Quidditch Info

This comes from Quidditch Captain MINDYSUE.
This information is also listed in the Fall 2009 Common Room under post number 13089

Alright Gryffs, I’m starting to feel better and my energy is up.

Regarding Quidditch next term. Coach Gazebogal has said to go ahead and pick a name for our Ravelry team and must have the following information:

"Your Team name must include the word Cup, the word Quidditch, and the name of our House."

Please let me know of any idea. (please earburn me as with the number of post I don’t want to miss any or PM me). Once I have several options, I will put it up for a vote.

From the hints being dropped it looks like January Quidditch is going to be about organizing so get your stash and such together and then we can organize as a group.

February Quidditch will involve the ‘Ravelympics’. I do not know any details yet but have been told to plan ahead. One thing I thought of is if you wanted to do WIP as part of your Ravelympic project they must be started before 01/12/10. I have read in the Ravelympic Forum to have your WIP on your project page before that date so if you have a WIP please post to your project page ASAP.

I will keep you informed as I find out more information. In the meantime think whether or not you want to be in the “Big Seven”. These seven Gryffindors will be in Quidditch all 3 monthes, all others can pick and choose what they want to accomplish. If you are interested in the Big Seven, I will be asking for volunteers starting January 1st and must post who they are by January 9th. First year Gryffindors are encouraged to sign up.

I realize that many Third year and higher Gryffs will want to do 2 OWLs so it would be ideal for some first and second year Gryffs to help with Quidditch.

Lion Cub Guide

Did you just get your acceptance letter to Hogwarts and were sorted into the Noble House of Gryffindor?

Congratulations!!!

I am Angiejude. In real life, it's just Angie. I just like the Beatles' song "Hey Jude" a lot ;)
I am the Gryffindor Head of House.

What does that mean?
It means I get to boss people around. It's my job to win the House Cup, but also that you have fun, make new friends and get the most out of this.

When I first joined this group, I had no idea what I was getting myself into and now I can't stop. I never thought I would have so much fun, that I would end up finishing my knits!!! And, most importantly, that I would make friends with such a great group of people.

You'll love it here. House Cup Lions tend to be friendly and chatty. Also, we like to chat about our personal lives, as well as our crafting achievements, problems, victories, etc.

You're new, you're confused. We've all been there.

Here's a FAQ for Gryffindor House/ Classes/ OWLs/ Quidditch. This will clear up some questions you may have.


What exactly am I supposed to do? How does this work?
There's a total of six classes offered and they change assignments every month.
You are required to craft at least one project each month and you may choose from these subjects.
For Winter 2010 term we will have Defense Against the Dark Arts (DADA), Transfiguration, Charms, Potions, Rotation 1 and Rotation 2.
Rotations are subjects that change every month. Some of those subjects are Herbology, Arithmancy, etc.
Teachers post requirements for each class and you have to do a project following those guidelines.

Oh, so I just have to craft for one of those classes?
Yes, one a month at least, but knitting more than one project is encouraged. You see, projects give you points, which are awarded for your house and could make us win at the end of the term.
Also, we have prizes for people who make the most points each month in Gryffindor.

Wait, I saw OWLs listed there as well. Can't I just craft one of those?
Nope. OWLs are not classes. They are challenging projects that you may choose to do. They give more points than a regular class and you have all term to complete one.

Why would anyone want to knit an OWL then? What's in it for me?
As I said, OWLs are challenging projects that give satisfaction if you finish them. Also, if you turn in 33% at midterm, you get 50 points for Gryffindor. If you turn in a completed OWL, you get 100 more points, a cool badge and the "oohs!" and "ahhhs" of fellow house cuppers.

I'm only a first year, can I attempt an OWL? Should I try?
Yes!! It's a great way of challenging yourself and you'll be surprised of what you can acomplish.
Also, points for Gryffindor won't hurt.

What happens if I can't finish it?
Nothing, really. You can't turn it in for other classes in following terms or attempt to turn the same project for next term. You would have to frog it.
But LIFE HAPPENS. We know that, the important thing is you tried and there is always detention so you can finish it.
Try and choose something not-so-challenging at first (but at the same time make sure it is a project that will take you more than a month to complete).
Also, you may only attempt one OWL at a time. If you are a third year and have completed an OWL before, you may try to do two at a time.

