Prometheus Found!

When Tia, my Slytherin upstream partner for HSKS 6, told me that her owl Prometheus was on his way (and to watch out for his snipping!), I was super excited! I was hoping it would arrive on Friday, but alas, that was not the case. On Saturday, I headed out to Berryville to visit my mom and the rest, so I wasn't going to be there to watch the skies. Sure enough, when I arrived home Sunday morning, there was Prometheus, patiently wating with my package by my front door!

Well, after carefully extracting the package from his talons (and avoiding his beak!), I opened a WONDEROUS package! Tia, all I can say is WOW! You are a thoughtful and VERY talented spoiler and I am lucky to have had you! :) So, take a moment to take a gander at all that Tia has sent me.

First, a picture of all the nicely wrapped gifts just for me.

Next, all of the gifts unwrapped and fabulous!

Next, here is a close up of the AMAZING Ravenclaw Tia made (she even made up the design herself!). This bag truly blows me away. I'm impressed with anyone who can do color work and this bag is a great example of it. :) The bag is also lined, which I now know I really need to learn how to do!

The next handmade item was a super cute Ravenclaw sock ornament for my tree So cute! I'm looking forward to putting it on my tree this year. :)

I think this next item is one of my fave gifts EVER! As many of you know, one of Tia's many hobbies is caligraphy. Well, I was hoping that I would be gifted with an example of her talent and boy howdy was I! She made a great notebook for me! She even wrote out my schedule for me inside. I LOVE this book and will treasure it always! :)

She also made me so handmade stitch markers. The little charms on the ends say things like "peace", "dream", "believe" and "hope". They're in the Ravenclaw colors and are VERY pretty!

Here is the great Cascade 220 yarn that she also sent. A really pretty blue and grey-ish/beige-ish color. Together they'll make a great Ravenclaw item.

And finally, here is a close up of the little extras she sent. I got three fabulous bookmarks (which is great because I'm usually reading that many different books at the same time!). Some Mary Kay chapstick, some Crystal Palace size US 8 straights (my FAV needles). I also got a blue pencil that looks like it was made out of a piece of wood, along with a red pen so I can edit my potions papers! Oh, and I didn't get this in a close up, but she sent me not one, not TWO, but THREE boxes of Mike&Ike's, the BEST candy ever!

So, as you can clearly see, Tia has been a great spoiler and I am a VERY lucky Ravenclaw witch! :) Thank you SO much, Tia, you're the best!

Round 3 of Quidditch

Ok, the third and FINAL round of Quidditch is on Sunday, which of course means it's time for a new trivia quiz. So, here it is in all its final glory! :)

1. Who was Tom Riddle Sr.'s girlfriend before Merope gave him the love potion?
a. Eleanor
b. Cecilia
c. Sally
d. Mandy

2. What does Luna say floated into Harry's ear when he was in the train car that supposedly caused him to lose focus?
a. Demiguise
b. Jobberknoll
c. Wrackspurt
d. Runespoor

3. How much do the primary Apparition lessons cost?
a. 10 galleons
b. 8 galleons
c. 15 galleons
d. 12 galleons

4. What is Professor Merrythought's first name?
a. Eileen
b. Galatea
c. Carol
d. Jocelyn

5. What Hogwarts club was Eileen Prince captain of?
a. Charms Club
b. Gobstones Club (well, team actually)
c. The Slug Club
d. Occlumency Club

6. Who is head of the Goblin Liaison office?
a. Ambrosius Flume
b. Dirk Cresswell
c. Ciceron Harkiss
d. Barnabas Cuffe

7. Mrs. Weasley offers Fleur a goblin-made tiara for the wedding with Bill. What family member is currently in possession of the tiara?
a. Aunt Muriel
b. Aunt Ethel
c. Aunt Edna
d. Aunt Thelma

8. How many points does Snape take from Gryffindor for Harry's late arrival and muggle attire?a. 30
b. 70
c. 50
d. 90

9. When Profressory Slughorn first meets Hermione, he asks her whether she is related to Hector Dagworth-Granger. What society did Dagworth-Granger found?
a. The Most Extraordinary Society of Charms
b. The Most Extraordinary Society of Herbology
c. The Most Extraordinary Society of the Defense Against the Dark Arts
d. The Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers

10. Which of these describes Golpalott's Third Law?
a. The antidote for blended poison will be equal to less than the sum of the antidotes for each of the separate components
b. The antidote for a blended poison will be equal to less than the product of the antidotes for each of the separate components
c. The antidote for a blended poison will be equal to more than the product of the antidotes for each of the separate components
d. The antidote for a blended poison will be equal to more than the sum of the antidotes for each of the separate components

Life outside of knitting

So, I really DO have a life outside of knitting and now that I am between swaps, I can catch you all up on it.

First off, the big news. I'm MOVING at the end of the month. I'm very excited because I get to live in Arlington which will allow me to start taking the Metro again. Since my office will pay up to $110 a month in Metro fees, this is pretty much free for me. I did have to revisit my budget though since rent in the new place is higher than my current home, but after giving some luxury things up and moving some payments around, I'll be able to swing it just fine. I did a major clean/purge/pack this weekend and discovered that I don't have nearly as much stuff as I thought I did. I'm wondering if I'm missing something or maybe I didn't unpack everything the last time I moved... either way, it means fewer boxes that had to be boxed up, which means less to move come the day.

