sapphire

Cool Rainy Night

2009-04-28T22:14:00.002-04:00

Well it is another cool and rainy night in Indiana. We had 80 degree weather for three days and now it turns wet and cool again. Are we ever going to have spring?

I am getting concerned about my spoilee Ginny Crookshanks from Slytherin, because I haven't heard from her about the package I sent. I know it was delivered last Monday and I hope she has it.

Work is still really slow and we are laying off 5 more people this week.

I can't wait for the HSKS 8 Summer Camp, it sounds like so much fun.

All for now

The Owl Has Landed

2009-04-21T21:40:00.004-04:00

Close-up of stitch markers and yarn.

Three sock patterns (Fawkes, Horcrux and Hufflepuff Two Color Knitting), two cloths, tape measure that she crocheted the cover on, Stitch Jones yarn dyed especially for me, circular needle from Knit Picks and some really fabulous stitch markers that she made me and a Hogwarts Certificate.

Notebook, address book, picture frame, 9 different green teas. Reeses' Peanutbutter Cups and a gummy snake (how Slytherin).

Andromeda designed this bag (see the owls?) and also made me a project bag.

Package as received

My kit arrived yesterday from Andomeda Finch-Fletchley (Slytherin) and it was amazing. Andormeda is an awsome spoiler. Thank you Andromeda it was a great package.

Mafalda

HSKS 7 Quidditch Round 3

2009-04-14T20:27:00.003-04:00

1. This “Harry Potter” character’s first name comes from Roman mythology. The mythological character’s twin brother is named Romulus. What is the Harry Potter character last name?

a. Black
b. Lupin
c. Pucey
d. Finnigan

2. Which “Harry Potter” character’s first name is the Roman equivalent of the Greed Goddess Athena?

a. Evans
b. Malfoy
c. McGonagall
d. Flitwick

3. In ‘Harry Potter’ World, this wizard has created the Philosopher’s Stone (called the Sorcerer Stone in the US). The historical figure from the 14th and 15th centuries was a scribe and a manuscript-seller who became famous as an alchemist. Who is this individual?

Nicholas Flammel

4. What is the first name of a character whose last name is the name of a Bulgarian leader from early 9th century who doubled the country’s territory?

a. Theodore
b. Cedric
c. Viktor
d. Vincent
5. Which character’s name is the name of goddess in Indian mythology?

a. Creevey
b. Patil
c. Zabini
d. Vane

6. “Where the Wild Things Are” tells the story of Max, a young boy sent to bed without his supper for his wild antics. Who created this winner of the Caldecott Medal?

a. Maurice Sendak
b. Chris Van Allsberg
c. Ezra Jack Keats
d. John Steptoe

7. What was NOT one of the unexpected defense mechanisms that Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Griphook encountered in their attempt to rob Gringotts?

a. The Flagrante Curse
b. The Thieves’ Downfall
c. Anti-summoning Enchantments
d. The Geminio Curse

8. What was Snape aiming at when he cut off George’s ear?

a. Another Death Eater’s back
b. George’s wand hand
c. Another Death Eater’s wand hand
d. George’s face

9. How much older than James was Lily? (Referring to Harry’s parents, not children).

a. James was older
b. 6 months
c. 1 month
d. 2 months

10. Food is one of the five exceptions to what magical law?

a. Grimp’s Law of Elemental Transfiguration
b. Gamp’s Law of Elemental Transfiguration
c. Gamp’s Law of Fundamental Transfiguration
d. Grimp’s Law of Fundamental Transfiguration

Picture Hunt

Patil

McGonagall

George

Bag Felting

2009-04-14T19:33:00.002-04:00

I just felted my pal Ginny Crookshanks bag and it felted smaller than I hoped. I used Shepherds Wool and it really felts. It's a good thing I made it bigger than the pattern called for. I have everything for her package and plan on sending it out Friday. I hope she likes her package.

It has been raining all day and is still raining this evening. I had an extended holiday and didn't have to go back to work until today.

All for now, it's almost time for American Idol.

Mafalda

Homework

2009-04-12T02:37:00.002-04:00

Who gave Harry an enchanted mirror?

Sirius Black

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?”

Rufus Scrimgeour

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

Billibus, Dumbledore's Deluminator

What does Hermione want to talk Mr Lovegood about and what is his first name?

She wanted to talk to him about the symbol he wore around his neck to Bill and Fleur's wedding: Xenophilius

What is the name origin and what does it mean.

