrowed down to the region where things were discovered. Of course, the finds in Egypt are always making the news... Egyptomania, etc. However, there have been amazing archaeological discoveries all over the globe. With the new technologies, discoveries are made everyday… so, in my opinion, I cannot really rank the #1 most important discovery—it is all relative.

5. Of what knitted item are you most proud?
   I am always trying to challenge myself a little more with each big project … so usually the last big item I made is the one I am most proud of. In this case, it would be the Alchemy pullover I made in January. Of course, I am now tackling some more technically difficult patterns (lots of shaping, lace, etc.) so when (if?) I complete these, they will be the ones I am most proud of.

Interview Questions from Suzie at The Purly Gates

1. How big is your stash? Does it have it's own zipcode? ; )
   I have amassed quite a stash in the 18 months I have been knitting... however, I don’t think it compares to some that I have seen! I have given a lot of stuff away to new knitters, and sent some off for charities, etc. I try to keep a balance. This is the biggest stash I have ever had though!

2. I've often thought of getting an MLS. Any advice for those thinking of becoming a librarian?
   I say try working in the library world before you jump in. Sometimes people idealize the librarian career a little too much. Unfortunately, it is not about sitting around and reading all day (if only) Once you work, or volunteer, in a public or academic library, this will become increasingly clear. If you love the work you are doing there, then you might think about librarianship. There are so many faces to the profession nowadays, you can really take it to any level, as long as you are creative!

3. Who is your fave correspondent on The Daily Show? (Mine's Stephen Colbert!)
   Hands down -- ROB CORDRY. He makes me giggle to no end. I love his Boston scenes… anybody seen those? Second place: Ed Helms. Of course, I really like them all.

4. Name the five bands/musicians you listened to the most in the last three months.
   
   
   • The Decemberists
     
   • Modest Mouse
     
   • Franz Ferdinand
     
   • Neutral Milk Hotel
     
   • The Killers
     
   • Jack Johnson
     
   • Dresden Dolls
     
   • Ditty Bops … oh, you said five… well, there is eight...

5. Where are you going on your next vacation?
   Hmm… I am a grad student, and that costs money, but I am (hopefully) going to go to the Society of American Archivists meeting in New Orleans in August… but that is not really a “vacation”. I guess we are saving up to visit my sister when she moves to Hawaii next year. I hope to stop over in the Bay Area of CA for awhile before heading west over the Pacific.

Interview Questions from Renee at A Good Yarn

1. Thanks for starting the Lucky Clover Knitalong - I'm so happy to have finally started!! So, do you believe in luck?
   Wow, you get right to it! Actually this is something that I debate with my husband about quite a bit. I say that some people just have luck, and others don’t. He says that people create their own circumstances and then good or bad things happen… so, yes, I believe in luck, but in a way, I can see where he is coming from too… then again, I don’t consider myself to be particularly lucky. I am a peche Vogel (German translation: unlucky bird)

2. I covet your beautiful brooch collection. Where is the best place to look for brooches?
   The best accessories (all jewelry, scarves, bags, etc.) are at second-hand stores. Whether these take the form of a thrift shop or a vintage consignment, the inventory is always so unique. I have picked up some lovlies at my local thrift store, but I have also inherited a few from my Nana and great Aunt.

3. Who have you lost contact with that you wish you could re-connect with?
   I moved so much as a kid… I never really was able to keep in contact with the friends that I made in school. For many years, I called a very special girl, K, my best friend. She was in my wedding in 2002, but unfortunately I have not heard from her since that year. I would just like to know that she is okay. I know that a lot has changed, and it is hard to go back to that place we were in our youth where we just “clicked” but, she was very special to me.

4. I'm excited to meet you at Maryland Sheep & Wool. What is the #1 thing I have to do on my trip to Maryland/Washington?
   There is SO much to do around here! If you are into culture and art, the museums in DC and Baltimore are a must. Baltimore has this cool artsy scene with lots of small galleries and public art. DC’s famous museums (Smithsonian) are amazing, and well worth the trip. Cool out-of-the-way places? Old Ellicott City (near Baltimore); Annapolis is beautiful and right on the Chesapeake Bay; Bowie, home of my beloved Folk Art Studio; and Montgomery County restaurants (Silver Spring and Bethesda are happening places) So much… it all depends on what you are into!

5. You also have a great scarf collection and look great in them - what is your favorite scarf?
   Thanks for the compliments on my scarves! I love them, and try to work them into several outfits. My scarves fit into two categories: silk/fabric scarves (store-bought), and hand-knitted. I have several favorites in both categories. Here are the two that I wear the most often from each category:
   

   Colinette Giotto

   Polka Dot Silk

Interview Questions from Jodi

1. You may have noticed yesterday that I'm a little obsessed with other people's stash; as a poor student, I have to stash vicariously. So let's hear some intimate stash details: how big, how many WIP, does your husband resent the size or storage of your stash?
   Ha! I happen to be a poor student too! Well, my stash is not really as big as others I have seen… I need to get some good organization going here, I have two bookshelves (6 foot high / 3 feet wide) that are filled with yarn, and some random bags and baskets. Actually my DH was just talking about purchasing a cube case from IKEA to put all of my yarn in… we’ll see about that. Does he resent the size of stash? Well, I try to keep it out of his sight… if it was in his line of vision everyday, he would not like it. Storage? He wants it in one place, not spread all over the house… so, not too bad. I need more organization! And WIPs? I am embarrassed to say… I probably have about 6 or 7… *blush*

2. What are your thoughts on the things that American Library Association president Michael Gorman has recently written about bloggers, and blogging librarians?
   You know, I heard about this, but had actually not read the source. Many thanks for the link. My question is: why such vitriol? He clearly has not seen a good sampling of the diversity of “blogs” out there. I must declare that I don’t venture out of my little niche (knitting/craft blogs) into the wider blogosphere very often. Truth is, I find our little crafty blog faction to be overwhelmingly well-educated and intelligent, and just from my surfing observations, a very politically progressive group. Sure, the blogs that make the nightly news are the political ones, because it is all about putting a spin on certain things—right or left—spin. I say Gorman wrote this little number up to be controversial and start out with a bang in the ALA (this is evidenced by his snide remarks at the end—he is asking for it.) Very interesting food for thought… I am sure this will stay in my mind for awhile… perhaps more info on that later.

