My Kit

My kit from Violet DeVeela came yesterday!! Violet did an awesome job of spoiling me!! She sent so many wonderful things! The s'more goldfish didn't get far before my son and I opened them up!!

Here is a picture of every thing opened. Violet send me yarn to make Sheldon to study for Care of Magical Creatures. She also sent the goldfish and some gummy frogs that are also magical creatures.

Here is all the yummy Shine Sport to make Sheldon and a few of the other animal forms that Sheldon can use to disguise himself! There is also stuffing and eyes (so everything I need to create him!) I also got a yarn project container, which I love! And some post-it notes, which I cracked into right away too!

Violet sent me the Sheldon pattern and put the other Sheldon patterns on the flash drive. Plus she created a manual all about Sheldon, the forms he takes, his likes, etc! So creative!! She also send some camp and frog stickers for scrap booking!!

Violet also send Sheldon some socks (which my knitting group loved too!) and some stitch markers, a pair of earrings, and a shawl pin (which I have been wanting to get!)

Like I said, Violet did an awesome job spoiling me! She so deserves to win for Best Kit!!

I think I might

So I have decided to give kool-aid dying a try. I have been stalking the 'what a kool way to dye' group forever now. I got some grape, cherry, and tropical punch kool-aid today. I still want to find some pink, green, and blue kool-aid mixes... I will be sure to post pics when I get to dying (hopefully next week). I want to try a purple/blue mix for the first set of socks. If that works okay I get some more yarn and try some more... I think I see a new addiction forming!

Game Six

Potions in the Headmistresses Bag
1. Draught of Peace
2. Mandrake Restorative
3. Babbling Beverage
4. Murtlap Essence

Late as usual

So I feel as if I am always posting last minute. Things have been busy this summer with all the projects that I am working on and the cake decorating classes that I am taking. These are the cupcakes that I decorated this week.

The one thing that I am not behind on is Hexy's kit!! I am sending my owl off this morning!! I am really excited and nervous!!

HBP

I went to the 12:01 opening of the Half Blood Prince on Wednesday morning. The event was attended by many witches and wizards. It seems this is one of the few times we can get out in public and dress in robes with out muggles really noticing. Overall I really enjoyed the movie. There was, as everyone has said, a wonderful line where Dumbledore mentioned his love of knitting. Dumbledore happens to be my one of my favorite Hogwarts headmasters (nothing against Ms. Wartbobble). This movie had some wonderfully put together scenes. They removed much from the book though, for time. And kept the movie fairly simple in plot line. I can not wait to see the next movie in 2010! I hope it doesn't get pushed back like this one had!

Other than going to the HBP movie I have been attending a cake decorating class. Here is my first cake!!

Boggart Lesson

So this week we worked on casting the Riddikulus spell. My Boggart took the form of a spider. UGH! I really hates those. Here is what he turned into!

First lace

Things have slipped by me this week. I totally forgot to get my homework done (actually I thought I had done it but I hadn't, so I am posting it now!!).

This is what I was working on this week. My first lace shawl!! I used some sport weight yarn, so it was a really fast and easy project to complete. But I am still proud of myself for doing!! Now I am starting on a triangular lace scarf in some actual lace weight yarn. I didn't enjoy casting it on, but now that I am going it isn't too bad. I'll keep you all posted on my progress!!

In addition, I also have found quite a few goodies to put into Hexy's kit!! I really hope she enjoys everything!! I have been having fun getting it all together!

The truth behind 3 truths and a lie!

I am shocked no one guessed right. Okay not really, I tried to fool you and did! ;)
So on to what you are all dying to know.
1. Yes, I really was married at 18 (turned 19 the month I was married) and my muggle hubby and I going on 12 happy years next month.
2. I really am sad to say that I am under 5 feet tall. I am 4 feet 11 and 3/4 inches tall. I know, I usually round up. Don't check my drivers license out! ;)
3. This is the lie. Never had a broken bone, until last Saturday when I got my toe caught on one of my son's toys and fell. So now the doctor tells me I may have fractured the toe. But that will be the first broken bone ever for me.
4. Lastly, I never have had the chicken pox. I had a bit of a scare though when I was pregnant with my son. I have had the vaccination, but no one can seem to tell me if it took or not!
Thanks for playing!! I had fun sharing and getting to know all of you too!!

Week 1 Games

What's in my trunk?