In other, sadder, news, a couple of people were laid off at my office. It was such a shock because we're a small office (staff wise) to begin with and I thought we were pretty much as lean as we could get without sacrificing the quality of the work. Turns out I was wrong. I only started here in April, but I was really sad to see the two go. One of them just had a baby and the other is just out of college. It's so sad! On the other hand, I'm greatful that they didn't adhere to the old adage "last hired, first fired" because then I would be the one out of a job! Oh well... I'm just going to focus on doing the best job I can and pray that this economic crisis ends soon!

I've started my Christmas shopping and list making. I have quite a few hand knitted (see, can't keep knitting out COMPLETELY!) items on my list, but they're small and hopefully with the week off for Thanksgiving I can get many of them done. I'm doing the Utopia hat for a couple of friends, a basket weave scarf for my brother and the Irish Hiking Scarf (Ravelry link) for my BIL. This might actually become the hat version of the pattern if the scarf is taking too long! Some hairbands for my nieces, a pair of Fetchings for my mom and some cup cozies for my dad and stepmom. So, yeah.... LOTS of knitting to get started on!

And on that note, I head to the needles! :)

SP13 Questionnaire

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I like just about everything. Ella Rae Classic and Cascade 220 are my go-to yarns. I'm not a big fan of acrylic and novelty yarnds though.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? Right now I'm using a small LYS
bag... I really need to get something better.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I learned about 3.5 years ago, but only recently started really getting into it. I would put my skill level at advanced beginner.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? I have a very old and outdated Amazon wish list under my email address: ashley dot cavell at gmail dot com.

5. What's your favorite scent? My fav perfume is Happy by Clinique. I really like light and citrusy scents.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? I do have a sweet tooth. I like chocolate, but I'm trying to eat more fruity/chewy candies, like twizzlers, starbursts and skittles. My favorite sweet though are Peanut Butter M&Ms. :)

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD). I like singer/songwriters like Jason Mraz, KT Tunstall, Duffy, James Morrison and the like. Andy yes, I am MP3 ready.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? My favs are blues/greens/greys. But I really cannot STAND oranges and some yellows.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I'm a single lady with no aminals. Wow... that sounds a little sad.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? I am more inclined to wear hats and scarves. I do not wear ponchos at all.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? I love to knit hats, dishcloths, and bags/purses. I'm really into felting right now.

13. What are you knitting right now? I'm working on my Christmas gifts right now. A pair of fetchings, scarves, hats and cup cozies.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? I love receiving handmade gifts.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I prefer circulars and LOVE my Denise Interchangables! So, plastic is favorable, but I also like bamboo.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? I do not, but my roommate does so I'm fortunate enough to be able to use hers.

17. How old is your oldest UFO? My oldest UFO is the basic sweater I started in September of 2005.

18. What is your favorite holiday? What winter holiday do you observe? My fav holiday is 4th of July because I LOVE fireworks.

19. Is there anything that you collect? Do books count? I really can't say no to books.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? I have bought Knit Picks Harmony needles for others, but have not yet tried them myself, so would LOVE that. I have only recently REALLY gotten into knitting, so don't own any books or subscribe to any magazines.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? I would LOVE to learn Magic Loop!

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? I am in the learning stage still of sock knitting. I wear a size 8.5 shoe.

23. When is your birthday? December 22

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID? dramaqt99

Super Secret, Super Fabulous, Quiz!

1. Astrid Cloverleaf
2. Cassandra Grubbly-Plank
3. Enna Kirts
4. Slena Starfire
5. Henry Longstaff
6. Ceciley Fortescue
7. Mona Ravenscroft
8. Argentia Pascal
9. Prendolyn Wilcox
10. Lizzie Wychwood
11. Ursula Longbottom
12. Rowena Weasley
13. Aurora Curlyfur
14. Lily May Clearwater
15. Megaera Black

Bonus #1. Hermione Bagnold (aka Smileynetta)
Bonus #2. Less than half.

Shipping Queen! (And a Witch of a Hat Update)

I don't mean to sound cocky or anything, but I really am a bit of a shipping QUEEN! Since I have started participating in swaps I have been to the post office more times than I ever have before! Yesterday was my favorite day though. I mailed two swap packages. One to Kristin (aka Thomasina Riddle), my downstream partner in the HSKS 6 swap. The other was to Stephanie, my downstream partner in the Fall Starbucks & Yarn swap. I am very proud of myself for getting both pakages out before the early ship deadline. It means extra points for the Ravenclaw House (HSKS 6) and the House Blend (FS&Y). Go me!

In other, sadder, news, my witch's hat arrived from Draco on Wednesday. A full day before mine landed on his doorstep. As you can see from the picture, it is a very lovely shade of blue and flops on my head beautifully. If I had to go out, at least I went out in style! Thanks, Draco!

That's a brief update for now. I have other things to catch you all up on, but I'll save that for a later date. TTFN! :)

A Witch of a Hat

As some of you may know, I am participating in HSKS 6. Well, as part of that, I am also participating in the Dueling Club. I get paired off with a fellow Hogwarts student and the goal is to get a knitted item to them as quickly as possible. Whoever gets a hat first "dies" and is eliminated from the competition. It's been a lot of fun so far and I've gotten further than I thought I would. I even made a hat in a 24 hour time period. I was definitely starting to feel a little cocky!


