HSKS6 Package

I have been quite remiss! I received an amazing package from Pandora Phelps, but I have had several set backs in actually blogging about it.


Not only were there all sorts of fun packets to open, but there was also one addressed to my "little witch-in-training". She was thrilled! And she is planning to use the bracelet making kit this week.


I was far from forgotten though. Inside were a bunch of green goodies. There were DPNs in a size I didn't have, and cute sock point protectors to use with them. Also included was enough Tofutsies sock yarn that I think I could make a good size toddler sweater if I wanted to. And not one, but two tins of minty goodness!

And last, but not least, a beautiful needle case. If I didn't know the guidelines for the swap I would totally have thought it was commercially made, it is really that well done. The perfect seams, the beautiful fabric, the elegant binding, the flawless zipper installation; I am seriously impressed.

Thank you so much for everything. This package is amazing!

HSKS Sign-ups Open

If you have heard me talking about one of my Harry Potter themed swaps before and thought "hey that sounds like fun" now is your chance! Sign-ups are open for the 6th round of the Hogwarts Sock Kit Swap. Don't let the name fool you though, you can request a kit for socks, a bag or to "surprise me".

Last I had heard Ravenclaw was almost full, but there was still room in the other houses. (You could always join me in Slytherin...)

Owl Delivery

My HSKS5 package arrived while I was away for the weekend! Look what arrived all the way from Rebecca in Japan.

See that little owl? I have no idea how he was able to carry everything, but he is resting now in the kitchen. Poor thing looks exhausted. And that is no surprise looking at all of these goodies.

The needles came all the way from Australia on her recent trip there. There was green chai, which I have never tried before and am looking forward to. The Schaeffer Anne yarn, which is in a beautiful tone on tone green, would make lovely cabled socks or a shawl.

And the chopsticks were just too perfect with their green and grey coloring. I have a bit of a chopstick collection, but I think one of these sets may become my purse pair. (I carry reusable flatware on me all the time, so that I don't get stuck using plastic. These chopsticks would even match the rosewood fork and spoon I have from Greenfeet.)

Inside there was not one, but two different sizes of stitch markers, larger owls and smaller toads, but it was the bag itself that knocked me off my feet. Salvbard was a bit startled by the squee. As only a beginning seamstress, the quality of the sewing was so impressive to me. It makes me feel a little bad about the bag I sent her, which was not quite as nice.

Not only is it spacious, but it has these thoughtful pockets inside. The larger one is just the right size for:

this crafting case. It has several pockets just the right size for circular needles or other notions, and the small squares of felt on the front hold stitch markers and sewing pins for easy storage. Everything is so wonderful. Thank you so much Rebecca! I have already had to reconsider what I will pack for next week's road-trip. 

Making Magic

My Ravenclaw swap pal, Olive Bladvak aka Rebecca, for the HSKS5 Exchange is back from Australia, so I can finally share photos of the fun projects that I included in her package.

There was definitely more playing with fabric this time round. I made another Charlie bag, this time adding a lining and skipping the pouch, and I really like the results. (Salvbard was a little sad that we weren't keeping this one, so I may need to make some for us.) It is reversible, with one side having magic wands and the other suns and moons.

I also made a needle case, since she had specifically requested one. I found a great free tutorial I really like the shorter pockets at the bottom for chunkier DPNs or just odds and ends.
And I even broke out some beads to make some stitch markers.
There were so many fun blue textures and prints I found to work with. I had such a great time picking out fabric and beads.

Owl Landed

A few weeks ago I was a little sad that I hadn't heard anything from my HSKS4 pal, but I had such fun making up the package I sent out and I got such a generous package from HSS3 that honestly it was okay. Then I got an email from Minerva Kwikspell that she was going to be my "angel" for the swap. Knowing that she herself hadn't received a package from her pal, I could not believe her largeness of spirit over the whole thing. I admit I was already planning a secret return angeling once I got her address on my package when I saw that Ravenclaw house had surprise angeled her. It could not have happened to a more deserving person.

The owl arrived yesterday, but I didn't get a chance to take photos since I slept off most of the afternoon and evening. (But I feel much better now!) Having remedied that I can now share with you how above and beyond the call of duty she went.


I am so incredibly touched by all the time and thought she put into this. Everything from the beautifully printed pattern (which is totally in my queue) to the intricately beaded book thong and stitch-markers to the "Kwikspell Konfections" was so incredibly thoughtful. This would have been amazing package from anyone, and to have been gifted such an amazing package by an angel simply blows me away with its generosity.