1. Brand new socks!

2. Bird feathers from my owl (she is shedding)

3. Bunch of bananas

4. Book on ways to tame magical creatures

5. Beach ball (it is summer camp after all)

6. Borrowed movies to watch with my bunkmates

7. Broom (this is a nessecity for flying)

8. Blue yarn for the pinwheel blanket I am working on

9. Bertie Bott's every flavor beans

10. Butterbeer

WINGO

W-5: Andromeda Finch-Fletchley spins her own yarn

I-5: Violet Starfire is a fellow Hufflepuff, but she is in Ashwinder

N-5: Violet le Veela has taken a train to LA

G-5: Wisteria Lovegood can speak Arabic

O-5: Bevin Rae Mooney worked at a summer camp

Get to know my Spoiler and Spoilee

My spoiler (Violet le Veela) has made some beautiful socks (Tokena) which I fav'd

My spoilee (Hexy Elfshimmer) doesn't have any pics of projects up but just got back into knitting this year and started by knitting a dishcloth!

If you need WINGO info:

I have 4 younger brothers

I collect turtles

And I worked at a summer camp when I was in college!!

Good Luck!!

Summer Camp

Well, I am super excited to start summer camp!! The first thing we are participating in is three truths and a lie. So to all fellow HSKS8 players reading this good luck quessing!!!

Three Truths and a Lie

1. I got married at the age of 18.
2. I am under 5 feet tall.
3. I broke my leg jumping off the couch when I was 5.
4. I have never had the chicken pox.

Good luck!!

It's here!!

First, I wanted to let my fellow Hufflepuff's know that I spent last week in the infirmary. I can't seem to stay out of there this term, I don't know what is up with me.

This week is going much better. For starters, my kit from Callisto Verity came by owl today!! And what an awesome kit it is!!! Have a look!

Here is the beautiful bag she knitted for me!! I know Callisto has been really working hard on it! She has had a cast on her wrist for most of this term and went straight to work on it as soon as it came off! (I know I saw her in the infirmary when they were giving her bone strengthening serum.)

She even lined it in this beautiful denim blue!!! I love it!!

There was lots of yummy yarn inside!! Some Knit Picks Shine Worsted in house colors (maybe some worsted weight house socks to keep my feet warm this winter or some fingerless mitts... hmm) and my favorite, some Knit Picks Imagination in Evil Stepmother (perhaps they will become some Belatrix socks?) Callisto included two set of 47" Harmony needles for me for two at a time socks! And the tape measure that I have desperately needed forever now (my current one is years old and stretched out).


I also think Callisto has been taking classes in Occlemency... because she must have totally read my mind! I have been looking around for a notebook for my knitting and she personalized this wonderful notebook for me!! I couldn't have found anything better!! She also must know that I am a bit of a tree hugger, she found these wonderful colored pencils for me. How cool! She also made me these beautiful stitch markers which I so needed!! And a book on knitting fair isle socks!


Callisto also included package for my little wizard!! He was tickled and ran off to color in his new coloring book!! Not only did Callisto make my day but his too!! Thanks for such a wonderful package Callisto!!

Homework

Who gave Harry an enchanted mirror?
Sirius

Who said, “Imagine if something went wrong and we were stuck as specky, scrawny gits forever.”
Fred Weasley

Who said, “Are you planning to follow a career in Magical Law, Miss Granger?”
Scrimgeour

What is Ron’s middle name and what was he given in the Will?
Bilius and a deluminator


What does Hermione want to talk Mr Lovegood about and what is his first name.
She wants to ask him about the Deathly Hallows symbol. His first name is Xenophilius.


What is the name origin and what does it mean.
It comes from the word xenophile meaning a person who is attracted to that which is foreign.

Homework

1.James Potter and his friends have nicknames for each other - give three names and who they belong to.
James Potter was nicknamed Prongs, Sirius Black was Padfoot, Remus Lupin was Moony, and Peter Pettigrew was Wormtail.

2. What are the three Deathly Hallows?
The Elder Wand, the Resurrection Stone, and the Cloak of Invisibility

3. What are the four items that belong to the founders of the houses at Hogwarts?
Godric Gryffindor has a goblin made sword, Helga Hufflepuff has a magical, golden cup, Salazar Slytherin has a locket, and Rowena Ravenclaw has a diadem.

4. What is the Hogwarts Motto?
Never tickle a sleeping dragon

5. What is the Hogwarts school song (Book 1)?
Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hoggy Warty Hogwarts,
Teach us something, please,
Whether we be old and bald
Or young with scabby knees,
Our heads could do with filling
With some interesting stuff,
For now they're bare and full of air,
Dead flies and bits of fluff,
So teach us things worth knowing,
Bring back what we've forgot,
Just do your best, we'll do the rest,
And learn until our brains all rot.