Well, the most recent round had me battling Draco Firewalker. We were challenged to make an actual Witch's/Wizard's hat. This hat was indeed a challenge. It was one of the most TEDIOUS projects I've ever done. It's a top down hat and you increased the width by adding ONE stitch to the end of ever row. Just ONE stitch! And the pattern doesn't tell you which way to add the extra stitch, so I chose the kfb way. Added a nice spiral to the overall hat. Well, I spend ALL day Saturday knitting and ended with 97 stitched (after starting with 4!). I thought I was going along at a good pace. Well, I wasn't able to spend all day Sunday on it like I would have liked because I had weekend errands and chores to do. And sure enough, Draco was able to pull ahead and was able to mail it on Monday. I on the other hand wasn't able to mail until Tuesday. As his arrived in Virginia, mine LEFT Virginia. So, I'll probably get my hat today while his won't arrive until tomorrow. Bummer!

P.S. Draco, if you read this, could you please take a picture of the finished hat? I only got a few of the hat in progress and was in too much a hurry to get it mailed to remember to take a picture of it. Thanks!

Pretty brown packages, all tied up with strings!

These really ARE a few of my favorite things. :) And I've received TWO in the past week or so. One contained my demise in the Hat Attack II competition and the other was my Ravenclaw Trick Or Treat Mini Swap. Both were welcomed with open arms and are much appreciated.

First, we have my package from Emily, which contained my pretty hat of death. She was also kind enough to include some yummy chocolate and candy to soften the blow.

And here is a photo of just the hat. I've written about how difficult this pattern was. Emily's hat was SPOT on! And it's such a pretty combination of dark green and a corally pink!

The next package to arrive was from Arriana Stylos, a fellow Ravenclaw. Her task was to send me a trick, a treat and a Ravenclaw themed item. As you can see below, she did FANTASTICALLY! She sent me some super soft Twinkle Toes yarn in a very pretty light blue color way -- what a treat! For my trick she hid some spiders (of the plastic variety) within the yarn -- what a fright! For the Ravenclaw item she sent me a sticker of the Ravenclaw crest. She also included some yummy chocolate gold coins (both a trick AND a treat!). Thank you again Arriana!

RH Quiz #2

I. What security question does Mr. Weasley ask Mrs. Weasley before he enters the Burrow? What is the answer? Q: “What is my name for you in private?” A: “Mollywobbles”

II. What two names does Mrs. Cole call Dumbledore when she takes him to see Tom Riddle at the orphanage? Mr. Dumberton and Dunderbore.

III. What is the name of Ginny's Pygmy Puff? Arnold

IV. What three D's are needed for apparating? Destination, determination and deliberation.

V. What spell did Harry perform when he was attacked by Dementors? The Patronus Charm.

VI. Who did an arrow salute at Dumbledore's funeral? The centaurs.

VII. What did Dumbledore set on fire to prove to Tom Riddle that he was a wizard? Tom's wardrobe.

VIII. What Christmas present did Kreacher give Harry? A box of maggots.

IX. What is on top of the Weasleys' Christmas tree? A garden gnome.

X. What was the most popular item at Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes? Nosebleed Nougats

XI. Why did Harry threaten to kick Ron off the Griffindor Quidditch team? Because he was being a real jerk to most of the team… just goes to show that attitude IS key! :)

XII. What happens if you break an Unbreakable Vow? You die.

XIII. Who did Hermoine go to Slughorn's party with? Cormac McLaggen

XIV. Who is Mrs. Weasley's favorite singer? Celestina Warbeck

XV. Who are the only two people who know the full contents of the prophecy made about Harry and Lord Voldemort? Dumbledore and Harry.

Back from Bean Town

Last week I was up in Boston for a conference. The conference was ok... found a few possible speakers, heard presentations on things I only KIND of understand and met a few cool people. All in all it was a success.

This was, I think, my fourth time visiting Boston. I love this town! I really think that if I ever moved away from the DC area, it would be to move to Boston. It appeals to my love of history and tradition (which is also why I love living in the DC area!). Unfortunately, the cost of living is about the same as here, but salaries aren't. So, I'll content myself with the occasional visit. Below are a few pics from this visit.

First, here is Trinity Church and its reflection in the Hancock Building.

And another picture of Trinity Church and the Hancock Building. What I like the most about this is the contrast of the centuries old church and the modern skyscraper. The mix of the old and the new. I love that!

My hotel was very close to the Boston Public Gardens. I snuck out during a break and grabbed some shots.

The first is a shot of the Lagoon as the sun was setting.

Next is a statue of George Washington. I have to wonder if EVERY city has a statue of him...

Here we have another shot of the lagoon. This time I was trying to capture the pretty fall foilage.

People crossing the bridge on their way home from work or back to their hotels.

Another shot of the bridge, but from a distance. I'm loving the fall colors and the wheeping willow!

Woo hoo! It's Make Way for Ducklings! It's a popular children's story that I was introduced to on my first trip to Boston. I was excited to see this statue of them!

Finally, we have Julie and Jenny. We were all at the conference by ourselves and decided to hang out together. So, of course, I had to get a picture to add to my blog!

And so ends my trip to Boston. I was happy to get home just in time for the weekend. I can't wait to go back. Maybe this time it'll be for vacation rather than business! Here's hoping! :)

Quidditch Round 2!

