Information for Swap partners

Here is load of stuff about me - stuff for swap partners - my likes and dislikes!

a rough guide - not prescriptive!

Raverly name – holisticknitter
Crafster name – holistic knitter
My Pintrest- http://pinterest.com/lynda_dykstra/

Crafts I do:
knit, cross-stitch, blackwork, quilting, patchwork, hardanger, card making, stitch-markers, rubber stamping, sewing, altered art, making jewellery, mini art quilts, weave, dye
Learning to crochet, make candles and soap, glass paint, and draw and paint

Crafts I would like to try:
ceramics, pottery

Ethical / Environmental preferences:
I'm a Vegetarian.
I used to be Vegan, but I adore yogurt, cheese and  dark chocolate – so have slipped over the past few years.
Please no gelatin in food etc.

I’m an animal lover - I don't wear animal products, so please no fur, leather or suede – I can’t wear wool either (as I'm allergic to it), but don’t mind other things made out of it.

I love recycled stuff and Fairtrade products.
I’m a big believer in growing your own and making your own!

I’m a Buddhist.

I'm also a bit of a Hedge witch / Kitchen witch - i.e try to live in accordance with nature and the changing seasons, grow my own,  believe in alternative healing methods, and  cook, bake, make jams etc. as well as creating  herbal remedies etc.! Very pagan in these aspects.

Colours, fabric and yarn preferences:
My Favourite colours are muted tones - duck egg blue; olive; safe;  burnt oranges and deep reds; plums and damsons; sea greens and blues; forest greens and autumn colours:coffees and chocolates;
Dislike yellow, navy blue and pink – and bright jewel and neon colours

Yarns I like: Bamboo, cotton, linen, soy, corn,  recycled sari silk
Can’t wear wool or other animal fibers as allergic to them – but I can knit for other people with them

Fabrics I like: I love cotton and linen.
Also Indian, Oriental or Asian fabrics (think Monsoon)

Other things:
Jewellery:
Silver (can’t wear gold tones), or bronze
I love semi-precious stones, ceramic and glass beads
My favourite stones at the moment are moonstone, amber, rhodolite garnet, kyanite and kunzite

Sizes:
I'm a big girl at the moment – due to having half my thyroid taken out a few years ago! I’m working on getting my figure back!!!
I have smallish hands.
size UK 6 / Europe 39 feet

Scents I like:
Natural ones – dislike artificial scents
Favourite scents – tangerine, lavender, juniper, ylang ylang, jasmine, sandalwood, vetivert, frankincense, myrrh, cedarwood,
Love Lush products and homemade bath / beauty products

Things I collect:
Christmas Ornaments from around the world (for my tree)
Old Venetian postcards
Old Welsh Lady postcards
Bookmarks

Things I would like to receive:
fq's; quilting stuff; altered art; knitted mittens, fingerless mitts, scarves, bags, jewellery; crochet scarves; bags - tote bags, project bags, knitting bags etc.; soaps; notebooks and journals; notelets; candles and candle holders; pens, pencils etc.; knitting and sewing notions; pincushions; bracelets; necklaces; wind chimes; scarf pins; needle roll; yarn; card-making stuff; craft stuff; garden stuff; incense; etc.
Always happy with stuff sent!

Things I wouldn’t like:
toys; ornaments (except Halloween / DOD ones); arigurumi; doilies; patchwork; hemp;
Anything cute, funny, miniature (e.g jars of whimsies), or too girly!
Cowls and neck warmers (as I have a thyroid scar and these often irritate it)

Favourite styles / Themes / animals:
Like flowers, especially lotuses and sunflowers
Leaves, trees and forest themes
Welsh Celtic goddesses, Greek and Roman goddesses, Scandinavian goddesses
pumpkins / vintage halloween
Snow, snowflakes, icicles, holly, ivy, mistletoe
Love moon gazing hares, crows and ravens and jackdaws,  bats, wolves, coyotes, geckos, bees, owls, bears, sea otters,

My totems:
My personal animal totems are a Wolf and Moon Gazing Hare
My personal bird totem is a Jackdaw (Crow / Raven)
My tree totem is Ash
My celtic animal totem is the Serpent
My chinese animal is the Rabbit / Hare

My favourite deities:
Buddhist female ones - especially White Tara
Welsh Celtic goddesses especially Cerridwen and Blodeuwedd
Morrigan
Scandinavian legendary goddesses such as Skadi and Eir
Greek / Roman goddesses such as Hecate, Hestia / Vesta

Other things I do:
I’m an avid reader - mainly classical literature, thrillers and urban fantasy books written by women, Buddhist books, holistic healing books, craft books, and history & mythology.
I'm also an increasingly keen gardener, especially vegetables, herbs and soft fruits.
I do yoga – trying to keep flexible if not thin!
I love walking – mainly with the dogs now, although I used to hill walk and hope to do so again once I get thinner / fitter
I enjoy wild swimming too – in the sea, rivers, lakes
I love bird / nature watching
Keen bread baker, cake maker, and love making jams and preserves.
Member of two local WIs (Women's Institute)
Speak some Welsh (trying to become more fluent) and learning Italian
Love camping and picnics
Love a variety of music from rock to classical -  an Opera addict, especially Puccini & Verdi
I'm a qualified holistic therapist in Reflexology, Aromatherapy Massage, Indian Head Massage and Reiki.

Favourite tastes!
Sweet: crystalised ginger; chocolate with nuts or nibs; handmade fudge; salted toffee & fudge, Oreo cookies; Halvah; Baklava; homemade jams and jellies

Savory: salted cashew nuts; mixed nuts and raisins; olives; chili crackers; Japanese Rice Crackers; homemade pestos and olive tapanades; homemade chutneys

Drinks: Black teas: Darjeeling, Russian Caravan; Chinese Rose Petal; Lapsang; Assam; Orange Pekoe; Spiced  Chai, etc.
Espresso coffee
Don't like many fruit / herb teas


I hope this helps you get some idea or me / my style!
Any questions, please ask ;0)

I'm always happy to swap and love what every anyone takes time to make for me ;0)