6. What does O.W.L. stand for?
Ordinary Wizarding Levels

7. What exams do Hogwarts students take at the end of their 7th year?
N.E.W.T.’s

8. What form does Snape's Patronus take?
A Doe

9. Who takes over teaching divination after Trelawney is sacked by Delores Umbridge (Book 6)? Firenze

10. Who is Elanor Cadogan's boyfriend? What is his brother's name?
Apparently Dean and Sam… Did I miss something

I, as most witches, have a cat. I bring this up because it has been a hard week for my kitty. Last week, while I was out, my cat lost a tooth. My roommate was home and he told me about what happened. Well, I took him to the vet (as muggles call them) and found out he had also lost a lot of weight. There was concern something else was wrong with him. So, today he went back for blood work and I am happy to say that he is healthy except for have horrible teeth. While my kitty was at the vet he also had his teeth cleaned and lost two more teeth. So now he is at home resting (all doped up on his pain meds). I am relieved that he is well, but hoping for a speedy recovery for my little furred sweetie. I'll post a pic of him when he is not quite so loopy.

On a good note, I am almost finished with my spoilee's bag.....

quidditch

1. On which day did the Order of the Phoenix come to get Harry?
c. Saturday

2. During all this chaos with Voldemort and the Death Eaters, people still had lives to live and Ron's oldest brother, Bill decided to marry Fleur Delacour? Who were the uninvited guests at Bill and Fleur's wedding?
b. Death Eaters

3. Voldemort had seven Horcruxes hidden in different places. Six of them were hidden at the Gaunt shack, Hogwarts, a cave, inside Harry, inside his snake, Nagini and Tom Riddles Diary. Did Voldemort hide the last Horcrux inside the Malfoy's vault at Gringotts?
b. No

4. Why did the Dumbledore's move to Godric's Hollow?
c. The father went to Azkaban

5. Harry and Hermione read a part of "Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore," written by Rita Skeeter. Then they met Dumbledore's brother Abeforth and he told them the same story, just with a few details changed. Which of the following did Aberforth and Rita Skeeter agree on about Dumbdore's past?
b. That Dumbledore was friends with Grindelwald for a while.

6. When Harry and Hermione visit Godric's Hollow, they visit the graveyard to see Harry's parent's graves. Harry walks by a tombstone that we later learn belong to one of "The Three Brothers'. The brother buried there once owned what?
b. The cloak

7. The Trio finds out that Luna had been kidnapped by the Death Eaters , and that they won't give her back until they got Harry Potter. Why did they kidnap Luna?
a. Her father sided with Harry and Dumbledore

8. After Voldemort killed Snape, he left the room and Harry came out from under the cloak. Snape gave Harry some of his memories all the way from when he was a child to just months before. Harry dived into the Pensieve and which of the following did he not see?
c. Snape and Lily having fun in a potions class

9. On the search of the Lost Diadem, Harry finally gets to talk to the Gray Lady. Who was the Gray Lady when she was alive?
c. Helena Ravenclaw.

10. Which of these is not one of Harry or Ron's children?
d. Victoria

Picture Scavenger Hunt

Ron

Luna












Snape

Lily

Godric's Hollow

Homework

1) Who likes TeaPots and cat toys?
Chrysta the Cursed

2) Who wants Polyjuice so they can have Cullen Eyes?
Cliodna Trelawney wants Cullen Eyes yarn

3) Who wants postcards and a hardcover book?
Elladora Madley wants postcards from her swapmates part of the world and a hardcover copy of HP1.

4) Who wants silky terrier? It is not a type of wool but a _____.
Headmistrss Wartbobble wants one, but I worry the owl might now want to transport the cute puppy!

5) Who would like a wicked necklace and bloody stupid jonhsan hat?
Felly Pinkstone

6) Who never had anything made for her?
Violet Starfire

7) Who learned how to knit with Maya and Soren?
Kaae and her cousin Maya learned to knit from Soren.

8) Who is Pretty as a Peacock Pattern?
Lily May Clearwater wants this shawl pattern.

9) Who does Fair Isle mittens and Tea for Toe up socks?
Mafalda Grubbly-plank asked for these things.

10) Who likes Cinnamon flavored coffee?
Antomio dela Weasley is a coffee drinker and cinnamon is the only flavored coffee he likes.

11) Who likes clever storage systems and mysteries?
Mantacora Crimson likes these things.

12) Who wants World Peace and Wool Wash?
Violette Black

13) Whose Ancient Runes notebook holds the secret of Moonstone earrings?
Mona Ravenscroft

14) Whose dog is on a low protein diet?
Selina Starfire asked for low protein dog treats for her dog.