Cool! How do I plan for an OWL?
Here is the list of OWL Requirements.
Any questions, feel free to ask.

I read all the classes but I have no idea what to do! I feel uninspired. Any help?
But, of course! Jedimeg16 is our Blogger Project Expert. She will post ideas for each class every month so you beat that crafter's block. Come check out the blog often for new ideas and surprises.

I hardly know anyone. How do I start to mingle?
Every Wednesday from 5 pm to 7 pm Pacific time we'll gather up in the chat room. Drop by and we'll chat! Our Lion Chat Hostess is Rachiesue, so PM her on any questions regarding the chats.

I just logged into the forums and there's like hundreds of posts in the Gryffindor Common Room. There's no way I'll catch up!!!!!
Don't worry too much. Gryffindors are a chatty bunch and tend to send the post count sky high. If you want to, read them all. If you don't have a lot of time, just pop in, skip posts and say hi.
Check the header for important stuff and your messages to see if you were earburned on a particular subject.
If you think you missed important stuff, our blog reporter Vertigo1414 will keep us informed at the blog. So, relax.

I'm a first year, why do people in the common room keep calling me "cub"?
This term the Gryffindor House will be organized in Prides. All of them consisting in returning members and cubs (first years).
Also, cubs are cute.

What are Prides for?
A Pride is a group of Gryffindors that will help each other out. Members of the pride will make sure you are feeling welcome and take care of you. They will answer questions and look out for each other. It's kind of a mentor/ mentee program but sometimes LIFE HAPPENS and one mentor may dissapear for a couple of days and cubs may feel lost the first few weeks.
For information on Prides, contact prefect Starknits.

What's with Quidditch?
Quidditch is an extracurricular activity that also helps Houses earn points. It's different every term. This term (Winter 2010), house teams will participate in Ravelympics.
There's a Gryffindor Captain (MINDYSUE) and she will choose 7 members to form the team, which will lead the rest of the house members in the activities planned.

Are there any other activities planned for Gryffindor?
Yes!!
This term we will be having an Owls Knit/ Crochet along, led by JaclynBailey. You may knit owl related projects for classes or maybe your OWL could be about owls :D

Is there a way to make more points so I can help win the Cup this term?
Yes. Try and craft for every class and complete an OWL.
If you can't, at least turn in partial credit (that means you didn't finish the project but you casted on and tried) That gives you partial points too.

What's the Roaring Lion Award?
That's the prize we give to the Gryffindor student who makes the most points for the month. It resets every month so if you didn't knit anything for one month, you may still win next month's prize.
You win a cool badge and a special present in the mail.
For information on prizes or if you would like to donate a prize, contact Prefect stitchywitchy.

What are prefects supposed to do?
They are there to answer questions, wish happy birthday to Gryffs and also to keep the peace. They also help me with head duties, like the Pride program and prizes.

Is that it??
I think so, yeah... Just ask if you have another question.


Good luck, everyone.

LET'S ROCK THE CUP THIS TERM!
ROAAAAAR!

XOXO,
Angiejude

Come On Now!

Alright, for those of you who haven't heard we're trying to out-post Ravenclaw before the new Winter Common Rooms come up. Now they have 2 of the top posters in the Cup, GazeboGal and soprano1, whom I've met, both lovely ladies. But we have lupingirl, StarKnits, stitchywitchy, naturallyknitty and myself all in the Top 10 posters. We can do this, we have the technology... As of right now,11:14 pm Eastern Time on December 23rd, we have 11862. They have 12449. So we need, gets out calculator "Carry the 2", 588 to get ahead. Now I know some of you have these things call "Real Lives" but we have competition here!
On a side note, as of the last update we've officially pulled into second place for the House sign-ups for next term, but scarlettb also said she took Ravenclaw off the list. That's alright, we rock anyway.
Till next time, ROAR!
-Vertigo1414

Hello

Hey all, it's Vertigo1414. For anyone who didn't hear I'll be the new Gryffindor blogger for the Winter 2010 term. This is going to be a lot of fun, so if you hear and good news or gossip remember to earburn or PM me. Just don't forget I'll be listening!
-Vertigo

Great Job Gryffs!

Everyone did a fantastic job this term!  No matter where we end up in the points, we're still winners.

