Best. Kit. EVER. Srsly!

Elladora Madley is THE best spoiler of all time. All the way from China, I got the coolest package ever. I think the pics speak for themselves!

How cute is this?

So many goodies - lots of fun HP stuff, some pens/paper, and 5 (!) sets of needles!

This big hank below is Fleece Artist Merino in the "Fawkes" colorway:

The cushiest, most lovely wrap in house colors for the next big school event:

Little packages o' goodness:

More "Fawkes" - I'm in lurve:

The hank on the right is Araucania in the "Multy" colorway:

House Socks! Louet Gems in the "Burgundy" and "Mustard" colorways:

Elladora, you rock! I have no words to tell you how great you've made this swap for me! I am so bummed I'm too late for "best kit" submission because you'd surely win. (And shouldn't you get extra time for something coming from China?!)

Thanks so much - I love each and every little piece of it!

Flying Pickles?

Why, yes! My owl, Pickles, is winging his way to the UK (lucky bird) with a special package for Arae! I do hope he makes it okay. Arae, his favorite thing in the world is peanut butter, so if you wouldn't mind putting some on a cracker for him when he arrives, I know he's be most grateful!

Also, I wanted to show you what else I've been working on (besides Arae's kit!):
Jaywalker Socks
Yarn: excellent Hufflepuff yarn from Ellie at crazy4dyeing.etsy.com that my spoiler, Elladora, sent as an early gift!
Needles: a sad, sad story...I was using lovely Sox Stix from Lantern Moon that I received in HSKS4, but alas - I snapped one right in half on the plane ride home from California last weekend so now I'm using half Sox Stix and half random size 1's from my stash.

Lovely yarn and I love this pattern - it's so not-fussy and relaxing!

Quidditch! Hope I make the deadline...

It's 5:28AM and I'm at the Sacramento Airport - I seriously hope my post counts toward Quidditch this weekend! Sorry I won't be able to search for the Snitch, but I know my fellow Gryfs will come up victorious!! Here's my Quidditch Quiz - ROAR ROAR GRYFFINDOR!!!

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
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 Dgworth-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 compenents
c. The antidote for a blended poison will be equal to more than the product of the antidotes for each of the separate compenents
d. The antidote for a blended poison will be equal to more than the sum of the antidotes for each of the separtea components

Saturday night...

...and squeaking in with a last-minute post! I made great progress this weekend on my swappee's project and am so looking forward to putting her kit together. Pickles, my owl, should be winging his way across the Atlantic soon...but first, I have a muggle business trip to LA that I'm leaving for in the morning. So, no fun and interesting antics from the weekend at Hogwarts, because most of it was spent cleaning, doing laundry and packing.

Back next Sunday - everyone have a great week!

Better late than never...

So, had a nutty, nutty weekend and just realized I forgot to do my homework! How awful!! Anyway, here it is, better late than never...

1. Favorite magical creature: I think centaurs are awesome. Mighty and proud, and so, so smart.

2. Favorite charm, spell or curse: Accio! Because who wants to get up from their cozy spot when they've dropped a knitting needle and it rolls under the couch?

3. Favorite holiday tradition: We do the Italian "Feast of the Seven Fishes" on Christmas Eve. I don't even eat half of them but the family gets all worked up for it, so it's a lot of fun.

4. Favorite fiber-based FO: I am still absolutely in love with the very first Baby Surprise Jacket that I ever made, you can see it in my Projects on Ravelry (I'm 'redheadknits'). I used two strands of sock yarn held together and it just gave it the coolest, textured look for my little buddy, Elliott. He looks adorable in it! I have another that needs starting ASAP for my new little homegirl, Evelyn, and I better get going - she was born last Wednesday!

New HBP trailer!

A friend sent me this - love the ending!

http://www.cinemablend.com/new.php?id=10661

Gryf Homework

A cypher! I love these things - used to do them in the paper every weekend. Here's the answer:

"Dumbledore says people find it far easier to forgive others for being wrong than for being right."
Hermione Granger

Bonus #1: Bill Weasley (after being bitten by Fenrir Grayback)
Bonus #2: Well, Slughorn had the antidote to the love potion and gave it to Ron, but then, he accidently poisoned him again, so Harry had to use the bezoar.

Have a great weekend, fellow Gryfs! I'll be working on my swappee's kit! ROAR!

Quidditch, Round 2!

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.
c. H.A.L.
d. H.K.D.

PS: Just want to say, I don't miss posting the pictures!

Homework's done!

Love these homework assignments (I know, I know - I'm a dork)!!
1. Venomous tentacula
2. A patronus
3. Horace Slughorn
4. An acromantula
5. Katie Bell
6. Horcruxes
7. Draught of the living death = wormwood, asphodel, valerian roots, and one sopophorus bean, crushed with the flat side of a silver dagger.
8. Wiggenweld

BONUS: Who is RAB? Regulus A. Black, Sirius' brother and an infamous Deatheater.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Holy cow...lucky me!