15) Who does not have much of a ‘stash’ and favorite scent is Pine trees?
Sian Doge

16) When you go to her wish list, you find yourself surfing the net?
Suzie Weasley's wish list is all links.

17) Who really, REALLY misses Hawkins Cheezies, Big Turk chocolate bars?
Ursala Longbottom wants someone from Canada to send her these.

18) Who likes pencilthings and rosewood?
Elanor Cadogan wants fruit shaped erasers for her pencils and likes rosewood scents.

19) Russian nesting dolls and cute stationary are on this list.
Winifred Hornswaggle

20) Who likes the Seven Dwarves and the Evil Stepmother?
This is me! I asked for some Knit Picks Imagination yarn and these are the names of the colorways! ;)

Well, I am ready for things to calm down a bit around here. This past week was really busy for me and of course I had lots of homework this week.
Last weekend we all went to Hogsmeade. I was still sick from the muggle cold I got from some muggle root beer that I got off the Weasley's. I knew there must have been something wrong with it, but the Weasley twins assured me that it would just give me a few hiccups and I am such a lover of muggle root beer that I didn't really care much. Until I caught the muggle cold that is. UGH!
So, when we went to Hogsmeade last weekend I didn't really get to do much. I did stop off at Honeydukes, where I bought a box of chocolates from Ambrosius. You really can't get homemade chocolates like that anywhere else. She even through in some extra caramel centered ones when I told her why I was so sick.
After I left Honeydukes I headed over to the Three Broomsticks. I hung out there for the rest of the evening with the other Hufflepuffs and drank some butterbeers. Elanor let me leave early and head back up to Hogwarts by myself. I ended up eating a couple of chocolates and going to sleep early.
The next morning I felt so much better when I got up. I really think that Ambrosius put something in those caramel chocolates to make me feel better. Good thing too, because I had so much stuff to get finished for my classes this week!! I'll have to be sure to ask Ambrosius what went into those chocolates!!
Hopefully, the next trip to Hogsmead will go a lot better for me!!

Quidditch

Trivia

1. What momentous event was the reason that the members of the Order of the Phoenix felt it necessary to move Harry out of the Dursley’s house?
d. Harry’s upcoming birthday
2. Who revealed the actual date of Harry’s transfer to Voldemort, despite the misinformation the Order had been spreading around that the move would occur on the eve of his actual birthday?
b. Snape
3. With the use of Polyjuice Potion (and to confuse any possible attack by Death Eaters), six member of the Order were disguised as Harry and escorted out of Privet Drive, along with the real Harry. Which member of the order did not survive that night?
a. Mad-Eye Moody
4. Who informed Harry, Ron and Hermione of the bequests left to them in Dumbledore’s will?
d. Rufus Scimgeour
5. During the wedding celebration for Bill and Fleur, Kingsley Shacklebolt sent a Patronus to tell the guests that the Ministry had fallen, Scrimgeour (the Minister) was dead and the wedding celebration was about to be attacked by Death Eaters. What form did the Patronus take?
a. A lynx
6. Escaping from the wedding to London, our three friends found themselves confronted by a pair of Death Eaters, disguised as workmen. This close brush impressed on them the need to find someplace to hide. Where did they decide to go?
b. Sirius Black’s house
7. Kreacher’s animosity towards Harry, Ron and especially Hermione (a Mudblood) was well documented in book five, “The Order of the Phoenix.” His initial interaction with them showed that his attitude had not changed. How did they win him over?
d. By giving him Regulus Black’s old locket
8. Who did they eventually find was in possession of the locket/Horcrux?
d. Dolores Umbridge
9. What did Harry find embedded in the door of Umbrdige’s office?
a. Moody’s magical eye
10. After retrieving the Horcrux, they tried to return to their safe place but they were pursued (actually Yaxley tagged along when they disapparated). This meant that the Death Eaters knew their hiding place and they had to go somewhere else. Where did Hermione take them?
d. To the site of the Quidditch World Cup

Picture scavenger hunt

Mad-Eye Moody

Nyphadora Tonks

George Weasley

The Dursley's House

Kreacher

What a busy week! I finally finished one pair of socks today. They were knit 2 at a time on one needle in some fab sport weight Tuscan Grove yarn in Ohio State colors (a muggle college). The pattern is called Campfire Socks and I used a round toe instead of the standard one. I am sad to be finished with them, even though I have been working on them forever!

I also got lots done on my kit for my spoilee! I still have lots to do, but I finished one item for the kit earlier this week and then got something else for it today!! I really am getting so excited about getting to all together. I can't wait to get it Belladonna and see what she thinks of everything!!

Well, I am off to rest now. I have a bit of a cold (probably from the Weasley twins giving me one of their concoctions!)