Take some time off to relax, and then dive into the last of the Christmas knitting before we look forward to next term!

November Charms Ideas

Charms this month involves the study of the Impervius and Protego spells.

Impervius - this charm makes something repel substances and outside forces, including water and snow.
Protego - the shield charm causes jinxes, curses, and hexes to rebound on the original caster, or deflects the full effect of the spell.

While your project only has to fit into one of the two spells we're learning, something could fit into both.

For the Impervius charm, just think of something you want to repel - bad weather, pesky or rude people, holiday travelers, etc.  Just explain what it repels and why you need to repel it.  Just like in Herbology, what you need to repel might be something someone else would not feel the need to repel.

For the Protego charm, create something to shield someone (could be yourself) from harm.  Hats, scarves, or gloves could all work to shield someone from colds or the flu.  Or you could think more abstract.  What about something bright and colorful or meaningful for someone to help protect them from seasonal affective disorder (seasonal depression).

The sky is the limit yet again.

Happy crafting!

November Astronomy Ideas

I touched briefly on some ideas for Astronomy in our common room already, but I will flesh it out a bit more here.

As long as a project can be traced back to an ancient culture that studied astronomy or a culture found in the HP world, no matter how remote the connection is, it will fit into astronomy this month.

Specific cultures mentioned in the class description or approved in the class thread:

Persian - modern day Iran
Egyptian
Mayan
Greeks
Mesopotamian
Indian  - Indian subconteninet, not Native Americans
Chinese
Nubian
Celtic
Centaur (HP)
Aztec
Roman

Not allowed are fictitious cultures, such as Atlantis.

We can knit, spin, or crochet anything that fits into any of these cultures

Bonus points will definitely be awarded to anyone who attempts to interpret the Antikythera mechanism in fiber form, but otherwise no other specific bonus points have been mentioned.

The professor is looking for a good story for this class, so hopefully this list helps to jog your noodle.

November Potions Ideas

Potions is a special class for us Gryffs, as it is taught by our very own Angiejude!

We are studying the Amortentia potion - the most powerful love potion in existence.

Love comes in different forms for different people, and this is our chance to explore some of those forms of love.  There is the love you have for your friends, for your family, for your children (if you have them), for your significant other, and most importantly the love you have for yourself.

Making something for any person that you love is encouraged this month, regardless of who they are, how long you have known them, or how close you are now.  But also remember, that it is also very important to not forget that you are important and loved too.

This can result in projects that range from simple to complex and everything in between.  A hat, a scarf, gloves, a sweater, a dice bag, a cell phone cozy.  Anything!  You are free to create anything you want for this class!

Angiejude's own description of what she is looking for is as follows:

Knitters/ crochetters:

• Something that represents who/ what you love the most. It can be anything you love passionately: music, a place, an animal. Please elaborate what this item represents to you. or
• An item for a loved one. Something this person is going to enjoy and love. or
• Something with spirals.

Spinners:
- Spin your interpretation of Amortentia. What color is it? How do you see it? Why? or - Spin yarn inspired by someone/ something you love.


NOTES:
No sewing projects.
No jewelry- unless it’s crocheted or knitted.

Bonus points will be given to those who tell me what your Amortentia smells like, cheesy love stories, be as romantic as you can… If you post a picture of the object/ person/ place, etc. that inspired your item, you also get bonus points.

Happy crafting!

November DADA Ideas

This month is an in-depth look into Professor Quirrell and his struggle to conceal the Dark Lord when he was fused to the back of his skull.

If you were in the same position, what hat or head covering would you wear to cover up Lord Voldemort?

Any hat of your choice will suffice, but you are encouraged to make it unique and make it you.  Some types of hats include beanies, berets, cowls, ski masks/balaclava, the sky is the limit!  Bonus points will be given for House Colors, making the professor laugh, or including the face of Voldemort on the inside of the hat (by embroidering, knitting, or crocheting it into the hat).

Now, keep in mind that Scarlettb is the professor, and she has a severe dislike of fish.  While people have turned in the Fish Hat in both September and October for her classes, she is not a fan.  But, you could always be the next one in the "Let's Torture Scarlett" Fan Club.

Happy knitting!

Harry Potter Cocktails!!!