I won! I won the first Gryf quiz of the term! Am I a lucky little witch, or what?! I came back after zooming around the country (Colorado, Nebraska, Illinois) on my broom to take care of some muggle business to find out I won!! YAY!

House Quiz! and a few pics of a great gift!!

Gryffindor House Quiz #1!

What yarn shop did Henry Longstaff shop at for yarn? Mrs. Mac’s
Who is the HSKS6 SPEW coordinator? Clidonia Acromantula
Which Gryff student just returned from London? Lady Felula The Forgetful (lucky!)
Which Gryffindor has cats named after the muggle rock band, The Ramones? Dagmara Grindelwald
What is your favorite childhood television program (Magic or Muggle)? The Dukes of Hazard (yep, I'm a cheeseball, I learned it at a young age!)
What is your favorite adult television program (Magic or Muggle)? 24, The Office, and Lost
Which travel destination did you last visit? Just got back from Naples, FL.
What was your last finished object (FO)? Green Dream Swatch headwrap
How many project(s) planned for holiday gifts? None, really - I just see what's on the needles and what I think would be good for a gift. And maybe a hat for my husband.
Who is the mother of Half Blood Prince? Elieen Prince
Which Weasley became engaged in Book 6 (Half Blood Prince)? Bill
What is the result of a Sectumsempra curse? It cuts the target of the curse.
Who used a Bezoar to reverse poisoning? Harry used it on Ron.


Also, I wanted to share some pics of the awesome pre-package presents my wonderful spoiler, Elladora Madley, sent me - she is so great! The yellow and grey is 440 yards of Hufflepuff House Colors Slendersock from Ellie at crazy4dyeing.etsy.com and it included some lovely Snitch Wing stitch markers! And the lovely bluish-purplish-brownins-grayish yarn is Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in dyelot 7386 (no color name that I can find printed on the label, sorry)

Thanks so much, Elladora! You are the best spoiler EVER!

Quidditch, Round 1!!

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 Sluhorn 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 Prince

Narcissa
Snape
Bellatrix
Professor Sprout
Professor Dumbledore

Back from a loooong trip...

...and came back to the most delicious little surprises from my swap partner! She's so awesome! Will post pics as soon as I dig out of 8 days of emails and housework!!

Five points for Gryffindor!

Potter Name: Ferula Vector
Rav ID: redheadknits
I am allergic to: nothing
Pets that I have: two cats
My favorite yarn: don't have a favorite, i love it all, esp. natural fibers
If you are a Ravenclaw, do you prefer the film colors or the book colors? not this term
My favorite flavor: coffee, chocolate, mint, and potato chip :)
My favorite holiday: thanksgiving
I would like to receive a: (Sock kit, scarf kit or yarn dyeing kit) sock kit!
List your favorite brand of needles or hooks, including size and length: love knitpicks metal DPNs
Is there a brand that you are dying to try?: not really, would love some small circs (US0-3)
I've participated in HSKS: this is my third term - i was a ravie first, and last term, a 'puff
Do you have a birthday during this swap? If so which day? i can't recall when the swap ends, so maybe - it's January 27th

A new term, a new house!

Well, the sorting hat has changed its mind yet again about the house I should be in, and now it says...Gryffindor! I'm excited for the next term (and for some new colors)! ROAR, ROAR GRYFFINDOR!!

Term 3!

Just signed up...hope it's as fun as last term!

Owl's away!

Sure hope my swappee likes the kit I sent -- the knitted gift I made was definitely hard to part with! I'll just have to make one for myself...

This term was great, Lav is a fabulous prefect and I've made some great connections. Not to mention, I was SPOILED! Thanks to everyone who made it fun -- I'm going to have to sit out next term because of some major things going on IRL, but I'll definitely be back in the hopefully-near future!

Green Dream Swatch is done!

Dream Swatch is finally done! Love the green...thanks again, Fiera!

Nice squint, I know, but it's one of those weird bright/cloudy days:

I love it - will be a great accessory for a long time!

Quidditch, Round 3!

1. When Hagrid returns to Hogwarts after being sent to see the giants with Madame Maxime, Professor Umbridge questions him on his late return to school. She suspects that Hagrid had been to the mountains, but where does he tell her he has been?
d. South of France
2. Professor Umbridge comes to Hagrid's Hut and searches his cabin one evening (as she believes Harry, Ron and Hermione are there visiting him at night when they are not supposed to). When she walks past the place where Harry, Ron and Hermione are hiding under the Invisibility Cloak, Harry holds his breath. True or false?
b. False
p 386 - "Harry actually pulled in his stomach as she walked by"
3. A stately-looking witch in an emerald green shawl is one of the members of the Advance Guard who rescues Harry from Privet Drive. What is her name?
a. Emmeline Vance
4. What is the name of the witch who was killed two weeks after the photo of the original Order of the Phoenix was taken?
b. Marlene McKinnon
5. Which two fifth year Ravenclaw students does Dumbledore choose to be prefects?
d. Anthony Goldstein and Padma Patil
6. Which house was Rose Zeller sorted into?
d. Hufflepuff
7. What is the color of Murtlap's essence?
c. Yellow
8. Name the Ravenclaw girl who became prefect in Harry's fifth year.
b. Padma Patil
9. According to a healer's portrait at St. Mungo's hospital, which disease was Ron suffering from?
d. Spattergroit
10. Which book did Harry give Hermione for Christmas?
a. "New Theory of Numberology"

