Another round of Quidditch for Hogwarts

1. What animal does the portrait in the Muggle Prime Minster’s office resemble?
b. Frog

2. What drink does Romilda Vane try to give Harry?
a. Gillywater

3. What is the name of the person who heads the Holyhead Harpies?
b. Gwenog Jones

4. How many ‘Exceeds Expectation’ grades does Harry receive in his O.W.L’s?
c. 5

5. What is Professor Sughorn’s favorite candy?
d. Crystallized Pineapple

6. What tattoo is Harry reported to have on his chest?
c. Hippogriff

7. What color robes do the staff at the Weasley’s shop wear?
b. Magenta

8. What is the man outside Flourish and Blotts selling?
a. Amulets

9. How much is the skull, which Hermione enquires about at Borgin and Burkes, worth?
c. 16 Galleons

10. What are Professor Slughorn’s initials?
b. H.E.F.

I am so thankful for my housemates at Hogwarts! Our study group's Quidditch work really helped me out! And I thought I would never be able to fly fast! Although my latest charms work has left me with terrible case of the Exclamation Points!

Secret knitting on the home front

Sometimes you just need a little time on your own projects. I've been working on scarves and hats for a charitable service project of the Minnesota Knitters' Guild as well as a pair of socks for dear Mr. Daisy. Now, I got wind of a cute little project on Ravelry - the February Lady Sweater - and I have to knit it NOW!

I've knitted a February Baby Sweater before.



I especially loved the gull wing lace pattern. So, when I found the adult version online, I just had to make it for myself.



And, since I have 10 lovely skeins of Berroco Ultra Alpaca cluttering up the yarn closet, a February Lady Sweater it is!

Hitting the Wisconsin road again!

Overheard in my kitchen -

"So, baby, let me tell you about my last goal . . ."
"Is that the one where you poked your own goalie in the eye?"

Let's Play Hockey!

Today is the Minnesota Wild's home opener against the Boston Bruins! Here's hoping Josh Harding's eye is all better . . .

I'm hitting the road again today with the Monday Night Book Club. We're off to Wisconsin and I'm only stopping by to blog for just a minute.




Middle Daughter cleaned her room and I found the Saturday Seven waiting for me. She does pick up the most eclectic sort of books!

Where the Hell is Matt? (2008)

I thought I would break away from the Snag Films today for a quick trip around the world with Matt! Despite the casual profanity, I would recommend his website, wherethehellismatt.com.

Well, the rest of us can dream, can't we? After all, I am sure I could bring along some knitting . . .

How did I miss this quiz?

Hufflepuff Quiz #3

1. On what day does Harry run into Draco and Narcissa in Diagon Alley?
August 3rd

2. How does Harry get detention in DADA?
He tells Snape that he doesn't need to call him Sir

3. How does Ron get his spot on the Gryffindor Quidditch Team?
Hermione uses a Confundus Charm on the competition

4. When is the first Apparition lesson?
February 1st

5. When do Ron and Ginny breakup with Lavender and Dean?
April 21st

6. What Horcrux is hidden in the cave?
The locket of Salazar Slytherin

7. Who does Filch have a romance with?
Madam Pince

8. When is Voldemort’s birthday and birth place?
December 31st in London

9. What is Dumbledor’s favorite flavor of jam?
Raspberry

10. Who is “Mollywobbles” and who uses the name?
Arthur Weasley's nickname for Molly Weasley.

Picture Search =




Snape



Draco



Kreacher



Madam Pince




Rufus Scrimgeour

Thanks to ANTONIO DELA WEASLEY - if I hadn't read his blog I wouldn't have gotten this list in time. He is fabu!

Move along - nothing to see here!

Okay, so there was some knitting here but it's just not very interesting except to other knitters! Luckily, Middle Daughter spent plenty of time on her hair this morning. The Palindrome Hat actually has a quite nice set of decreases but this photograph doesn't show them and I couldn't get MD to stand around modeling any more. I've started on the Palindrome Scarf but in the meantime, I'm working on my HSKS exchange gift. Can't say a single word more than that!

The entire time stream has been altered!

That's what happens when you sleep 1/2 a day away. I may go do it again right now.