It is derived from Greek, "a person attracted to that which is foreign or alien."

Rainy Sunday

2009-04-05T13:11:00.002-04:00

It is a cold and rainy Sunday in Indiana and perfect for knitting.

I had to have some of my toenail taken off Friday and it is a little sore today. I think I overdid walking on it yesterday when I went shopping for things for my spoilee Ginny Crookshanks. I should have her package done and in the mail by the 17th.

My husband and I went to an auction last night and bought a beautiful 32 pc. set of dishes for $20.00. We had a good time together.

All for now, I need to go grocery shopping.

Mafalda

Hufflepuff House Quiz

2009-04-05T12:31:00.002-04:00

1. James Potter and his friends have nicknames for each other - give three names and who they belong to.

Prongs: James Potter
Padfoot: Sirius Black
Wormtail: Peter Pettigrew
Mooney: Remus Lupin

2. What are the three Deathly Hallows?

Resurrection Stone
Elder Wand
Invisibility Cloak

3. What are the four items that belong to the founders of the houses at Hogwarts?

Sword: Gryffindor
Cup: Hufflepuff
Locket: Slytherin
Diadem: Ravenclaw

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: Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests

8. What form does Snape's Patronus take?

Doe

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

Firenze the Centaur

10. Who is Elanor Cadogan's boyfriend?

Dean

What is his brother's name?

Sam

Apology

2009-03-22T21:33:00.003-04:00

I would like to apologize to my housemates for not posting more often.

I have had some family disagreements with my grown daughter and my husband is losing his job in a couple of weeks which have left me extremely stressed. I even ended up in the emergency room with an anxiety attack.

I promise I will do better at posting in the future.

I am making my list of items to put in Ginny Crookshanks package and deciding what bag pattern to make for her.

I am also working on a pair of Cookie A's Monkey Socks for the SAM7 I Participate in.

We finally had some nice weather this weekend, it was about 62 degrees today.

I will post more this week.

Quiddtch Round Two

2009-03-14T15:50:00.005-04:00

Luna

Godric's Hollow

Snape

Ron

Lily

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

a. Tuesday

b. Sunday

c. Saturday

d. The day of his 17th birthday

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?

a. Voldemort

b. Death Eaters

c. Scrimgeour

d. Grindewald

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?

a. Yes

b. No

4. Why did the Dumbledore's move to Godric's Hollow?

a. The reason is unknown

b. They were tired of their old home.

c. The father went to Azkaban

d. It was a better place for their children to grow up

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?

a. Why the Dumbledore family moved to Godric's Hollow

b. That Dumbledore was friends with Grindelwald for a while.

c. Why nobody outside the family noticed Ariana much.

d. The reason for Dumbledore's father's imprisonment in Azkaban.

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 tone of "The Three Broother'. The brother buried there once owned what?

a. The ressrection stone

b. The cloak

c. The wand

d. The sword

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

b. They though he would come to her rescue

c. She was a muggleborn

d. Her father failed as a Death Eater

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?

a. Dumbldore telling Snape that at some point Snape had to kill him.

b. Snape telling Lily she was a witch

c. Snape and Lily having fun in a potions class

d. Snape talking to Dumbledore on a hilltop

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

a. She didn't remember because she had been dead for so long.

b. Rowena Ravenclaw.

c. Helena Ravenclaw.

d. A girl who was put in ravenclaw 800 years previously

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

a. Rose

b. Hugo

c. James

d. Victoria

Hufflepuff Homework

2009-03-03T20:25:00.002-05:00

1. Who likes TeaPots and cat toys? Chrysta The Cursed
2. Who wants Polyjuice so they can have Cullen Eyes? Cliodna Trelawney
3. Who wants postcards and a hardcover book? Eladora Madley
4. Who wants silky terrier? It is not a type of wool but a dog. Winifred Wartbobble
5. Who would like a wicked necklace and bloody stupid johnsan hat? Felula Pinkstone
6. Who never had anything made for her? Violet Starfire
7. Who learned how to knit with Maya and Soren? Kaae
8. Who is Pretty as a Peacock Pattern? Lily May Clearwater
9. Who does Fair Isle mittens and Tea for Toe up socks? Mafalda Grubbly-Plank
10. Who likes Cinnamon flavored coffee? Antonio dela Weasley
11. Who likes clever storage systems and mysteries? Mantacora Crimson
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? Selena Starfire
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
17. Who really, REALLY misses Hawkins Cheezies, Big Turk chocolate bars? Ursula Longbottom
18. Who likes pencilthings and rosewood? Elanor Cadogan
19. Russian nesting dolls and cute stationary are on this list. Winifred Hornswaggle
20. Who likes the Seven Dwarves and the Evil Stepmother? Bernadette Hobsworth

Stuff

2009-02-18T20:02:00.002-05:00

I sent my dueling partner's fingerless mitts out yesterday and I left my confirmation slip with the tracking number on it at work; so I will have to track it tomorrow.