Picture Scavenger Hunt:

Hannah:

Cedric:


Dumbledore's Army:
Padma:
Percy:


Extra 5 pts - What movie will Robert Patterson star in this December?
TWILIGHT

Check this out!

I'm seriously digging this colorway that Clidonia sent me in my prize for winning House Quiz 5. She rocks! It's the "Crookshanks" colorway - how cute is that?!

And Starbucks too! Wahoo!!

Dream Swatch II: A study in green

Dudes, I love green so much, I should have been a Slytherin. Check out my second attempt at a Dream Swatch head wrap in the lovely green yarn that my spoiler, Fiera, sent me:

I think you can really see the stitches clearly using this yarn.

The yarn's a little thinner, so it's a little more narrow than the black version (which I'm keeping, by the way, and I'll finish some day) but I think it will look great with my hair.

Tell me what you think in the comments!

House Quiz #6!

1) What is a Chimaera?
A chimaera is a creature with a lion’s head, a goat’s body, and a dragon’s tail. They are vicious and dangerous.
2) Name 3 of the 4 breeds of Winged Horses.
Abraxan, Aethonan, Granian
3) What are Yeti afraid of?
Fire
4) How does a wizard rid a farm of a Nogtail?
Nogtails can be chased off by a pure white dog.
5) Why are Fwoopers sold with a silencing charm?
Its song will drive the listener insane.
6) Where are Erklings found?
Erklings are native to Germany.
7) Name the only spell known to repel a Lethifold.(Bonus if you can name the wizard who survived a Lethifold attack)
The Patronus Charm is the only known defense against a Lethifold. This was discovered by Flavius Belby, the only known survivor of a Lethifold attack.

Dream Swatch Knitalong

And we're off! I started mine, but I'm not sure I'm in love with the yarn I chose - let me know what you think in the comments!
Materials:
Yarn: Reynolds Soft Sea Wool in Black.
Needles: US6

The yarn is lovely to work with, but doesn't really highlight the cool long stitches. What do you think?

Hufflepuff KAL

So, I was chatting with Lav this afternoon and she mentioned there was a knitalong happening that I'd somehow missed while on the road - and it turns out it's for a pattern I looked at long ago and have been dying to try!! It starts tomorrow, so guess I'll be stash-diving tonight!! Check out the details here. Look for pics soon!

DUDES, I WON!

I won the house quiz contest for Quiz 5!! How cool is that!? Thanks so much to Clidonia for donating the prize!!

Hoot!

What Is Your Patronus Charm? created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Owl Patronus Although it took a bit of work, you managed to produce a wise Owl Patronus! Exceptionally intelligent and unbelievably clever, you are by far a genuine person with a mind filled with brilliance and the potential for great things. You generally keep to yourself, but you have a lot going on inside of your head. Any way, you are a wonderful and useful friend. Now go kick some dementor butt! Owl Patronus 100% Horse Patronus 90% Rabbit Patronus 80% Dog Patronus 70% Fox Patronus 70% Cat Patronus 60% Swan Patronus 50% Butterfly Patronus 50%

Kit of all KITS!

A huge Hufflepuff HUZZAH and thank you to Fiera Firenze for an amazing package...she's outdone herself, no doubt, and surely this gets a spot in the Best Kit show!

I knew something was up when the package arrived because the cats simply wouldn't leave it's side...

Now I understand why! The first thing we (me and my cat Cleo) saw was a pack of catnip and two handknit "eggrolls" stuffed with the good stuff!!

She's a happy, happy girl...look, she's even smiling!

Check out this kit! UNREAL!!!

Awesome house scarf!!


Two skeins of black sock yarn, one of yellow (480 yds!), and one in my absolute favorite color in the world!!! Also, a great resource for me because she must telepathically know I am the worst lace knitter ever - First Book of Modern Lace Knitting by Marianne Kinzel. She also included some handmade soap and a little 'Puff yellow handmade felted bag with wooden handles!!!

Check out the greeny goodness...yum...

Let's see what's in this adorable little bag:

Awesome DPN needles in 2.5 mm and house stitch markers!! LOVE THESE!!!

(Finn's found the 'nip - he's oh-so grateful!!)


Plus, check out the book of spells she made me!! So many cool things in there!!!

Thank you so much, Fiera!! You really know how to spoil someone!!!