HSKS Sign-ups Open

Psst... muggles and wizards not signed up for HSKS5:
Sign-ups are still open for the latest round of the Hogwarts Sock Kit Swap. Since this is the 5th time around, the theme is centered around the 5th HP book - The Order of the Phoenix. There are only a few spots left, since each house has a maximum of 25 students. So go and check it out soon if you are interested. A warning though - it will be a very active swap. It looks to be lots of fun and is open to sock, scarf and bag knitters - not just sock knitters!

Arithmancy Challenge

1. How many unforgivable curses does Lord Voldemort use on Harry in the Goblet of Fire? Name them. All three: Cruciatus, Imperius, and Avada Kedavra.

2. How long does it take to brew Polyjuice Potion? 21-28 days (lacewing flies stewed 21 days, but fluxweed must be picked at full moon)

3. In the Chamber of Secrets Professor Sprout welcomes her Herbology students to which greenhouse? greenhouse 3

4. What is Harry's number on the Quidditch team? 7 in films

5. Who is the oldest actor to play a Hogwarts student in The Chamber of Secrets? Shirley Henderson (Moaning Myrtle, age 37 at the time)

6. On what day do Harry Potter and the Dursleys arrive at the hut on the rock, on the island in the sea (SS)? July 30th, 1991

7. How many times has Gilderoy Lockhart won Witch Weekly's Most-Charming-Smile Award? 5

8. How many years does Sirius black spend in Azkaban? 12

9. How many Famous Wizard cards does Ron tell Harry he has in his collection on the Hogwart's Express? about five hundred

10. What number is Dumbledore's vault at Gringott's? 713

11. How long has Scabbers been in the Weasley family when he becomes Ron's? 10 years (12 years in July 1994, but Ron receives Scabbers in Sept. 1992)

12. What number is Harry Potter's vault at Gringott's? 687

13. What is written where the number 12 should be on Molly Weasley's clock (COS film)? mortal peril

14. How many presents does Dudley receive on his birthday (SS book)? 37 (but is promised 2 more

15. What is the license plate registration number on Mr. Weasley's Ford Anglia car (COS film)? 7990TD (HOW777 in book)

16. How many points are scored for a goal in Quidditch? 10

17. What is the exact time the Hogwart's Express leaves King's Cross station? 11 o'clock sharp

18. How many players are there on a Quidditch team? 7

19. How far back in time does Tom Riddle's diary take Harry? 1943, during Riddle's 6th year

20. How many flavors of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans did Harry eat on the Hogwart's Express (SS book)? 8, though he also nibbled a pepper one for 9

21. According to the Chocolate Frog Card how old are Nicolas Flamel and his wife Perenelle Flamel? Nicolas Flamel 665 years, Perenelle Flamel 658 years

22. What is the number on the front of the Hogwart's Express train? 5972

23. How many eyes does Fluffy have? 6

24. What was Harry's room number at the Leaky Cauldron? 11

25. How many points did Slytherin have when Dumbledore announced the scores for the House Cup in the Sorcerer's Stone? 472

Gryffindor Stitch Markers

It is day 1 of thing-a-day, and I decided to work on a swap gift for a certain Gryffindor. As an added bonus, it is even in Project Spectrum colors.


I usually make stitch markers for other people, but rarely myself. Maybe I will have to fix that this month.

HSKS4 Quidditch

Sorry to those not associated with the swap. Regular posting to recommence shortly.

1. What was Harry dreaming about the first time he woke up with his scar on fire?
b. Voldemort and Wormtail plotting to kill him

2. What is the problem with leprechaun gold?
a. It vanishes after a few hours

3. Why did Mad-Eye Moody turn Malfoy into a ferret?
c. Malfoy attached Harry when Harry's back was turned

4. Sirius warns Harry to be careful around Karkaroff because he had been a Death Eater. Which one of the professors at Hogwarts, who also used to be a Death Eater, is frequently bothered by Karkaroff?
Snape

5. Voldemort could have used the blood from any foe to make the potion that revived him work, but he held out for Harry's blood. Why?
c. The special protection Harry received from his mother would also pass to Voldemort

6. How old would Frank have been on his next birthday?
d. 77

7. Amos Diggory works for?
b. The Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures

8. Who shared a carriage with the three friends on the way from the train to Hogwarts?
Answer: Neville

9. What date in October did the delegates from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang arrive?
a. 30th

10. What color were Percy's dress robes at the Yule Ball?
a. Navy Blue

Picture Scavenger Hunt
Mr. Ollivander
Mad-Eye Moody
Cedric
World Cup Tournament
Dark Mark

HSS3

I am joining Slytherin in another round of the Hogwarts Sock Swap! As a third year, my package will include:

• Socks in pal house colors

• Potter Journal or knitting journal HP related

• Knitting Needles

• Potter inspired knitting pattern

Questionnaire
1. What Hogwarts house have you been sorted into? Slytherin

2. List your favorite double-point needle brands, including size and length. Or would you prefer circulars? I often use circulars, but metal is more important than any other characteristic.

