The Kit has Arrived

The kit arrived approximately a week ago. I first want to apologize to Sian about not getting it up here sooner. The Crookshanks family has moved again. Only this time, by our choice, not the Ministry's. We will NOT be moving again.

Just look at this view.

So here is the kit stuff and boy, was I one LUCKY DUCKY!!!

Here is what it looked like when I opened the box. WOW! It was packed full of beautifully wrapped goodies. I absolutely adored the stamping done on the tags. Great Job!

Here is a picture of all the goodies once they were out of the box. 

This is a knitted scarf. I was so impressed that she managed to knit up not one, but two items in the time alloted, with the scarf being of substantial size, she did confess to doing it on a machine. It matters not! It is really a GREAT JOB! I love it, my son loves it, the girls love it, even Mr. Crookshanks was impressed. Son wants to wear it to HBP premiere when we go. Definitely a sign of great workmanship!

This is the project bag that Sian made. What a wonderful shape. So huge. I love it all. 

She also included a new set of double pointed needles, two new sock patterns, some wonderful kettle dyed sock yarn from Knitpicks, a chocolate bar for me, and a bag of chocolate mini-bars for bribing the kids to do housework. She also made a journal for keeping track of all the new ideas I have in my knitting journeys. 

Thank you again, Sian, for the wonderful kit. 

Last time

Since the whole swap thing is officially done on Friday, this means this post is the official last one. I hope Quinn sees that I did post before the 'deadline', but I guess it really doesn't matter since the rules will be changed to suit any house but Slytherin.

And since it doesn't really matter that Slytherin house has played fair and square, we know who the best house is, all along. Silver and Green!

'Nuff said.

Quidditch Round 3

Picture Hunt

George

McGonagall

Patil

Where the Wild Things Are

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?
b. Lupin

2. Which “Harry Potter” character’s first name is the Latin equivalent of the Greek Goddess Athena?
c. McGonagall


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?
Nicolas Flamel

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?
c. Viktor

5. Which character’s name is the name of goddess in Indian mythology?
b. Patil

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

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

8. What was Snape aiming at when he cut off George’s ear?
c. Another Death Eater’s wand hand


9. How much older than James was Lily? (Referring to Harry’s parents, not children).
d. 2 months

10. Food is one of the five exceptions to what magical law?
b. Gamp’s Law of Elemental Transfiguration

On my way back to school

On the way back to Hogwarts, the Crookshank family did a bit of a detour to visit some family and friends. We also did a bit of site seeing. I will try to post pictures once we are back as we are using visiting muggle contraptions called laptops.

I have heard that Ms. Suzie Weasley, of Hufflepuff, has received a package from Eion and has fed and watered him. Thank you! I do hope you have enjoyed the goodies.

I hope that when I return to my dorm that there will be a package waiting for me. I am very excited in anticipation.

Happy Knitting.
O

Sock Camp

Fellow Students,

I have a secret. I am at a muggle camp in Port Ludlow, Washington called Camp Knitty ha Ha. Lots of muggles are here. The location is BEE-UU-TEE-FULL!! Great food. Great company. (except I really do miss all you guys). Lots of new techniques for knitting socks.

But here is the super secret part. One of the muggle teachers has a new book coming out at the end of the summer. It will debut at another huge sock meeting but she shared it with us. It is so FANTASTIC! It totally rocks your mind and how you conceive how socks will be knit. I am SO excited for it to come out. (Not to mention, I got to help edited it a bit.)

Another of the teachers showed us how to knit as fast as magical knitting needles minus the magic. It is incredible. This technique was so inventive that I have been knitting for days, over 6 hours a day, with no wrist pain. WOW!

It has been so worth it. Plus, not to forget all the wonderful new yarns that I have won, dyed, or been given. I hope to see you all soon.

Oh- and by the way, Eion left today to deliver a package to the Weasley family. Please keep him for a week as we are off to visit the grandparents for the holiday and then send him on his way home.

Happy Knitting!
O

The Spring Break

I thought I would post a note to let everyone know that our delightful Head of House has excused me from classes for the next two weeks. I will still be in contact with all my wonderful classmates and dorm mates but I am attending a muggle grouping of sock knitting enthusiasts. Mr. Crookshanks has appropriated enough time to take a leave of absence from the Ministry to stay with our little ones while I 'hob-nob' with other sock lovers. I am SO looking forward to it. Not the hob-nobbing, the getting away.  

I am actually very nervous. I am uncertain if there will be any other 'extra gifted' people there, I am hesitant to take my charmed needles as I might scare them. So instead, I will be behaving like a real muggle. I hope that my hands don't hurt or that my stamina will be kept up as I am not very fast when I have to do it all myself. 

I finally received a new camera. So I will include a picture of the fantastic little ROAK that I received from the loverly Suzie Weasley. Thank you so much for your kindness. The Twizzlers were quickly consumed. Sorry that I forgot to include them in the photo. 