Homework

1. Do you knit or crochet?
I knit.
How long have you been at your craft?
For a little over a year now.
2. Do you spin?
No.
3. Are there any other crafts that you participate in?
I started scrapbooking a few years ago, but haven't done anything in about 2 years. It has been hard to get all the supplies out with a toddler. I think I'll try doing some digital scrapbooks some time in the future.
4. What are your favorite yarns/fibers?
I love local hand dyed wools. I am using some Tuscan Grove sock yarns right now. They are local to central Ohio. Their merino is so soft! I also love Malabrigo and would die to get my hands on some of their sock yarn!
5. What are your LEAST favorite yarns/fibers?
I didn't really like this cotton/silk blend yarn I used for a shrug. It shed like crazy. I also am not the biggest fan of knitting with 100% acrylic. I have used Encore for blankets and some winter wear when I started knitting. Though I have found it doesn't wash up the best long term.
6. Are there any types/brands of yarn that you are dying to work with but haven’t gotten a chance?
Lots! Malabrigo sock yarn, Dream in Colors Smooshy, and Knit Picks Imagination! I also would love to try some Socks that Rock sock yarn in Medium Weight. I did just get a kit with the Heavy Weight yarn for the Funky Sock Monkey, but would love to try their yarn for socks.
7. What are you currently working on?
Lot and lots. I am finishing up a class on two socks on one circ, so I have two pairs of those with one almost finished (the socks for hubby). Some ankle socks for my mom. An elephant for my son. Plus a moebius wrap for me which I was half way done with yesterday just to realize it was too small! UGH!
8. Are their any knitting/crochet techniques that you would like to learn?
I love learning about socks. I am planning on taking Cat Bordhi's new pathways class at the Knitters Connection this summer. I would love to knit an easier toe up sock. I need to learn new cast on methods, since I only know the knit cast on and the long tail cast on. Plus I can not seam anything to save my life!!
9. Do you have a yarn winder and/or a swift?
No but I would love to get my hands on a winder!!!!
10. Where/how to you keep you needles/hooks?
The Knit Picks Harmony set is in the case it came with and I add supplies to that all the time. All my other needles are in a bag and I need to put them in the case I have.
11. Do you like sweets? What are your favorites?
I love sweets! I love dark chocolates, caramel, M&M's, and gummy bears/worm types of candy too!
12. Are you having a birthday during this swap?
Nope.

First week

Well, the first week of classes are over! Things started out with a bang this term. I celebrated my start at Hogwarts by attending both of the opening feasts! I met lots of students and had lots of yummy food and drink! My classes have been keeping me busy. I am taking Care of Magical Creatures with Hagrid, DADA, History of Hogwarts, and Potions this term. I think I did okay brewing my first potion this week (at least I didn't blow anything up, right?) I also have been working on making a magical creature which I hope to get completed soon to send home to the little wizard. I also am trying to use my spells to conjure some more socks. I'll be sure to post lots of pics when they are complete. (Hopefully something will get done by next week!)

In other news, I got the brochure for the Knitters Connection that will be taking place in June and back home in Columbus, Ohio. Hopefully I will get to take a class with the famous Cat Bordhi!

House Quiz

1) When did you first learn to knit - who taught you, how did you learn, what was your first project?

I guess I should start by saying that years ago I tried to teach myself to knit. But it never worked. I always ended up getting and inch or so into a garter stitch scarf and giving up. It seemed too hard. Then when my little wizard was born, a friend made him a blanket. I was in awe! As the little wizard got bigger he liked the handmade blanket the best and my friend was encouraging me to try knitting. So in January of last year I finally decided to find someplace to take a class and learn. I went to the LYS and took a class. I was so impatient to make something I couldn't wait until the end of the class to start. I would do my homework (swatching patterns) and work on a project. My first was a stockinette stitch hat with a rolled brim worked in the round. Once I finished with that I made a ribbed scarf to go with it. I was addicted and haven't put down those needles since!

Starting Hogwarts

I am so excited today! I got my invite to sign up at Hogwarts a few weeks ago and the day to move into the dorms is finally here! I have been busy packing my books, wand, cauldron, and robes today. I have to hurry because I need to be at Platform 9 and 3/4 at 1pm (EST) today! Plus, I still need to get an owl before I have to leave too!
I would love to get into Hufflepuff House. The only thing is that I hear they are a little short on house elves in there. I will have to learn some cleaning charms when I move in. Otherwise my room will be a big mess and my new roommate will hate me!!
Well, I am off to finish buying the rest of my supplies at Diagon Alley! Hopefully Eeylops still has some nice owls left!! I so would love a snowy one!