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!