I had a hard time trying to post the Quidditch-Round One to my blog with the scavenger hunt picures. I hope I have them posted right.

This has been a busy week for me so far at work but, I need to e-mail my spoilee to see how she is.

Qudditch-Round One

2009-02-18T19:30:00.003-05:00

The Dursley's House
Kreacher

George Weasley

Nyphadora Tonks

Mad-Eye Moody

Picture Scavenger Hunt

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?

a. The start of the new school year

b. The Dursleys kicking him out

c. Voldemort’s escape from Azkaban

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?

a. Mundungus

b. Snape

c. Yaxley

d. Shacklebolt

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

b. Nymp0hadora Tonks

c. Hagrid

d. George Weasley

4. Who informed Harry, Ron and Hermione of the bequests left to them in Dumbledore’s will?

a. Kingley Shaclebolt

b. Minerva McGonalgall

c. Arthur Weasley

d. Rufus Scimgeour

5. During the wedding celebration for Bill and Fleur, Kingley 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

b. An otter

c. A doe

d. A stag

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?

a. The Leaky Cauldron

b. Sirius Black’s house

c. The Dursley’s house

d. Ron’s Auntie Muriel’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?

a. By giving him clothes and his freedom

b. They didn’t win him over!

c. By giving him something to eat

d. By giving him Regulus Black’s old locket

8. Who did they eventually find was in possession of the locket/Horcrux?

a. Severus Snape

b. Lucius Malfoy

c. Lord Voldemort

d. Dolores Umbridge

9. What did Harry find embedded in the door of Umbrdige’s office?

a. Moody’s magical eye

b. Nymphadora’s purple hair

c. Hedwig’s head

d. George Weasley’s ear

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?

a. To Godric’s Hollow

b. To the Forbidden Forest

c. Back to the Burrow

d. To the site of the Quidditch World Cup

This Week's Homework

2009-02-12T21:59:00.003-05:00

1. Do you knit or crochet? How long have you been at your craft? I do both, but I am better at knitting. I just learned to crochet about a year ago. I have been knitting for about 5 years.

2. Do you spin? What type of spinning do you do? No

3. Are there any other crafts that you participate in? I sometimes do quilting

4. What are your favorite yarns/fibers? Sock yarns. I like superwash merino

5. What are your LEAST favorite yarns/fibers? I don't have any yet.

6. Are there any types/brands of yarn that you are dying to work with but haven't gotten a chance? Claudia Hand Painted Yarn and I would love to try some cashmere yarn.

7. What are you currently working on? An Entrelac hat for my daughter and a pair of toe up socks for me in the Seaweed pattern

8. Are their any knitting/crochet techniques that you would like to learn? I can't think of any at this time.

9. Do you have a yarn winder and/or a swift? I have both

10. Where/how to you keep you needles/hooks? I keep them in the package they came in and then put all of my knitting needles that I'm not using at the time in a tote bag. I keep my hooks in a case made for them and that s also in the tote bag.

11. Do you like sweets? What are your favorites? Yes. Snickers, Milky Way, Reeses Peanutbutter Cups, Mounds

12. Are you having a birthday during this swap? No

Hufflepuff Homework

2009-02-09T20:03:00.002-05:00

What is your favorite knitting project and why? Was it the yarn your chose? Shaping? What drew you to it?

My favorite knitting project is socks. I was facinated the first time I saw someone knitting socks in my LYS so I just had to sign up for the class. I have been hooked on sock knitting since my first class. I love sock yarn and that is typically what I buy the most. Socks are also a very portable project.

Hufflepuff Quiz

2008-10-01T21:27:00.005-04:00

Hufflepuff Quiz
You may belong in Hufflepuff, Where they are just and loyal, Those patient Hufflepuffs are true, and unafraid of what?