3. What first got you interested in blogging?
   Well, I started a Live Journal last January to track the books I read. I was writing reviews, etc. and really got into knitting as well. So, I checked out the LJ Knitting community, and kept on stumbling across these auxiliary knitting blogs. I thought, what the hey, I will give that a try. I did a little poll on LJ to see what people thought made a good knitting blog, and I tried to implement the things that the readers said into my own blog. It is all a work in progress. All joking aside, I feel that blogging has really changed my life. I love the archiving aspect (what a perfect diary for the future) and the amazing people I have met in the knitblog community. There is nothing like it.

4. Have you ever written anything in your blog that you regretted later? Have you ever gone back and deleted a post?
   Well, I almost let the cat out of the bag on a surprise that I did not know was a surprise… I try to think ahead when I blog… So far, no major problems with this… knock on wood

5. Of all the states you've lived in, which would you most like to move back to, and why?
   I have lived in some great places, and I would return to many of them, but the place I could see going back to and living would be New Mexico. I lived in Roswell for 7 years, and I just love the state, and the west in general. The way of living is more relaxed, and not as frantic as the East Coast. New Mexico has some amazing scenery, some great culture and heritage, and a wonderful vibe. If I moved back, I would probably go to Santa Fe or Albuquerque, because I like being in a bigger city with access to more resources (airports, museums, some variety in shopping and food)

For Jackie:

1. Tell us about the blind date when you met your husband. Were you set up, and by whom?

2. You say you like to read... what is your favorite genre? What is your favorite book?

3. What is your best memory or travel tip from your trip to Ireland?

4. What is your favorite drink at Starbucks?

5. What is your favorite knitted item that you have made? What is the one that you are the most proud of?

For Diane:

1. What is your favorite movie(s)?

2. After seeing your lovely Flower Fest photos, I am curious--what is your favorite flower?

3. My friend might be moving to Philly this fall -- what are some tips to living in the city that you can give her?

4. You can't turn down yarn, huh? Tell us about your stash!

5. What (and where) was the best vacation you have ever been on?

For Cara:

1. How did you and Georgie meet?

2. Of all of your photographs, which one is your favorite? why?

3. What is the knitted item that you are most proud of?

4. Who is your favorite photographer? favorite photograph?

5. Do you have any interest in working in a library again?

For Jaimi:

1. What are you studying in graduate school? what are you researching?

2. What is the most challenging thing that you have ever knitted?

3. Do you like any other crafts besides knitting?

4. Where is your dream vacation destination?

5. What is your favorite TV show?

For Kathy:

1. Silly CSI question: Who is hotter? Grissom, Warrick, Nick, or Greg? (me? Warrick hands down... HOT)

2. What is your favorite cookbook? What is your favorite recipe?

3. What is your favorite place to spend an afternoon in B'more?

4. I subscribe to a ton of mags too--which is your favorite?

5. How did you meet Neal?

For Heather:
This is hard, cause I know you! Well, here is a go :)

1. What was your favorite past time as a child?

2. When did you become a Buddhist? How did your family react?

3. What is your favorite thing to do with Pixie?

4. What is the best way to spend a Saturday in your opinion?

5. If money was no problem, how would you spend the rest of your time on this planet?

For Toni:

1. What are the names of your horse and llama? How old are they? They are adorable!

2. What is your favorite band or singer?

3. What are you studying in school?

4. Say I am coming to visit you: tell me the cool places in your town that I just can't miss!

5. What is your favorite place to buy clothes or shoes?

For Mandy:

1. In your experience working in yarn shops, what is the stupidest question that someone has ever asked you?

2. What are some of your most dear childhood memories?

3. How did you meet your man, Zak?

4. What is your favorite fiber to work with? your favorite brand?

5. You are an experienced knitter--what was the most challenging thing that you ever knit?

For Nancy:

1. What did you study in your undergraduate days?

2. Why did you decide to go to library school? Is it something you always dreamed about? Do you have second thoughts now?

3. The Bay Area is so cool--when I come and visit next year (en route to Hawaii, I hope I can lay over for a few days!) what are some of the things in the area that I simply cannot miss?

4. When did you learn how to knit? Who taught you?

5. You obviously like to knit... are you into other crafts? or do you want to learn more about other crafts?

For Kimberli:

1. You are the world traveler: what countries have you been to? How long do you usually stay in one place?

2. Why did you take up knitting? Was it your love of fashion, or your desire for a new hobby? (or both?)

3. What is your favorite decade, stylewise?

4. Name some of your favorite NPR shows...

5. What are you planning for your garden this year? Flowers, herbs, or veggies? (or all of the above?)

For Mia:

1. How did you get interested in becoming an EMT and firefighting?

2. How many countries did you live in when you were growing up?

3. Is that your kitty in the picture? So cute!

4. What is your favorite type of item to knit? What do you feel that you are best at?

5. How big is your stash? How large do you expect it to grow after Sheep & Wool?