Ok, it's time for the 2nd round of Quidditch. I just know that the Ravenclaws are going to find that snitch first this time! Soar, Claws, soar!

1. What animal does the portrait in the Muggle Prime Minster’s office resemble?
a. Rat
b. Frog
c. Cat
d. Lion

2. What drink does Romilda Vane try to give Harry?
a. Gillywater
b. Butterbeer
c. Pumpkin Juice
d. Elf-Made Wine

3. What is the name of the person who heads the Holyhead Harpies?
a. Gwenog Smith
b. Gwenog Jones
c. Glen Jones
d. Glen Smith

4. How many ‘Exceeds Expectation’ grades does Harry receive in his O.W.L’s?
a. 6
b. 3
c. 5
d. 4

5. What is Professor Sughorn’s favorite candy?
a. Cockroach Clusters
b. Sherbet Lemon
c. Acid Pops
d. Crystallized Pineapple

6. What tattoo is Harry reported to have on his chest?
a. Mermaid
b. Blast Ended Skrewt
c. Hippogriff
d. Unicorn

7. What color robes do the staff at the Weasley’s shop wear?
a. Buttercup
b. Magenta
c. Royal Blue
d. Aqua

8. What is the man outside Flourish and Blotts selling?
a. Amulets
b. Cloaks
c. Wands
d. Hats

9. How much is the skull, which Hermione enquires about at Borgin and Burkes, worth?
a. 9 Galleons
b. 18 Galleons
c. 16 Galleons
d. 12 Galleons

10. What are Professor Slughorn’s initials?
a. H.F.G.
b. H.E.F. (S.)
c. H.A.L.
d. H.K.D.

Favorite Character: Remus Lupin

Favorite Magical Creature: Hedwig, no one can argue that she was no regular owl!

Charming Chums Photo Hunt

OK, all of Ravenclaw was challenged to find a few items for a photo scavenger hunt, created by Olive. My fellow roommmates and I banded together under the Charming Chums banner and with a tape measure in hand, went out in search of the items. Below is a pictoral list of the items that I was able to come across. Here's hoping that Emma and Molly were able to find the same group of items so we can get the most points possible!

Starting with the upper left photo:

1. Diadem

2. Raven feather

3. House socks

4. Lucky potion (Felix Felicis)

5. Used textbook

6. Broom

7. Horcrux (Slytherin locket)

8. Tree changing seasons

9. Engagement ring

10. Muggle artifact (Electrical outlet)

11. Magical creature

Darn the Luck!

So, this past weekend was the first really nice fall weekend and I miss out due to a cold. I know that it's never CONVENIENT to be sick, but some times are better than others, you know. For example, I would not have minded so much to be stuck inside recovering if it were gray and cold and gross out. Instead, it's my stupid luck to be sick the first truly fabulous fall weekend. And to top it off, I had to watch as my fellow Ravenclaw housemates took their first trip to Hogsmeade! No butterbeer at The Three Broomsticks, no getting scared at The Shreaking Shack. I even missed out on getting a few things from Zonkos to get back at those mischievous Slytherins! And to make this weekend even MORE of a bust, I was really too tired to do much knitting and lord knows I have enough of it. Oh and then there was the lack of picture taking for the Photo Scavenger Hunt. But that's ok since I have until Wednesday to get that completed. Here's hoping!

Oh well, I'm over the worst of the cold, so it's back to work for me! Talk to you all again soon!

Ravenclaw Quiz #1

House Quiz

1. What potion has the strange side effects of excessive singing and nose-tweaking?
Elixir to Induce Euphoria

2. What ingredient can be used to counteract the effect of the above side effects?
Peppermint

3. How much can you get for Acromantula venom?
100 Galleons per pint

4. What is the most powerful love potion in the world?
Amortentia

5. What antidote does Harry use to help Ron when he is poisoned by Madam Rosmerta's finest mead?
Bezoar

6. How does Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes' Owl Order Service get their potions past the security at Hogwarts to their customers?
Disguises them in perfume bottles and other innocuous items.

7. What did Draco Malfoy make in Potions class when Professor Slughorn assigned them to make something amusing?
Hiccoughing Elixir

8. What spells will not work in an area affected by Instant Darkness Powder?
Common light spells, such as Lumos

9. What are the ingredients for the Draught of Living Death?
Asphodel, an infusion of Wormwood, Valerian Roots, Sophorous Bean

10. How much will unicorn tail hair fetch?
10 Galleons per hair

Extra Credit

1. Do you prefer to knit or crochet?
I prefer to knit

2. What is your favorite weight yarn to knit/crochet with?
I really enjoy working with worsted weight.

3. What fiber contents do you most like to knit/crochet with? What fiber contents do you dislike knitting/crocheting with?
My favorite luxe yarn is a cashmerino combo, but my fav is a wool blend.

4. How many complete pair of socks have you knit/crochet?
I am just now in the process of learning how to knit socks, so none yet.

5. What is your favorite item to knit/crochet?
I am LOVING hats and dishcloths right now because they are SO quick!

6. What is your favorite treat?
I LOVE Mike & Ikes. Healthier loves are Fiber One Chewy Bars

7. Do you drink coffee, tea, or both?
I drink coffee, but adore Cherry Coke Zero.

8. Do you have an online wish list? If so, where?
I do not have an updated wish list. I have a really old one on Amazon. I need to get an updated one though to give to my parents for Christmas/birthday.