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.  

A RAOK

This week has been rather hectic. But today it was totally made up for. I received a RAOK from the wonderful Suzie Weasley. This is the puff girl that I am to be spoiling, who, by the way, has a birthday coming up. (My owl, Eion,  left with a package for just the very occasion today. Hopefully, he will make it back in time to take her kit to her as I am winging my way to the muggle Camp Knitty Ha ha.) 

I would love to post a picture, but as the camera has officially died and no amount of Repairo has worked, I do believe it is time to just bury it. I just might let our neighbors have a go at it. They seem to be quite infatuated with all things muggle. 

I received a package of Twizzlers. Luckily, I opened the package after the little ones were in bed so I managed to quickly hide them. I am in need of more knitting snacks so into the knit bag they went. I also received a set of wonderful Slytherinish stitch markers with a Slytherinish ring to hold them. They too quickly went into the knit bag for use on the next project. I am hoping to start a knitted dress for the youngest one soon. And last, but not least, is the most beautiful skein of red yarn. It is from Pagewood Yarns. It is called Hand Dyed Sock Yarn for Main Street Yarn in a delicious 'Really Red' colorway. I cannot wait to start working with it. I think for now it will remain in a skein so I can ponder what pattern to utilize. I kinda hear it whispering to be a cable pattern. We shall see. 

I am off to wander in the library. I hear a new Sock book has finally arrived and I would like to have first dibs on it. 

Happy Knitting and THANK YOU, SUZIE WEASLEY!! 

O

HSKS 7 Quidditch #2

Picture Scavenger Hunt

Lily

Ron

Snape

Luna

Godric's Hollow

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

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?
b. Death Eaters

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?
b. No

4. Why did the Dumbledore's move to Godric's Hollow?
c. The father went to Azkaban

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

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 Brothers". The brother buried there once owned what?
b. The cloak

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

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?
c. Snape and Lily having fun in a potions class

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

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

Homework for this week

Our assignment for this week was to talk about what we did on our snow day. The day began with three patronises arriving before 6 am. The first patronis was from the Ministry and it arrived at 4:30 a.m. It was for Mr. Crookshanks telling him that due to the poor conditions all travel was suspended and  floo network would be closed due to the necessity of the fireplaces for actual warmth. The second patronis arrived at 5 a.m. telling us that the primary school for the kids would be closed due to too many mishaps with kids spletching with the cold weather. (I really think it was because they were thinking they would rather be in bed with it nice and warm and was separating from their parents. Parents arriving at the school. Kids arriving home in their beds.) The third patronis was Mr. Crookshanks' secretary letting him know everyone received their patronis and all were informed. That arrived at 5:15 a.m. 

By the time all the patronises disapperated, I couldn't sleep. So instead took the day to finish up homework that was due for History of Muggles, History of Magical Creatures and where to find them. They were both due for completion on Friday. I am glad to say, they are finally done. 

When the assignments were turned in by owl, I sat about cataloging all my new yarns. I have been so busy trying to complete the assignments that I had quite the pile going. I managed to get them all logged into my muggle database called 'Ravelry.' (I really do love that place.) Unfortunately, it became evident that I have way TOO much yarn. So, enough of what I did on our wonderful snow day, off to get busy with my knitting. 

Now, if I could just find those needles that Mrs. Weasley spoke about last Thursday night.....

Crazy week

I apologize now for freaking out my head girls an prefect. I have had a really crazy week and time just flew by. I had every intention of posting here the house quiz in time for being entered into the hat, but it, being time, got away from me. 

One more week and my muggle classes will be done. Mr. Crookshanks is finally home for a bit. I bought a house. I finished teaching a couple of classes at the muggle yarn store. 

I hope to be involved in house planning a bit more from now on. 

Since it has been so busy, I am off to bed now. 

Cheers!

HSKS 7 Quidditch Round 1

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?

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?

b. Snape

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

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

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

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?

b. Sirius Black'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?

d. By giving him Regulus Black's old locket

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

d. Dolores Umbridge

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

a. Moody's magical eye

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?

d. To the site of the Quidditch World Cup

Picture Scavenger Hunt

Mad-Eye Moody

Nymphadora Tonks

George Weasley

The Dursley's HouseKreacher

House Quiz 2

Can I just say that I like having these house quizzes? It is the perfect thing to blog. Well Done, Prefect and Head Girls!! Super Snaps for you.

On that note, here is my quiz and answers:

Slytherin House Quiz #2: How Well Do You Know Your Housemates?

1. Which housemate has an 11 ½ inch holly wand with a Dragon Heartstring core? Bathilda Boomslang. She had to because she and her sister were fighting over whose wand was left on the floor when they were making such a racket that Elvie the Slytherin House Elf cracked in and snapped it in half. It was only after he cracked back out that Belladonna realized it really was Bathilda's. DOWT!