3. Would you like to try a new brand needle? If so, which brand? Size? Length? surprise me

4. If you are a RAVENCLAW, do you prefer the colors in the film or the book? Do you have a strong preference? NA

5. Do you have any allergies? me= mold, my partner=cats

6. Do you smoke? no

7. Do you have cats? no

8. Would you like and international pal if possible? I am up for it ;)

9. Do you have a preference on the size of your stitch makers, fit a larger or smaller needle? not really


Also I am going to take t his moment to post my ansers for the Parseltongue Challenge over at HSKS4.

Power hungry Slytherin
loved those of great ambition.

~Sorting Hat's Song in Goblet of Fire

In Slytherin you'll make your real friends,
Those cunning folk use any means
To achieve their ends.

~Sorting Hat's Song in Sorcerer's Stone

There is no good and evil, there is only power and
those too weak to seek it.
~Quirrell to Harry in Sorcerer's Stone (book)

Received HSS2 Package

As I mentioned yesterday I received a wonderful package in the mail from my HSS2 pal Angela Marie of Girl with a Twist (previously of Enchanted Daffodils).


Sorry that once again photo conditions were not optimal. It is raining very heavily today. We even lost power for several hours this morning. She put a lot of thought into this package though, so I wanted to make sure that I publicly thanked her.

She included all three of the Socktopia Harry Potter themed patterns, beautifully printed in color and placed in 3-ring binder slip covers. I don't know if I mentioned it previously, but I do keep my hard copy patterns exactly this way in a binder. So this extra step was really appreciated.

The bookmark is knit on what I can only image were toothpick fine needles. It will be perfect for all the paperbacks that I read. And the colors of the little "book scarf" are absolutely perfect.

As for yarn she not only included a skein of Lisa Souza's beautiful sock yarn in Emerald City, she also threw in the leftovers from the socks and another full skein of the Knit Picks Essential Solid. I have never used either of these yarns, so I am super excited. And I have enough of the green and grey/silver that I think I could knit a whole other pair of socks if I like.

As if all that was not enough, there were a ton of extras. There's a mini sock blocker, which I have seen on other people's blogs but never in person. Too cute! Also included was a tin decorating kit, that I will probably do with Chiquita since there are two tins. Inside was also a golden snitch, which she may have seen on my Ravelry queue. And then to top it all off there were some spooky Halloween pencils and bunch of candy. (I love tootsie rolls and usually convince Chiquita to share hers with me from her trick-or-treating stash since she doesn't like them, but this year she got none!)

Thank you so much Avada Finchfletchley!

Ravenclaw II Socks

It is the night of the Great Pumpkin! Happy Halloween everybody.


I am afraid I will not be home for the holiday as I need to run Chiquita here there and everywhere this afternoon and evening, so I thought I would post a little earlier in the day than I usually do.

With Halloween comes the end to Socktoberfest. I am afraid that I did not really get to work on socks as much as I would to have liked since I really needed to finish my Hogwarts Sock Swap II socks. Honestly I have never had so many problems with one pair of socks in my life. I tried 3 different patterns in 2 directions, with countless times I ripped back at the heel. And yes I did end up doing the sock surgery, because I am a bit anal apparently. They have since gone out in the mail though and I am anxiously awaiting their arrival. So if you are my pal you may not want to read all the way to the end of this post since I will include a photo after my discussion.

When I found out that my pal was in Ravenclaw and preferred movie colors (blue and silver rather than blue and bronze) I was pretty excited. The socks I had done for the last round were in book colors, so I got to do something a little different. I had had in my stash some Knit Picks Memories in Yukon that I had been saving for a special occassion, and this seemed to be the time. Amusingly the contrast yarn I chose was also discontinued shortly after I started this pair.

