The Most Wonderful Package!

An owl showed up at my door this morning carrying an enormous package from my amazing spoiler, Minerva Kwikspell! It was stuffed with all sorts of goodies...

An awesome Slytherin tote bag that will definitely be getting lots of use...

Lots of treats, including another Cadbury bar (my favorite!) and blueberry green tea...


Yummy yarn enough for two(!) pairs of socks, which will be knit up very soon...


Two size 1 Knitpicks circulars, gorgeous Slytherin stitch markers, and a Hogwarts houses row counter!
Group shot! I could hardly fit everything into the picture. Also in the package were five Harry Potter themed sock patterns, a set of beautiful note cards, and a journal. Thank you so so so very much Minee! Everything is so wonderful!

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

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 Numerology"


Picture Scavenger Hunt
Padma Patil
Hannah Abbott
Percy
Dumbledore's Army
Cedric Diggory
(Extra 5 pts - What movie will Robert Patterson star in this December?)
Twilight

They're here!

Hurray! I was so excited to see this owl fly up to me this morning because I knew exactly what she was carrying - these gorgeous socks! The colors are even more marvelous in real life than this picture can capture. Thank you so much, Lily!

Done and Done

Dueling Round Three is officially done. Because of the holiday however, this is going to be a race of the post offices. I'll be awaiting your owl, Lily! The yarn is Cascade 220 in a wonderfully Slytherin green.

In swapping news, my package is (still) on the verge of completion. The professors have suddenly decided to pile on the work, so I have yet to find time to sneak down to the kitchens. I'm thinking this weekend may be a good time...

Almost there...

Phew! I'm so exhausted after that last round of dueling; I even took a few days off knitting so I would not injure my hands. I sent my socks off last Wednesday, but I still haven't heard anything. The post office could not give me delivery confirmation on international owls. I have my fingers crossed...

In happy news, my package is almost complete! I have everything ready to go, except for one thing. Do you think the Hogwarts house elves will let me use the ovens in the kitchens?

Quidditch Round 2

1. At the beginning of the year feast, who is the only person who rudely interrupts Dumbledore during his speech?

b. Professor Umbridge

2. Off what street is the alley where Harry first met Sirius?

c. Magnolia Crescent

3. Tonks’ mother had two sisters, both pure-bloods, and both left on the Black Family Tree. What are their names?

c. Narcissa and Bellatrix

4. What spell are the students studying in McGonalgall’s class when Umbrdige is doing her inspection?

d. The Vanishing Spell

5. Who comes to warn Harry and the rest of Dumbledore’s Army that Umbridge and her group of followers are coming to break up their meeting?

Dobby

6. Who are the members of the Order that met Harry Potter in the Dursely’s house during the summer before his fifth year?

c. Alastor Moody, Nymphadora Tonks, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Elphias Doge, Dedalus Diggle, Remus Lupin, Emmeline Vance, Sturgis Podmore, Hestia Jones

7. Moody used the Disillusionment Charm on Harry.

a. Yes

8. Which of these Death Eaters is Sirius related to?

d. All of these

9. At what age did Sirius leave his home?

16

10. How many of the original Order members were killed (don’t include those who disappeared)?

b. 8

Picture Scavenger

Post these pictures to your blog. They must either be posted or linked to from your blog in order to receive points.

Kingsley Shacklebolt

Bellatrix Lestrange

Nymphadora Tonks

Remus Lupin

Mini-sock Mania

Today was another day full of owls! I received my gorgeous mini-sock (pictured on the left) from Queen Frysia as part of the in-house swap, and mailed off my own mini-sock on the right to Megaera Black. It was knit with embroidery floss held doubled, due to Meg's allergy to animal fibers, and it turned out great!

In swap package news, I'm just putting the finishing touches on Lavender's package before getting ready to send it off. I'm so excited!

News

I've been just so busy this past week that I haven't had any time to write until now. After hurridly finishing my Dueling Club socks (no more ribbed socks for me!), I took a little break from socks and worked on my spoilee's Gryffindor bag. I am happy to report that it is completely done - including felting. Now I'm just sending out orders to Hogsmeade for some special little treats.

Speaking of treats, yet another owl swooped down to me at breakfast a few days ago carrying a parcel from Arabella Moody, the Slytherin prefect. It contained my prize for winning one of the Slytherin house quizes a while back - two skeins of Slytherin colored sock yarn destined to become Fred and George striped socks, as well as a box of some of Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans. Thanks so very much Arabella!

Being the eager first year that I am, I decided to not only get involved in the Dueling Club, but in a small in-house mini-sock swap as well. I've never made a mini-sock before, so it should be a blast. I'll have it finished and sent off to Meg Black in no time!

