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!