9. How many Ravelry groups are you in?
I am a member of 21 groups.

10. Is there any special item you have been really wanting, but can't find in your local area?
You know, there isn’t. That’s the beauty of living near DC, there isn’t much that I can’t find.

Woo hoo for Hats!

So, I have returned from Vegas victorious and exhausted. The meeting went really well and I am happy to report that I didn't forget anything. All in all, it was a great experience and I was glad to be a part of it. It made me feel really good about taking on this job! :) I'm sorry to report that I didn't take ANY pictures though. I brought my camera, but never remembered to take it with me wherever I was going. I'm really kicking myself for bringing it and not using it because the display screen was cracked for nothing. Oh well, lessons learned and all that.

Anywho, I came back Wednesday evening and then had Thursday and Friday off so I took advantage and did a LOT of knitting. I completed my HSKS 6 Dueling Club hat in less than 24 hours and am happy to report that it dealt a "deadly" blow to my opponent! The hat is the Utopia Cable Hat (Ravelry link) and is a great quick knit. I will definitely be making this again!

Here is the pretty purple hat in all its glory! :)

Next, I FINALLY finished my Hat Attack hat! Firefairy, I bow down to the genius that is your design! There wasn't anything inheriently complicated about the pattern, but lordy how it required your constant attention. This is NOT a hat that you can mindlessly knit. And, as soft as Therapi is and as nice as the finished object is, it is a PAIN to work with! However, the most surprising thing is, I'm not dead yet! I know! How did that happen?! In any case, I'm sending the finished hat today. Hope you like it, Patty! :)

Here is my completed weapon for Hat Attack II. I just hope it's not a misfire!

Ok, back to work for me now. My next projects are a baby blanket for my soon-to-be-born niece and the handmade item for my HSKS 6 partner... and no, no hints for you, Thomasina! I want you to be properly surprised! ;) Talk to you all again soon!

Quidditch -- Round One

Quidditch ~ Round One
Trivia and pictures must be posted to your blog before the Snitch is release in order to receive House points. The Snitch will be released on Saturday. Time is still to be determined.

1. At the beginning of the book, Cornelius Fudge is talking to the Muggle Prime Minister. Which member of the Order of the Phoenix has recently been found dead?
a. Hestia Jones
b. Elphais Doge
c. Emmeline Vance
d. Dedalus Diggle

2. What animal does Bellatrix Lestrange kill when she and her sister, Narcissa, are going to see Professor Snape?
a. Owl
b. Fox
c. Rabbit
d. Cat

3. What time does Professor Dumbledore collect Harry from Privet Drive?
a. Midnight
b. 11 p.m.
c. Noon
d. 11 a.m.

4. What did Professor Slughorn transform into when he was trying to hide from Harry and Professor Dumbledore?
a. An armchair
b. A bed
c. A table
d. A wardrobe

5. What grade did Harry get for Herbology?
a. E – Exceeds Expectation
b. P – Poor
c. O – Outstanding
d. A – Acceptable

6. Herbert Chorley, the Prime Minister’s Junior Minster, has been entertaining the public by impersonating which animal?
a. A hen
b. A duck
c. A lion
d. A squirrel

7. What is Professor Sprout’s first name?
a. Pimmy
b. Pomony
c. Pommy
d. Pomona

8. What is Dumbledore’s idea of ‘a few words’?
a. nitwit, odder, blubber rand tweak
b. nitwit, odder, bubblegum and tweak
c. nitwit, oddment, bubblegum and tweak
d. nitwit, oddment, blubber and tweak

9. Who is Marcus Belby’s famous uncle?
a. Bertie
b. Damocles
c. Tiberius
d. Savage

10. What is Snape’s mother’s name?
a. Helana Prince
b. Eileen Prince
c. Lily Prince
d. Elizabeth Prine

Pictures: Post pictures to your blogs or link to the pictures from your blog post.

Narcissa

Snape

Bellatrix

Professor Sprout

Professor Dumbledore

Picture Day, Part II

Ok, this is my mom and me at my sister's wedding reception. her suit is super shiny! :)

It's Picture Day!

Well, technically, Picture Day is on the 22nd, but since I will be in the midst of Annual Meeting HELL!, I am going to post early so that my house doesn't loose any points! Now, no making fun of the picture! ;) This is a self portrait of me and my Grandpa George. I'm a huge fan of the self portrait AND of my grandpa! Aren't we so cute?!

Tale of the Pretty Hat of Death

So, I signed up for Hat Attack II thinking this would be fun and fairly easy. I mean, what's so hard about a hat, right? I've done hats, I get the basic idea. Yeah, well I've never done a hat (Ravelry link) designed by Firefairy! Her guage is wonky, her design requires numerous tinkings and froggings, but in the end, you do end up with a really nice hat.

Well, my personal tale of woe started on the day of the release -- this past Tuesday. The design wasn't released until after I'd returned from work... when I no longer had access to a printer. Well, I wasn't going to let that stop me. I downloaded the pattern from Ravelry (because accessing it from the HAII website was NOT going to happen that night), read it through and then thought, ok, I'll jot down the pattern repeat for the body of the hat and then get some done. Well, the best of intentions and all that... long story short, I had difficulties just casting on, so I decided the hell with it, I'll get some help at Knit Happens' Late Night on Wednesday.