I know that yarn manufacturers like any other business have to really think about which lines sell best, but I am really sad that Memories was discontinued. It feels really nice and the colors are great. True I might wish that the color lengths were a little longer, but otherwise it is a great yarn. (You may remember that I knit these socks alternating strands to minimize the flashing.) Plus it is pretty amazing how well this yarn held up to all the ripping out. I guess that everybody is looking for superwash yarns these days though, since all of the Knit Picks sock yarns have gone in that direction.

Many thanks to Salvbard for modeling the socks, because although I have sock blockers they are for smaller feet than these socks. And let's face it, socks not on the foot or a blocker just look... well flaccid, especially with the ribbing down the foot. For some reason it hadn't previously occurred to me before than a men's small foot is just about the same as a women's large.

Knit For: "Avada Finchfletchley" of Girl With a Twist
Yarns: Knit Picks Memories in Yukon and Jaeger Matchmaker Merino 4 Ply
Pattern: Basic Ribbed Socks (men's size) from Vogue Knitting on the Go: Socks Two

Advice Wanted

Okay can I have some opinions here? These are for my Ravenclaw Hogwarts Sock Swap pal. I started these off normally but the pooling was driving me crazy (see below, right). Basically if I decided to do nothing then one whole side of each leg would be darker than the other. So I introduced a second strand and alternated each round (see below, left).Now would I be crazy to go make an incision, rip back from to the cuff (a la sock surgery) and then do some voodoo to put it all back together again? Or since this is only 1.5"/4cm (unstretched) should I just shrug and call it a day? If it was at the toes I think I could leave it without a second thought. At the top of the sock however...

Space Kitty's Cowl

I wasn't going to post as I am still working away on my HSS socks, but when I saw Space Kitty's cowl I had to make a quick post. I had originally spun the yarn for her as part of a swap, though I almost couldn't bear to part with it. I am so glad I did let it go though, because she picked the perfect pattern for it. Go take a look! Doesn't it look great on her?

What-ya-up-to Wednesday

I have been really suffering from a severe case of startisis. Hopefully with Salvbard returning from Europe this weekend, I will be able to get it under control soon. At the moment I have 3 knitting and 3 crochet projects that I am actively working on. That is crazy and totally unlike me! Here are the knitting ones:


I was reading over on Stoneview about her
new Swiffer pad that she knit. Love it! I do own one for getting in areas that my Scooba can't reach, but the disposible pads make me cringe. These washable ones are such a good idea. I know I will be making the other pattern for the pads soon. All this one needs is a quick toss in the washing machine before I seam it up.

Also on the needles is a pair of Slytherin mittens. This pair is for myself, but I think I will be making a pair for one of my cousins, who is also an ardent Slytherin.

Finally I am working on the pair of socks for my Hogwarts Sock Swap pal. I have a bunch of the legs done, but I think I want to make them a little longer before starting the heel. I need to get a move on to finish these with plenty of time to mail them though.

Hogwart Sock Swap 2 Q&A Contest

To earn Slytherin points I am answering a few questions to let my partner know a bit more about me.

Hogwart Sock Swap 2 Q&A Contest

What type of pet do you choose as your companion at Hogwarts?
Probably a reptile of some sort. I already have a African Fait-Tailed Gecko named Cupric.

While shopping in Hogsmeade you stop by Honeydukes for some sweets. What treats do you purchase for yourself?
Peppermint Toads - love all things mint!

A potion you are preparing needs an ingredient available only at muggle shops. You don't want to stand out in your wizards robes, so you resort to traditional muggle clothing. Describe your outfit in detail.
baby doll tee-shirt, slacks, maryjanes and handknit socks

What is your favorite subject to study at Hogwarts and why?
Potions! I just love bench work, it is all about being thorough and focused. No foolish wand waving here!

Likewise, what subject is your least favorite and why?
Divination - unless you are a centaur, why bother.

Back to the potion you were shopping for ingredients for, what type of potion are you making, what color is it, what are the ingredients, and precisely what does the potion do?
Amortentia - mother-of-pearl sheen and steam rising in characteristic spirals - frozen ashwinder eggs, avens, maudlinwort, daniana, dulse, melequeta, agave, and copal - love potion (officially not allowed at Hogwarts) encourages infatuation with an individual

Recieved Slytherin HSS Package

You can tell Alice is a Ravenclaw. That girl thinks! It has been pouring today, so when I saw the soggy cardboard box outside, I admit I was a little nervous, but she had sealed everything in zip-lock bags to keep everything dry in just such an eventuality.