Today's Saturday Seven was simply cleaning out the Youngest Child's drawers. Seven pairs of size 5 shorts - gone to the big Rummage Sale in the Sky.

And here's a little something to entertain you while I go dream about knitting - it's called

"Pardon me, I didn't knit that for you!"




Good Night!

I was just so sleepy!

Well, I was and that nap I took at 7 p.m. turned into a night's worth of sleep. I did wake up around midnight to take out my hair clip and brush my teeth. Just pretend it's still Friday, okay? I'll blog later, okay?



At lease my hobbies don't need feeding - although I would like a little black pug to sit on my lap while I was knitting!

Blog and run

I finally finished my "Holding Hands, Feeding Ducks" hat. When the pattern author said she fudged the decreases at the top, she wasn't kidding. I knit the top and then ripped it back three times. I was so sick of it by Monday that I just gave up and finished it. Not too bad - please, don't let a real knitter pick it up at the Ronald MacDonald House! That's where these hats and scarves are going.



My next charitable project is going to be a Palindrome Hat and Scarf. It's lovely and I can use some sale yarn, Bingo, in bright pink.

I am still creeping along on the Gentleman's Socks. Mr. Daisy has cold feet!

Another Hufflepuff Quiz or Now, back to knitting . . .

Hufflepuff Quiz #2

1 Which is your favorite book in the series (and why)? Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire because it shows a lot of character growth - these are older teens, now - and the action really moves the plot along. After this book, I think the books get so long that they slow way, way, down. And, I like the Triwizard Tournament and the Yule Ball.

2 If you were taking Owls, which class would you get an E in? Would you get any Ts? Runes, Potions and Charms. I love to read hard things and to cook. And I don't mind making mistakes. I would probably get a T in Arimancy or Flying.

3 Who is your favorite character (or characters) in the Harry Potter series? I like the non-main students the best. Seamus Finnigan - I'd like to know more about him. Or people like Nicholas Flamel or the founders of Hogwarts. Of the main characters, I like Hermione Granger the best.

4 If you had to pick 1 character for a roommate, who would you pick and why? Who'd be your least-favorite to have as a roommate? Susan Bones seems very thoughtful and studious. Pansy Parkinson: I don't actually think we could room together as she is a Slytherin but she is a bully and has a nasty case of self-importance. Plus, she is stupid!

5 Hufflepuffs are a hardworking bunch, but also a bit mischievous. Which Hogwarts professor would you most like to prank, and how would you do it? Oh, Madam Hooch! I'd spread some anti-gravity mist outside her office door and then, from around the corner, I'd yell, "Oh, is that a Silver Arrow?" When she stepped out to investigate, pop, up she goes!

6 Favorite DADA professor? (from the books, Lucius does NOT count :) Remus J. Lupin - knowledgeable and kind.

7 Favorite magical creatures? (Also, if for example you like a certain creature in general, but not how they are represented in the HP canon, feel free to elaborate :)Pixies. Just because they have a bad attitude, doesn't mean that they are bad!

8 What is your favorite food in the HP universe? Which food or foods would you like to try in real life? Do you have any recipes to share with us ;)? I think I'd like Christmas pudding or cake. Also, the Chocolate Frogs. I'd like to try chipolatas in real life.

9 Broom, floo powder, portkey, or magic carpet? Carpet or broom - the slower the better.

10 Since we're Hufflepuffs... Yellow or Black? Black - yellow looks terrible on me! And, at last count, I had seven black turtlenecks, four pairs of black pants and at least 12 pairs of black shoes. And a black winter coat.

A big day tomorrow!

Knitting wise: join me at our own MKG's annual fall Knit-Out, with knitting clinics, a fashion show, a fastest-knitter contest, and representatives from local yarn shops. And THERE WILL BE BUTTONS! ASK ME ABOUT THE BUTTONS!

Admission is free. For directions to the mall, go to the Mall's website www.brookdaleshoppingcenter.com.

The fun will run from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. I am actually not sure how long the buttons will hold out . . .

Earlier in the day, I'm going to the MMRF Race for Research at 9 a.m. at Lake Phalen. I just found out that we were going (Thanks, Mr. Daisy!), so I don't know if I'll run or walk. Either way, I'll be sweating!



The Saturday Seven were all videos or DVDs. Someone else can find a little room for them!