Ok, so, we get to Wednesday. Stephanie at Knit Happens helps me with the long tale cast on and I'm in business. Until I realize that I had forgotten to put a stitch marker on, so I wasn't switching to the next row at the right place. Then, I'm talking AND trying to knit this pattern at the same time, which is throwing the count off. First frogging. Try again, but I had only casted on 100 stitches, not 101. Second frogging. Went home, tied again for a THIRD time, get to about the 4th row and realize my count is off... AGAIN! Third frogging. So, end of day two and I still have NOTHING!

Thursday night though, I hit a break through. I cast on correctly, I'm counting correctly and I even get through the first repeat by 1AM (EST)! Then I go to measure and I'm off. At the end of the first repeat, I have BARELY 2"! @&#*(*#%$&! FOURTH frogging! So, Friday night, in the midst of packing for Vegas for my association's annual meeting, I cast on again with larger needles (correctly), I get through a few rows and hit the sack. Then the greatest thing happens. The pattern repeat REALLY starts to make sense! I start to see how the flow is supposed to go, how when I'm changing the pattern, what stitch is supposed to be the first purled, etc. And even better, I have an hour wait at the airport before my flight AND a five hour flight! SIX hours of unlimited knitting! It was great! I got through TWO repeats and even a few rows into the third!

So, we're now at Sunday. I'm still only on the third repeat and will probably still be killed, BUT I have mastered this pattern (well, at least the body of it) and will have SOMETHING to send when I am killed. Even better, it's on guage! :)

It's a Knitting EXTRAVAGANZA!

Well, my new roommate Natalie moved in this weekend. I wanted to give her space around the apartment to get herself settled, so I kind of holed up in my room and watched tv and knitted. Boy howdy did I knit this weekend! I also went and met up with Knotty Knitters at Murky Coffee in Arlington. They are a GREAT group of knitters and made me feel more than welcome. Thanks, ladies!

So, what did I work on this weekend you ask? Well, to start with, I FINALLY tinked back (successfully I might add!) my CPH and fixed the problem with the shoulder shaping. So, the back piece is finished and is ready to be blocked, so I'm ready to forge ahead with the first front piece. Woo hoo!

Next, I finished my star stitch hair band, nicknamed Starry Hair. The yarn, Classic Elite Flash, was fun to work with. I really like the colorway of greens and blues. I don't think it was the best for the stitch because the definition gets kind of lost in the sea of color, but it's still very nice. I made a button hole for the first time. I must say, knittinghelp.com is a FABULOUS site and I highly recommend it to those needing a little quick guidance.

Finally, I also finished the second piece in my sister's poncho. I have been working on this project for over a year now and I'm finally nearing the end. I have to weave in the ends and then put the pieces together, but then it's done! I even believe I'll be able to get it off to my sister before her birthday! Woo hoo!

So, all in all, a very busy knitting weekend. Which is great because I now have to get started on an item for my spoilee in the HSKS 6 swap and Hat Attack starts tomorrow! EEK! And I leave for Vegas on Saturday, so there won't be much time for knitting while I'm out there. However, I get back on Wednesday (the 24th), have Thursday off and work from home on Friday, so can catch up again then. Anywho, that's all for today. Talk to you all again soon! :)

HSKS 6 Questionnaire

Potter Name: Cassandra Crimsonchin

Rav ID: dramaqt99

I am allergic to: Nada

Pets that I have: Nada

My favorite yarn: Cascade 220 and Malabrigo and Felici

If you are a Ravenclaw, do you prefer the film colors or the book colors? I prefer the movie colors

My favorite flavor: Good question! I would have to say pumpkin pie, nutella and caramel flavors. Not necessarily together though. ;)

My favorite holiday: Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas: Of these three, I would have to say Christmas, but my FAVORITE holiday is 4th of July. I LOVE fireworks!

I would like to receive a: (Sock kit, scarf kit or yarn dyeing kit): I would like a sock kit

List your favorite brand of needles or hooks, including size and length: For straights, I like
Crystal Palace sizes 8 and 9 (US) for most of my projects. I just got a set of Denise
interchangeable circulars, which I'm loving!

Is there a brand that you are dying to try? I'm dying to try KN Harmony needles!

I've participated in HSKS: (How many times have you participated in HSKS swaps?) I am a first year HSKS swaper. :)

Do you have a birthday during this swap? If so which day? I am not celebrating this term, but a month and a day after it ends I will be! :)

Ravenclaw's Newest Resident

So, my first assignment in HSKS 6 is to name Ravenclaw's newest resident... our very own House Elf! Hmm... must be a good one!


I think a good name for her would be Limerick. She looks very clever and entertaining, just like a Limerick. It also goes with her outfit and her eyes (both lime green). So, yes, she definitely looks like a Limerick!