Toil

Cedric Diggory is a contestant in the TriWizard Tournament. He is from the Hufflepuff house

True

In "The Prisoner of Azkaban" who is the Hufflepuff seeker?

Cedric Diggory

Cedric Diggory is a contestant in the TriWizard Tournament. He is from the Hufflepuff house

True

What are the three things that the founder of Hufflepuff valued above all?

Hard work

Loyalty

Patience

Where is the Hufflepuff common room?

Somewhere in the basement near the kitchen

Picture hunt:

Hufflepuff Founder

The Fat Friar

Susan Bones

Lavender Brown

Leave me a note on here to say you have posted the answers.

Stuff

2008-09-11T20:47:00.003-04:00

I have searched for two days for the sweater I made my grandaughter Arrabella and finally found it in my bedroom. One thing about looking through all of my knitting stuff is I found things I forgot I had.

I am getting ready to cast on the socks for my Hogwarts sock pal tomorrow.

This ias all for now because I have to go through some more knitting stuff I found plus try to keep Sophie (my pug out of my yarn).

Noro Scarf

2008-08-24T23:33:00.000-04:00

It is 11:33 P.M. and I am still up posting and knitting. I am working on a Noro Wave Scarf by Allison VanZandt from Simply Sock Yarns. One skein of the yarn goes a long way. I hope to have it finished tonight so I can take it to my LYS for display.

I need to get back to my knitting. More later.

Hufflepuff Quiz 1 Answers

2008-08-15T00:16:00.000-04:00

1. Who is the Head of Hufflepuff?

Sprout

2. Who is the house ghost for Hufflepuff?

The Fat Friar

3. Who was the first person to be sorted into Hufflepuff? (In the book)

Hannah Abbott

4. How many points did Hufflepuff have at the end of book 1?

352

5. What port key did Harry and the Weasleys and Hermoine take back to Stoatshead Hill after the Quidditch World Cup?

Rubber tyre

6. Name the plant the Professor Sprout planted to protect the Philosophers Stone?

Devil's Snare

7. What Book did Mad Eye Moody give Neville in the Goblet of Fire.

Magical Water Plants of the Mediterranean

8. What Herb did Harry eat to breath under water?

Gillyweed

Arrabella's Sweater

2008-08-12T22:09:00.000-04:00

I just finished my granddaughter Arrabella's sweater. She is 7 monthes old and this is my first sweater. I think it turned out really nice.

I just heard from my Hogwarts swap pal (Celestina Crookshanks) and I am now ready to start the swap.

I'm not a big blogger, but I guess I will have to get used to it.

I also have a shawl started for my daughter and I hope to finish it for her birthday October 4th.

I need to finish reading my e-mails before turning in for the night. I have to get up at 5:30 am for work.

Mafalda

E-mailed HSS3 sock pal

2008-02-05T21:48:00.000-05:00

Well it is almost 10:00pm in Indiana and it has been raining for almost 5 hrs. I just e-mailed my HSS3 sock swap pal Cliodna Black and introduced myself to her. I am looking forward to the swap this year.

Hogwarts Sock Swap TWO Questionnaire

2007-07-16T19:45:00.000-04:00

Hogwarts Sock Swap Questionnaire

1. What Hogwarts house have you been sorted into? Hufflepuff

2. Shoe size? 7 to 7 1/2 US

3. Foot Length? 9 1/2 in.

4. Foot Circumference? 8 1/2 in.

5. List your three favorite double-point needle brands, including size and length.
a. Crystal Palace 7 in. size 3
b. ChiaoGoo 5 in. Size 6
c. Brittany 7 1/2 in. size 7
6. Would you like to try a new brand needle? If so, which brand? Size? Length?
Lanter Moon 7 in. size 2
7. If you are a RAVENCLAW, do you prefer the colors in the film or the book? Do you have a strong preference? N/A
8. Allergies? Do you have any? Will your knitting be exposed to smoke or animals?
No allergies that I know of. My knitting will be exposed to my husbands smoking and my Pug at times.
9. Are you an international participant (outside US)? Are you willing to have an international Hogwarts Sock Pal? No. Yes I am willing to have an international Hogwarts Sock Pal.

Applications are being accepted as of July 14, 2007 for the Hogwarst Sock Swap TWO. Please join the fun. Apply at the following link.

www.hogwarts-sock-swap-two.blogspot.com