I am a boring person.

Sorry but that's all there is to it. I took a quiz on the Knitting Daily site and asked my husband which "time spent knitting" category was I in. Well, hesaid that I knitted 12-24 hours per week and then added that I worked out another 10 and where was all the "Him" time? So he says. Well, that's when I realized I was so dull. Oddly enough, I thought I was having fun.



I did pick up a little of this fun-time-goodness for myself yesterday when GF Melissa and I were out buying Ravenclaw yarn for my HSKS partner. Yes, I HAVE LOVELY YARN FOR YOU, CHRYSTA! This lovely colorway is called "Firestorm" and it's all I can do to not cast on today. Must . . . knit . . . Gentleman's Socks . . .



I am expecting to finish my "Holding Hands, Feeding Ducks" hat today - this is so soft and easy. I will probably make one or two for Christmas presents. HEAR THAT, LURKING SISTER OF MINE? BigSis has been reading and privately sending me comments, mostly about why am I not fixing her extra big sweater. Because I am having too much fun with the other stuff. And I am a bit stymied about how to fix it - rip it all out, just redo the sleeves or knit another sweater entirely. Hmm.

Watch on, MacDuff - Try this Friday film on for size:



Note to Husband: This helps account for those 10 hours at the gym per week!

Twin Cities Knit Out 2008

Hey! Tell your friends - call your neighbors!

Don't miss this weekend's Twin Cities
Knit Out (courtesy of the MKG) at Brookdale Mall.

The fun will be Sunday, September 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
There will be Public Knitting (as opposed to that Secret Knitting!), knitting lessons, door prizes and shopping!
Be there or be square!

(oh, and there will be BUTTONS!)

Oh, and I went sock yarn shopping today for my HSKS partner! GF Melissa found me some good yarn!

On to the hats

I picked up two skeins of this yarn, Debbie Bliss Rialto Aran, to combine with my Schoeller + Stahl Elfin for the Holding Hands, Feeding Ducks Hat. It is so soft and the combination is lovely.



I am using the needle size mentioned in the pattern - very rare for me as I am a lazy/relaxed knitter! - but in a circular needle. Maybe when I start decreasing, I'll switch to double points.



And finally, one sad photograph of my sad 7x9 rectangle for the MKG's A Square for the Fair charity knitting project. Right now, they are just starting to collect sample some but the Guild is going start handing out patterns and collecting squares in earnest in January. Hopefully, my skills will improve by then!

Always a first time - Quiddich Round One

Just a quick review for those HSKS people: More for the muggles later on!

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, blubber, oddment 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 Prine

Pictures
These are the answers to the photo clues!
Narcissa, Bellatrix and Snape - together again!



Professor Sprout



Professor Dumbledore

Picture Day at Hogwarts

Well, I guess it must be time for that most dreaded thing - picture day at Hogwarts. I'm not feeling terribly photogenic today - I am still under the weather with my daughter's cold. So, I think I'll just put together a little Flickr Mosaic. Enjoy!



On second thought, maybe I should pick a photo where I actually used a hairbrush first . . .

I've been using my down time to finish the "Feeding ducks, holding hands" scarf and start the accompanying hat. Today I picked up a little Debbie Bliss Rialto Aran yarn in Navy Blue to go along with the Schoeller + Stahl Elfin. The original hat pattern called for a bulky yarn so I think doubling up the two will work just fine. I've also been working on a "Warm up America" afghan square but I'm finding out that my rectangular knitting skills leave much to be desired. Thank goodness for blocking!

Saturdays and tisssues

Still have a cold. Still needing a nap. But . . . the "Holding Hands, Feeding Ducks" scarf is almost done. I'll be moving on to the matching hat next week. In the meantime, I owe Mr. Daisy a few rows on his Gentleman's Socks as payment for his modeling fee.



After my family flew the coop this afternoon - the girls off to a movie and then a dance and the boys, the grocery store - I canned tomato sauce. When the revolution comes, my family will be able to have - at least seven nights of spaghetti sauce. There were two more quarts in the hot water canning bath. I think this is why commercial canning was invented! Or perhaps, why potatoes are the preferred currency of revolutionaries everywhere.