Books to Read/Books that I have Read

So, a lot of my fellow Ravenclaws have posted this list, so in the interest of fellowship, I am doing the same. Besides, I LOVE reading and it will be fun to see just how many I have read! :)

Books to Read
Let’s see how many you have read from this list.This is what you do:

• 1) Look at the list and bold those you have read.
• 2) Italicize those you intend to read.
• 3) Underline the books you LOVE.
• 4) Reprint this list in your own Blog

1. The Lord of the Rings, JRR Tolkien
2. Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen
3. His Dark Materials, Philip Pullman
4. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams
5. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, JK Rowling
6. To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee
7. Winnie the Pooh, AA Milne
8. Nineteen Eighty-Four, George Orwell
9. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, CS Lewis
10. Jane Eyre, Charlotte Brontë
11. Catch-22, Joseph Heller
12. Wuthering Heights, Emily Brontë
13. Birdsong, Sebastian Faulks
14. Rebecca, Daphne du Maurier
15. The Catcher in the Rye, JD Salinger
16. The Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Grahame
17. Great Expectations, Charles Dickens
18. Little Women, Louisa May Alcott
19. Captain Corelli's Mandolin, Louis de Bernieres
20. War and Peace, Leo Tolstoy
21. Gone with the Wind, Margaret Mitchell
22. Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone, JK Rowling
23. Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets, JK Rowling
24. Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban, JK Rowling
25. The Hobbit, JRR Tolkien
26. Tess Of The D'Urbervilles, Thomas Hardy
27. Middlemarch, George Eliot
28. A Prayer For Owen Meany, John Irving
29. The Grapes Of Wrath, John Steinbeck
30. Alice's Adventures In Wonderland, Lewis Carroll
31. The Story Of Tracy Beaker, Jacqueline Wilson
32. One Hundred Years Of Solitude, Gabriel García Márquez
33. The Pillars Of The Earth, Ken Follett
34. David Copperfield, Charles Dickens
35. Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl
36. Treasure Island, Robert Louis Stevenson
37. A Town Like Alice, Nevil Shute
38. Persuasion, Jane Austen
39. Dune, Frank Herbert
40. Emma, Jane Austen
41. Anne Of Green Gables, LM Montgomery
42. Watership Down, Richard Adams
43. The Great Gatsby, F Scott Fitzgerald
44. The Count Of Monte Cristo, Alexandre Dumas
45. Brideshead Revisited, Evelyn Waugh
46. Animal Farm, George Orwell
47. A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens
48. Far From The Madding Crowd, Thomas Hardy
49. Goodnight Mister Tom, Michelle Magorian
50. The Shell Seekers, Rosamunde Pilcher
51. The Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett
52. Of Mice And Men, John Steinbeck
53. The Stand, Stephen King
54. Anna Karenina, Leo Tolstoy
55. A Suitable Boy, Vikram Seth
56. The BFG, Roald Dahl
57. Swallows And Amazons, Arthur Ransome
58. Black Beauty, Anna Sewell
59. Artemis Fowl, Eoin Colfer
60. Crime And Punishment, Fyodor Dostoyevsky
61. Noughts And Crosses, Malorie Blackman
62. Memoirs Of A Geisha, Arthur Golden
63. A Tale Of Two Cities, Charles Dickens
64. The Thorn Birds, Colleen McCollough
65. Mort, Terry Pratchett
66. The Magic Faraway Tree, Enid Blyton
67. The Magus, John Fowles
68. Good Omens, Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
69. Guards! Guards!, Terry Pratchett
70. Lord Of The Flies, William Golding
71. Perfume, Patrick Süskind
72. The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists, Robert Tressell
73. Night Watch, Terry Pratchett
74. Matilda, Roald Dahl
75. Bridget Jones's Diary, Helen Fielding
76. The Secret History, Donna Tartt
77. The Woman In White, Wilkie Collins
78. Ulysses, James Joyce
79. Bleak House, Charles Dickens
80. Double Act, Jacqueline Wilson
81. The Twits, Roald Dahl
82. I Capture The Castle, Dodie Smith
83. Holes, Louis Sachar
84. Gormenghast, Mervyn Peake
85. The God Of Small Things, Arundhati Roy
86. Vicky Angel, Jacqueline Wilson
87. Brave New World, Aldous Huxley
88. Cold Comfort Farm, Stella Gibbons
89. Magician, Raymond E Feist
90. On The Road, Jack Kerouac
91. The Godfather, Mario Puzo
92. The Clan Of The Cave Bear, Jean M Auel
93. The Colour Of Magic, Terry Pratchett
94. The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho
95. Katherine, Anya Seton
96. Kane And Abel, Jeffrey Archer
97. Love In The Time Of Cholera, Gabriel García Márquez
98. Girls In Love, Jacqueline Wilson
99. The Princess Diaries, Meg Cabot
100. Midnight's Children, Salman Rushdie

Believe me I have read many more!

Dishcloths

I have discovered the joys of knitting dishcloths! I don't know why it has taken me so long to jump on this bandwagon. I finished one in one day for my HP Knitting/Crochet House Cup and am now totally addicted. I got all of this great cotton yarn from Knit Happens and intend to use it to make dishcloths for my sister and sisters-in-law. There's also a headband pattern that I'm going to do. So, yeah, totally addicted now!

Here is a picture of my first lovely dishcloth.
The needle I used was bigger, so it's looser than I'd like, but it's still nice. So, I'll get the suggested needle and make another and be good to go... at least, I hope so!

Also, I still haven't done my guage for Hat Attack II, and considering the tales I have heard about reaching guage, I REALLY need to do that tonight! Man oh man! Here's hoping that I can do it in one shot!

Anywho, that's all for today. Check back again and maybe I'll have some more to say. But I'm not promising anything! Talk to you again soon and be good to yourself! :)

Ch-ch-changes!