Spoiled Silly

That's right. It's an early package from my spoiler, Minerva Kwikspell, the most generous Ravenclaw Head Girl ever. A super cute Slytherin mini-sock and one of my favorite snacks, a Cadbury bar - and this isn't even my proper package! Thank you so much, Minee!

Speaking of packages, I was at the post office this morning sending off my Dueling Club socks.
I've been knitting up a storm the last two days to get these finished, and now an owl is whisking them away!


I had a bit of fun with the envelope.

Quidditch Round 1

1. Which of Arabella Figg's cats ran out from under the car?

a. Tibbles

2. Which of the following is NOT one of Albus Dumbledore's middle names?

a. Ignatius

3. Which educational decree introduced a High Inquisitor to Hogwarts?

2. 23

4. Apart from Harry, Ron and Hermione, who was the first person to enter the Hog's Head that showed an interest in Harry's Defence Against the Dark Arts classes?

2. Neville Longbottom

5. In the first Quidditch match of the year which player attempted to score first?

a. Angelina Johnson

6. What kind of bush does Harry hide behind to listen to the news?

b. A hydrangea bush

7. Why is Mundungus Fletcher disguised as a woman when he witnesses the DA (Dumbledore's Army) meeting in the Hog's Head pub?

b. He was banned from the Hog’s Head pub 20 years ago.

8. When Harry and Cho go on their first date to Madam Puddifoot's in Hogsmeade, what is it decorated with for Valentine's Day?

c. Golden cherubs and pink confetti

9. How old is Sturgis Podmore and where does he live?

a. 38 and number 2 Laburnum Gardens Clapham

10. What did Fred and George Weasley do to Montague?

a. Forced him head-first into a Vanishing Cabinet on the first floor.

Picture Scavenger Hunt

Fred and George Weasley (Together)

Hog’s Head Pub

by the great Marta

Sirius Black

by the hilarious Makani

Mr. Weasley & Harry (Together)

Draco Malfoy

My Very First...

Argyle socks. My fellow Slytherin, Emma Gorodok, posted a contest on her blog to post a personal knitting first. Back in March I was brain-storming ideas about knitting something for my grandfather, and my mom came up with the idea of argyle socks. Apparently they were quite popular during the World War II era, so I figured I might as well.

Little did I know how finicky these socks are. I had never done any intarsia-heavy projects before either, so these were quite a learning experience. Luckily, he loved them and has been hinting about perhaps a repeat for Christmas. Argh!

Meme me

This meme has been floating around, and as Cassandra Puddlemere tagged everyone in Hogwarts, I figured I might as well.

1. What was I doing 10 years ago?
Ten years ago I was 8 years old, in the third grade, reading the Nancy Drew books, and just learning how to knit from a Hungarian woman at my LYS. Of course, I hadn't received my letter from Hogwarts yet and was still a happy Muggle.

2. What are 5 things on my to-do list today?
1.) Go to class
2.) Print lace pattern out at the library (printer's broken!)
3.) Pick up sock yarn for the Dueling Club
4.) Laundry
5.) Order yarn for a Lakers beanie for my Dad, a big fan of Muggle sports

3. Snacks I enjoy...
Cadbury bars
anything Reese's
Wheat Thins
100 Grand
Pickles (they're good!)

4. Things I would do if I were a billionaire....
Donate loads of it to charities and funds to better the world
Pay for my and my brother's college tuition
Hand-dyed sock yarn
Live like a normal human being

5. Places I've lived
Santa Monica, Northridge, and Glendale - otherwise known as suburbs of Los Angeles.

6. Jobs I've had.
Tutor
Babysitter
Personal chef - cooking dinner four nights a week (compensated in yarn - thanks Mum!)
Retail - selling trendy clothing I would never wear (but I can knit on the job!)

7. Peeps I want to know more about...
Definitely my spoilee, Lavender Durmstrang, and everyone in Slytherin!

House Quiz

1. How many goal posts are on the Quidditch Pitch?
Six.

2. Who was portrayed in the picture that kept screaming in the headquarters for the Order of the Phoenix?
Sirius's mother, Mrs. Black.

3. Who was giving Hagrid all of those bruises and cuts?
Grawp, Hagrid's giant half-brother.

4. Who left his shift early, leaving Harry open to a dementor attack?
Mundungus Fletcher.

5. What was the name of the Squib who came to Harry's side after the attack?
Arabella Figg.

6. What position was Percy promoted to that made him have a 'row' with Mr. Weasley?
Junior Assistant to the Minister.

7. What secret does Hermione know about Rita Skeeter?
Rita is an Animagus in the form of a beetle.

8. Name one person other than Sirius Black who was scratched off of the Family tree wall?
Andromeda Tonks nee Black.

9. Who discovers the room of requirement?
Dobby informs Harry about it, who goes to find it. Dumbledore, Trelawny, Draco, and Voldemort also know of the existence of the Room.

