Sock-ret Pal Swap

The basics:

How long have you been knitting? since I was about 8 years old or eariler can't remember.....about 30 years
Do you consider yourself a beginning sock knitter, an intermediate, or have you been doing this so long you could probably knit a pair in your sleep? people ask me all the time if I knit socks in my sleep....lol

The measurements:

While your pal may ask for some additional info to ensure a great fit, please provide your shoe size, or any other fitting related info you think is pertinent. US size 8 shoe, usually I knit to 9 or 9 1/4 foot from heel to tip of toes, depends on the yarn, also prefer a more rounded toe not pointy ones, and heel flaps,
on top of foot from where the ankle starts to tip of toes 7" and around ankle about 8 1/2"-9". Feel free to ask if you need more info

(fiber related) Favorites:
What colors do you love? naturals/blues/earth/jewel tones/fall/ really not to fussy very easy to please
Do you prefer solids or variegated? either
What fibers do you most love to knit with? anything soft
Who do you consider your favorite yarn vendors? STR, Fleece artist (which never tried), Mountain colors, CTH, Opal, Brown Sheep, Rowan, Debbie Bliss, ahhh so many and can't forgot the luxury ones.. ohhhhh! Guess I've become a bit of a yarn snob!
What projects (other than socks, of course*S*) do you most enjoy knitting? sweaters, afghans, tops, starting to get into some lace knitting

(fiber related) Dislikes:

What fibers can you not stand to knit with? To wear? icthy scratchy types, lopi's, etc
What colors would you never wear? mustards, certain yellows, bright fushia

The Tools:

Plastic or Metal? Bamboo or wood? all but prefer the exotic hard woods, addis & knit pick needles
Circs or Straights? circs
DPNs or Magic Loop? DPNs
Are there any knitting accessories you don't have in your collection but would like?
knit pick options needles, blocking wires

The Extras:

Do you have a wish list? If so, please share the link! on the side bar
Do you like sweet, sour or salty? (or all of the above? *S*) sweet & salty
Do you have any allergies your pal should know about? (Certain foods, smoke, pet hair, etc) grass's & tree's amoung others
Favorite scents? Scents you can't stand? real florally type aren't my favorite but love those very strong smelling type
Do you collect anything (other than yarn and knitting toys of course)? tea tins, teas, penguins, tea pots, nautical type stuff
When is your birthday? (month and day is fine!) Sept 12th
Do you spin? Dye your own yarn? yes & yes
Your favorite author/band/vacation spot, anything you think will help your pal know you better... have been admiring Barbara Walker but don't own any of her books, as well as A Gathering of Lace
feel free to ask me anything you'd like
I'm very easy going and will be happy with whatever you choose I'm sure