Sock-ret Pal Questionnaire!

The basics:
How long have you been knitting? Since I was 4 or 5… it’s been a while!
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? Well, whenever I knit in my sleep, I make mistakes, so I guess that makes me an intermediate.

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. I wear a size 8.5 shoe, and my socks are 9 inches from the toe to the heel. I have a wide foot.

(fiber related) Favorites:
What colors do you love? Purples, lavenders, mauves, greens, blues, burgundies: more muted than clear, but just about anything in those color ranges.
Do you prefer solids or variegated? No preference, but I do have a “thing” for self-striping yarn. :)
What fibers do you most love to knit with? I like wool and other animal fibers, but really just about anything.
Who do you consider your favorite yarn vendors? No preference: there are a lot of wonderful sources out there! I do enjoy using sock yarns from smaller, regional sources whenever I can.
What projects (other than socks, of course) do you most enjoy knitting? I nearly always have a more complex lace project on the needles. Right now, it’s (still) the long-suffering Peacock Shawl. And there are a couple of Christmas stockings in the works, too . . . but those are still socks, huh?

(fiber related) Dislikes:
What fibers can you not stand to knit with? “Hard” or rough fibers – but then who does? To wear? Same
What colors would you never wear? I look hideous in orange, yellow, and white.

The Tools:
Plastic or Metal? Bamboo or wood? I used to knit socks with bamboo 0’s, but they broke all the time. Then I discovered Knit Picks nickel plated, sharp-pointed dpns and I love them!
Circs or Straights? I use circulars for everything but socks.
DPNs or Magic Loop? DPNs
Are there any knitting accessories you don't have in your collection but would like? I am a gadget collector, and can always use something fun! Since I have several projects going at once, duplicates are never a problem.

The Extras:
Do you have a wish list? If so, please share the link! No wish lists.
Do you like sweet, sour or salty? Yes.
Do you have any allergies your pal should know about? (Certain foods, smoke, pet hair, etc) I don’t care for smoke.
Favorite scents? Scents you can't stand? I love vanilla and lavender ( not necessarily at the same time, though!)
Do you collect anything (other than yarn and knitting toys of course)? Well, there are the frogs…
When is your birthday? (month and day is fine!) June 19
Do you spin? Dye your own yarn? Nope and nope.
Your favorite author/band/vacation spot, anything you think will help your pal know you better... I am definitely a Harry Potter / Lord of the Rings/ Memoirs of a Geisha /English classics fan – both books and movies. I love BBC costume dramas and Battlestar Galactica. I don't watch too much network TV, except for HGTV -- hooked on "House Hunters"! Music-wise, I like classic long-hair, classic rock, and lots of new stuff and stuff in between. I'm very eclectic there.