10. Where is the first DA meeting held?
In the Hog's Head tavern in Hogsmeade.

First week

This first week has been so exhausting! I've been trying my best to not get lost on my way to classes, but this castle is just so huge! Luckily, I had been warned about Peeves by Minerva. She sent me another scroll with her magnificent owl Seva, and I have only just got around to answering it.

The teachers apparently do not take pity on first years when it comes to homework. Essays for History of Magic, Transfiguration, and Herbology, as well as extra practice for Charms. Levitating Charms are a bit more difficult than I expected.

All this work leaves little time for knitting! My father's birthday is this Sunday, and I still haven't finished my scarf for him. I still have a foot left to do - not to mention blocking. I'm planning to cast on my Gryffindor bag soon. It's such a cute pattern, and I can't wait to start. I already started ordering little treats from Hogsmeade for my spoilee, Lavender. I'll have to find time to knit in between lessons!

Settling In

Phew! I just finished unpacking all my things in my dormitory room. I didn't know until today who my dorm-mates would be, but everything turned out just fine. I'll be with Danazraella Deamonova, Matilda Edgecomb, Enna Kirts, and Megaera Black - all wonderful Slytherin girls. It will be a bit crowded in here with five of us, but the more the merrier!

Classes start tomorrow, and I'm so excited that I just cannot fall asleep. We first years received our class schedule at the start of term feast, and they all seem like so much fun - except Potions. It seems like a mix of chemistry and cooking to me, and those two separate are enough to bamboozle me.



We also got our first look at the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor and Merlin's pants! He's the scariest person I have ever seen. His name is Professor Lufkin is quite possibly a vampire. I haven't got Defense until Thursday, so I'll hear what the other students say about him.

In swapping news, I received an owl stating that I'll be spoiling Lavender Durmstrang (a Gryffindor) and being spoiled by none other than Minerva Kwikspell. The Ravenclaw Head Girl herself! She sent me her letter on official stationary too. I feel so excited! I've already sent an owl to order Gryffindor-colored yarn (along with way more yarn than I possibly need). Time to start training for the Dueling Club by finishing all those socks I have on needles.

I've got Transfiguration first thing in the morning, so I should really get some sleep. G'night!

Antsy

I just can't wait for classes to start. The Slytherin prefect just announced that we get to pick our own dorm-mates this year, so I'm hoping I can find some fellow first years with whom to dorm. Feel free to comment if you need another roomie!

I'm waiting on tenterhooks for the swap partners to be announced. I think I'll start making the bag (or whatever else) and order some awesome sock yarn from Etsy. The Dueling Club is also going to start taking sign-ups soon, and I know for sure that I'm going to join. Even though I am just a first year, it sounds like it will be a blast. Speed knitting!

The Society for the Production of Excellent Wearables also sounds like a worthwhile club. I've managed to pack quite a bit of my stash into my trunk (my mum had to send a package of socks when I realized I only had 2 pairs) and I'm hoping to use up some for chemo hats. Just need to finish the four projects I have on needles!

I think I'll head down to the library to look up that charm to enchant my needles to knit on their own. Cross your fingers that I don't get lost!

Hurray!

Slytherin all the way! I'm so glad I got into my house of choice because it seems to have filled up quite fast. Anyway, being the first in my family to go to Hogwarts, I'm trying to learn all I can about the wizarding world before term starts.

My family and I even made the trip over to Diagon Alley to get my wand and school supplies. My parents were so amazed by all the magic, and I can't belive this is all real! I hope being Muggle-born won't count against me at Hogwarts. I've read that Slytherin used to be only pure-bloods - guess that tradition's dying out.

Wood type: birch Length: 11½ inches Core: Dragon Heartstring get your own wand!

Your Harry Potter Alter Ego Is...? created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Severus Snape Well you're a tricky one aren't you? Nobody quite has you figured out and you'd probably prefer it stayed that way. That said you are a formidable force by anyone's reckoning, but there is certainly more to you than a frosty exterior and a bitter temper. Severus Snape 75% Harry Potter 75% Ginny Weasley 65% Hermione Granger 60% Draco Malfoy 60% Albus Dumbledore 60% Remus Lupin 55% Lord Voldemort 55% Sirius Black 50% Ron Weasley 40%

Professor Snape, hmm? I've heard so much about him, and he sounds like he was actually a really admirable guy, despite having a bit of a sharp tongue.

Just got my letter!

I'm so excited! My letter from Hogwarts just arrived, and I'm thrilled. It came a little earlier than I had expected, but that's all the better.

Oh, I hope I'll be sorted into Slytherin. I know it has a dark reputation, but it just totally fits me! Ambitious, cunning, and with a lack of respect for rules... muhaha! The sorting will be right after we get there, so I can't wait!