When your Five Year Old Boy is picky about his socks, you know you are in for a long running fashion battle. Two pairs went into the donation box this week because he said "They're not right." They joined a fleece sweatshirt, two books and (the un-photographable-due-to-early-pickup) booster seat and box fan.

Now, back to your regularly scheduled sniffling and coughing.

One thing Diet Cola doesn't kill . . .

is Germs. Don't finish your soda after your daughter says you "owe" her a drink. She was just becoming sick and now, so am I. I am seeing myself turn into one of those old people who yell out their windows, "Hey, you kids, get off my grass!" Except, I'll be mumbling something about "Leave my soda alone!"



One lovely thing about today was that when I make the pizza dough, Mr. Daisy makes pizza. He is very creative and they are always good. Add a lovely green salad and dinner is served.

Since tonight is Pizza Night, there has to be a Friday Film to knit to. This one made my cold seem very minor . . .

Huzzah Hufflepuff!

I love the little House Quizzes from the HSKS 6 blog. It's a fun way to learn about my housemates' lives without having to read every one of their blog posts. Easy and fun - that's for me.

1. Do you knit and/or crochet? Yes - I just learned crochet this year.
2. How long have you been at your craft? I've been knitting for about twelve years and crocheting for just one.
3. Do you spin? If yes do you use drop spindle or wheel. Yes. I have spindles but I much prefer my Lendrum double treadle model.
4. What is your favorite color? Blue and green.
5. Do you have any other hobbies? Yes. I am a triathlete and open water swimmer. I also love reading and baking.
6. What are your favorite yarns/fibers? I have a small addiction to alpaca. Blue Faced Leicester or Cormo are also big favorites.
7. What are your LEAST favorite yarns/fibers? Cotton and Linen.
8. Are there any yarns that you’ve been eyeing and wanting to try? Spinning silk from hankies.
9. What are you currently working on? A pair of socks and sweater for my husband, a scarf and hat set for charity and I'm planning some holiday crafts.
10. What is your favorite Finished Object? (Pictures are welcome.) I love Evelyn A. Clark socks and shawls. I could spend all my time on her projects.



My first pair of Go with the Flow socks.



My Lupine Lace socks. These were actually just part of a display of socks from the Minnesota Knitters' Guild at the Textile Center of Minnesota. Luckily (or unfortunately), Middle Daughter had never worn them. She is so off my sock list!





A Flower Basket Shawl. I'm planning on making another in Sea Silk!

11. Are there any knitting/crochet techniques that you would like to learn? I don't really know much crochet besides the basics. Also, I'm terrible at Intarsia.
12. What is you favorite type of book or movie? Mystery or action movie - mystery or suspense fiction.
13. Who is your favorite person at Hogwarts? Neville Longbottom
14. Favorite class and/or subject at Hogwarts? Herbology, Ancient Runes and Charms.
15. How many family members do you have? 6
16. What is your favorite Fall activity? Walking, Masters Swimming, pumpkin hunting.
17. How many projects do you have on your needles/hook? Four.
18. What is your favorite type of footwear? Simple shoes, Mizumo running shoes, clogs.
19. What is your favorite beverage of choice? Iced Tea or Diet Coke Zero.
20. What is your favorite park of Half-blood Prince? The Hogsmeade visit with Katie Bell.

There's an odd story there . . .

Tonight was the annual Minnesota Knitters' Guild State Fair meeting. This is our best-attended meeting and it was worth the time spent. Knitters who have entered this year's State Fair display their items and then read aloud the judge's comments from the judging sheet.

Some of the background revealed tonight . . .

"There's an odd story here . . ."
"It would have been a blue ribbon if that other person hadn't entered!"
"They were talking about you in Fergus Falls!"
"The Table Linen entry people are much nicer - there was a happy face on the info sheet!"

(reading aloud)"Very nice work." "Okay!!"
"It was a symbolic victory for me!"
(Speaking about the fit of her sweater) "My husband said he might not let me out of the house!"

and, finally, the nicest statement came when one lady said, "but they are just slippers!" about her prize winning entry and
and someone else said

"but Blue Ribbons don't get given if they aren't deserved."



The lovely green shawl in the middle is a Laminaria knit by Deb over at Cashmere Dreams. Ever since I saw over at This Boy Knits, I've been longing for one - maybe this winter?