Growing up, my mom always told me that the only thing you can count in life is change. Well, lord knows that I have PLENTY of that in the recent months. I started a new job in April and since I started at ERA, the CEO has left, my BOSS has left and my job went from being slightly more than administrative to WAY more than I expected. Then my roommate of almost two years moved in with her boyfriend, so now I'm getting a new roommate. Well, I guess my mom is right on this one... change is the only thing you can count on. In other news, I do have a new roommate, who will be moving in next weekend. I got to go to CA for a week and I'll be heading to Vegas in two weeks.

In knitting news, I'm participating in a few swaps. First is the HSKS 6 swap. I'm a very lucky member of the Ravenclaw house. This is only my second swap, and I hope I can keep up with this lively bunch of knitters! I'm also part of another Harry Potter themed group... the Harry Potter Knit/Crochet House Cup. This time, I was randomly sorted into the Slytherin House. This isn't really a swap, just an opportunity to knit and rack up some points for your house. I'm working on a cotton dishcloth for Herbology. Finally, there is Hat Attack II: The Death Hat Always Rings Twice, which starts on the 16th. I don't really expect to make it past the first round, but it DID introduce me to Therapi by the SWTC AND I'll get a cool hat out of it, so I'm not complaining!

Anywho, that's all for now. Here's hoping things settle down a bit and that I surrvive Vegas!

PIF

My friend Sarah started a Pay it Forward chain and I have decided to participate!

Pay It Forward is based on the movie with Helen Hunt and Kevin Spacey. It was a book first, written by Catherine Ryan Hyde. With all of the things happening these days, random acts of kindness are a good thing. I haven't read the book or seen the movie, but I think it will be going into my Netflix queue now :)

This is what the PIF Exchange is all about. I’ll send a knitted gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange! I don’t know what that gift will be yet, and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week, maybe not until 2009…LOL… but you will receive it within 365 days, that’s a promise! The only thing you have to do in return is then 'pay it forward' by promising to do the same on your own blog.

It's small acts like this that really make you feel like you can help change the world. So, come on, sign up and commit to doing a few acts of kindess! :)

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

I have been very remiss. The second part of my fabulous Starbucks & Yarn package came on Monday and I have not written about it. That's very bad of me, especially considering how WONDERFUL and BEAUTIFUL all of it is. Thank you again Lynn for the fabulous package and all of the beautiful yarn! The cup cozies are great as well. I'm going to have to go shopping for bigger mugs though! But hey, I love any reason to shop!

Here is a close up of the beautiful yarn. The two green hanks are Posh yarn. I had seen a brief reference of this on Ravelry (I think I may have come across it because Lynn is in the Ravelry group). It has to be some of the SOFTEST yarn I have ever touched! And the green is GORGEOUS! And the other hank is such a pretty mix of blues and purples. I love it so much!








And last (but by no means least!) are the VERY well done cup cozies. They are such a beautiful shade of soft green and blue. And I of course how she did the ones in contrasting colors and swapped the two colors. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you, Lynn! for SUCH a wonderful package. I was really lucky when I got you for a spoiler!!!

Super Swap Package!

So, just as I was getting ready to head out the door Saturday, the mailman dropped off a big red package for me! It was from my super swap partner in the Starbucks & Yarn swap! In it were a number of WONDERFUL goodies, many I would never be able to get here in the US I believe. I got these gummy candies (called Penny Pig, did she know my roommate's name was Penny?) as well as some good-for-me granola bars. I also got a yummy smelling candle, really nice yarn that I get to dye and a HUGE coffee mug. See the pictures below!

And I'm BACK!

Ok, so I didn't really GO anywhere. I just left the blogosphere for other ventures for a little while. You should be happy to know though, that I have been knitting up a storm. Since my last post, I have finished (COMPLETELY) my first bag. Which I then quickly packed up with some other goodies and sent off to my Starbucks & Yarn spoilee. I have to say, I am VERY proud of myself! I deserve a little pat on the back. I have also progressed rather well on my CPH. I have about 10 inches of the back done. What else? Oh yeah, I started a baby blanket for the sixth niece or nephew of mine. Here's a picture of my bag and progress on the sweater.

Things are also going pretty well with the guy. I don't get to see him very much due to his uber busy work schedule, but I talk to him pretty much every day, so I'm happy with that. I know that it sounds like I'm settling, but I'm really not. You see, I don't really WANT someone around all of the time. I really am happy with talking through out the week and then seeing him a few times a month. That's really all I need at this time. I know it sounds like I'm rationalizing, but if you knew me, you'd know that this is really like the IDEAL relationship for me.

Oh, and as for the roommate... well, who knows. I don't know when she's leaving. The only definite answer I can get out of her is that I'll get 30 days notice, just like the land lady. I'm trying to be ok with that, but it's hard. I don't like to have these kinds of things up in the air. It just doesn't sit well with me. But, I can't do anything else about it, so I'm just going to let it go and trust her to give me the 30 days notice.

Anywho, that's all in my world. Well, in case you're wondering, work is getting really busy. The meeting is a little less than 2 months away and I'm kind of starting to freak out. I just know that I don't have everything in order and I'm starting to feel the panic setting in. Well, that's when I start knitting. Which is why I've been knitting so much lately!

NOW, I'm ready to sign off. Until next time, everyone! Be good to yourself! :)