Inside were so many goodies. There was Tazo Green Tea (hehe), chocolate (which I will try to be good and share), a set of addi Turno lace needles (which I haven't tried yet, but sound amazing), beautiful Slytherin stitch markers by Enchanted Daffodils, and of course a pair of beautiful socks.


I absolutely love, love, love the deep emerald of these. I have no idea of the yarn manufacturer, but this depth of color is stunning. And although my pal was worried that I wouldn't get the chance to wear these right away, the weather turned damp and chilly today for what the weather report suggests will be nearly a week and a half of rain.

Hogwarts Sock Swap Questionnaire

Hogwarts Sock Swap Questionnaire

Second Years

1. What Hogwarts house have you been sorted into?

Slytherin!

2. Shoe size? Foot length? Foot circumference?

US Womens 6.5-7: 9.5"/24cm : 8.25"/21cm
Note: I tend to like my socks snug in circumfrence

3. List your three favorite sock yarns.

a. Regia - this is definitely my workhorse yarn, though their silk blend is luscious

b. Koigu - so squishy and amazing colors

c. Artyarns Ultramerino or Supermerino

4. Would you like to try a new brand of sock yarn? If so, which brand?

I am always up for something new. I am not a huge fan of mohair containing yarns, but otherwise surprise me :)

5. Do you prefer variegated or solid sock yarn?

I am attracted to variegateds, so that is what I mostly have in my stash already. Solids or semi-solids would allow me to do some fancier patterns, but honestly I like both.

6. What colors would you like to add to your sock yarn stash?

Honestly I like Slytherin colors, but don't have any in my stash. Also often used as male-friendly "colors" that tend to be almost-colors (such as deep hunter green, navy, black, brown) and brightly colored yarns for Chiquita (who preferes cotton blends).

7. What kind of sock patterns do you gravitate toward? Lace? Ribbed? Fair Isle?

I haven't done any fair isle yet, and I have to admit it is a little intimidating. I have done lace, ribbed, cabled, and even mitered socks though and enjoyed them all.

8. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, animals, etc.)

Just mold for me, but my partner is allergic to cats.

9. Will your socks be exposed to cigarette smoke or animals as you knit them?

Nope I am a non-smoker with a lizard, who stays in his cage.

10. Are you willing to have an international Hogwarts Sock Pal?

Sure :)

Don't forget to sign up for the Hogwarts Sock Swap Two soon if you are thinking of doing so. Sign-ups for first years started July 14th.

Getting Ready for Potter

Life has been full of the Potter-verse these days. Only a few days until we get the last book. Please remember spoilers may be crucio-ed.

We went to see Order of the Pheonix this week. Chiquita dressed up for it, although we didn't go to any of the releases. (And can I just rant about the prices of even children's movie tickets these days? I know they were high for adults, but the price was not all that different for an 8 year old.) See that green? With any luck she will be a Slytherin just like her mom.


And do I look tired or what? Boston has been hot people! The over-air-conditioned movie theater was a nice change for a little bit. These are the thick wool-socks I am working on for poor Salvbard. Coming back from tropical south-east asia, I am sure wool sock will be the absolute first thing on his mind... or something.


And yes I did knit these during the movie. A simple 2X2 ribbed leg didn't distract from the movie itself, which was surprisingly good. There are parts I wish were a little different, but it should just be enjoyed for itself too.


In other related news I heard back from the Deputy Head Mistress for the Hogwarts Sock Swap Two. I will be joining the Slytherin house once again, and I would like to welcome all of the first years. If you haven't signed up yet but would like to you should get to it! There are only 150 slots, and at least 100 are already taken.



I have been listening to my favorite Potter podcasts, including Snapecast, which introduced me to the song by Ministry of Magic and The Parselmouths - Snape vs Snape (you can listen to it at either link). Some Wizardrock I have heard is good, but apparently I hadn't heard anything by Ministry of Magic before. They are fabulous! I immediately bought their CD, and will be waiting anxiously for it to arrive.

In the meantime I have been reading fan-fic during my knitting time (simple knits are a must for the next week and a half at least). Does anyone have any recommendations? I am not really a Harry fan-girl, though I have read some fic with him as a main character that was good. Slytherin content desirable, but not necessary if it is well written.

House Earrings

Knowing that I was going to need to get an owl for my Hogwarts pal soon, I have been working on a few little extras. One that I finished today was a pair of Ravenclaw earrings.The bronze beads are anodized pearls, while the center blue one are the same ones that I used for the Ravenclaw stitch markers.
Of course once I had all the bits out, I had to make a Slytherin pair as well. (It is hard to see here, but the stars are hematite.)