2. Which housemate creates rockin’ sock patterns? Absolutely the most marvelous Emma Wigworthy! She should write a book.

3. Which housemate has the hots for David Boreanez? Only the lonely. Oh- I mean Cassandra Puddlemere. He is not that great. Gerard Butler on the other hand, now that is a real professor. UMMM HMMM!

4. Which housemate used to be the top badger who made a habit of eating snakes? We don't like to talk about the mistakes people made before they were crucio'd, I mean, saw the light. But if we have to name names, ::whispering:: Quinn.

5. Which housemate shows off her awards from HSKS6 on her blog? Madam Ferula Finnigan.

6. Which housemate makes kicka* * cookies IRL? My wonderful Esmeralda Beanswallow, and I have had the opportunity to taste her kicka** cookies and they really do kick bum.

7. Which housemate is a third year Slytherclaw, whatever the hell that means? Callisto Verity

8. Which housemate wants Plymouth to make her feet happy? Belladonna Boomslang

9. Which housemate is a knitting addict? (Ok, all of us, but one in particular.) That really could only be Lily of Flitwick. She even out ranks me on the knitting addiction meter.

10. Which housemate loves to sing? Diana Lockhart

11. Which housemate has issues with muggle devices? My sister in law, Ginny Crookshanks, is hopeless with these muggle devices. Though she is way more talented in her mastery of charms and divination.

12. Which housemate likes Darth HelloKitty? Cecily Fortescue

13. Which housemate has a member of the family with his own fan club? HRH Queen Frysia. We are speaking of course of Prince Corey.

14. Which housemate has never-ending PMS? Olivia Moody Gaunt

15. Which housemate originally comes from South New Joisey? Penelope Caerphilly

16. Which housemate “adores” European chocolates? Clara Clovenhoof

17. Which housemate has a roommate who seriously put a crimp in her communication abilities? Rowena Weasley should really find a new roommate. That was just harsh!

18. Which housemate was fortunate enough to lose her HP husband? Poor Lavender Diggory- Dolohov. Which was probably a good thing in the end.

19. Which housemate likes some Nascar dude? Andromeda Finch- Fletchley

20. Which housemate needs a new time-turner? Me. Does anyone have one for sale or trade? I have Wollenmeise......

Slytherin House Quiz 1

What are your three most favorite colors? blue, red, green.

What are you three least favorite colors? peptobismal pink, vomit grey, orange.

Your favorite candy is Twizzlers, Dark Chocolate, Caramel, and Sweetarts.

Draco, Lucius, or Snape?

I guess Snape. maybe. 

Do you knit, crochet, or both?

Knit

What type of kit did you ask for?

I think I said sock. First and foremost a sock knitter. Everything else is just fluff. 

Acrylic—has its uses, should all be burned, best yarn to work with (choose one)?

I would say 'should all be burned' but it is bad for the environment.

Who is the Slytherin Head Girl this term?

Quinn

Name four “extras” you would love to receive in your kit.

Chocolate Frogs, HP paraphernalia, tea, or more yarn

What are your three most favorite scents?

Roses, Tulips, Citrus

Do you prefer salty or sweet snacks?

Sweet

Which Slytherin is the Keeper of the Crucio List?

The Honorable Cassandra Puddlemere

Do you really need more stitch markers?

Um, no, not really

Dpns, circular, or straight?

DPNS or circular. Don't use straight at all. 

What yarn makes you squee?

Three Irish Girls. 

Favorite HP Movie?

The Chamber of Secrets

Favorite HP character?

Do I have to name just one? Molly Weasley. Harry. Hermione. Dumbledore. Fred/George (I get them mixed up.) Dobby. 

Who was your first choice for DADA professor?

Gerard Butler (And I still think he will make the best one! I am planning a coux de tau!)

What is the Slytherin Common Room called?

The Snake Pit

What makes you worthy of being in Slytherin House? 

I was the original mischief maker (think ferrets let loose in the kitchen a year ago.)

Here I go again....

I return refreshed from my semester away. I managed to splitch myself and part of me was here but not really. I knew I should have paid better attention when the Ministry of Magic Department Minister was here giving lessons on apperating. I totally messed up! That's what happens when your mind is elsewhere. And that it was.

I had several Professors and a handful of Department personnel trying to put me back together. I think I am finally feeling back to normal. We shall see as the semester progresses. Nothing like a bit of stress to test the integrity of a structure. 

This year brings my sister-in-law to Hogwarts with me. I am not for sure if Mr. Crookshanks put his sister up to coming to keep an eye on me or if she really did want to come on her own. I do hope that Ginny comes to love this place as much as I. With Petrificus switching to Durmstrag, I am a bit down hearted but I understand that a second year with his mother in the same hallways was a bit daunting for a young wizard. Especially when she and her cohorts are causing more trouble than the others. (Not my fault we know how to have a good time.) Really, I thought he should have been in Ravenclaw myself. Much to smart for his own good. 

Off to make sure that the new DADA professor knows me. 

Toodles....