Ok guys, here is our list of HP related cocktail ideas. Leave a comment, PM, or earburn if you have any to add!! And of course, if you try one, give us a review and pics!!

Here is our current list:

Hogsmeade Iced Tea
Mollyrita
Butterbeer
Tom Riddle
Slytherin Midori
Bloody Malfoy
Lion's Roar
Red Weasley (Red Headed Weasley)
Harry Wallbanger
Sunrise of the Phoenix
Bee's Knees inspired Hufflepuff Daiquiri
Ravenclawini
Screaming Eagle
White Bulgarian
Fleur's White Wine Spritzer
Fire Whiskey
The Lucius Malfoy
Dumbledore's Lemon Drop
Phoenix Rising
The Dark Mark
Murder in the Forest

ROARING LION AWARD BADGE NEEDED

We need a cool badge for those students who manage to make the most points each month.
It has to be "Gryffindorsy" (obviously) and 100x100 pixles.

Submit your entries in the Gryffindor common room and earburn me (Angiejude) or prefects Stargirl09 and stitchywitchy.

November Herbology Ideas

This will probably be a challenging class for several of us, because we are being challenged to finish that project that's been sitting around forever or yarn that has been sitting in our stash about as long as we can remember.

Since each person's definition of a weed is different, there is no right or wrong project for this class.  The story you create around it is what will make the difference.

The professor encourages us to use WIPs for this class, which means they would like to have a picture of the project prior to you starting up again on it to show the comparison.  Find that shawl, those socks, that blanket that's been hiding forever.  Check the thread for some specific projects that have already been approved or vetoed, such as previous House Cup projects that were never finished, with the exception being OWL projects that were never finished.

It has been stated that bonus points will be awarded based upon how epic or legendary these projects are in your family or knitting group.  Extra bonus points if a testimonial is videotaped.  Or if there is dust involved.

Now, if you don't have any WIPs or horrible yarn lying around, you could always go the literal route and knit weeds.  Or maybe pick a technique that you haven't attempted before that seems particularly daunting.  Entrelac?  Lace?  Cables?

Happy crafting!

November Transfiguration Ideas

This month it is Human Transfiguration!  Turn yourself into something else.

The easiest way that I can think of to turn yourself into something else is with a hat.  While this is similar to DADA, Transfiguration is all about being something you are not.  This could be real or fictional.

My searching yeilded a lot of results, and this was just the hats with the "Free" filter on.  These are some of my favorites.

Frog Hat
Viking Hat
Yoda
Thing 1
Princess Tiara
Devil
Dinosaur
Marge Simpson
Pineapple
Pumpkin
Santa
Santa's helper
Shrek

Plus, BZ Crochet Designs has a ton of character inspired hats.

Happy Transfiguring!

Hey its Halloween!

Hey all Gryffs! Its Halloween! What are your Halloween plans?


~Stargirl09

Hello Gryffs!

Well, for a bit of gossip. I went to Santa Cruz this weekend. I yarnstormed. I got Charms done, and I started my OWL. And I studied for a Bio test. And that was it. How is everyone doing with classes? Need any help? PM me or comment below - I am here to help! Go Gryffs!

~Stargirl09

Divination Pattern Suggestions

Knit, spin, or crochet something inspired by one of the 12 zodiac signs (does not have to be your own.)

For baby:
Zodiac (Knit) - a cute little sleep sack with the new little astrologer's symbol on it!

If you search for Zodiac, there's a whole set of knit zodiac dishcloths.

If you check out Crochet Kitten, there is a whole set of zodiac themed kitties to crochet!

Sagittarius: Sagittaria shawl (knit)
Scorpio: Scorpion (knit)
Aries: Carrick the Ram (knit)
Leo: Lion Baby Bath Wrap (crochet)
Leo the Lion (crochet)
King of the Beasts Lion Dog Sweater (knit)
Gryffindor Fair Isle Bag (knit) by Gryffindor's own Quietish!!
Cancer: The Deadliest Crab (Knit)
Mini Crabs (crochet)
Horseshoe Crab Socks (knit)
Pisces: Frida the Fish (knit)
Fish Dishcloth (crochet)
Crochet Counting Fish Toy (crochet)
Gemini: Fred and George Socks (knit) by Gryffindor's own Quietish!!
Twin Leaf Cloth (knit)
Twin Cable Purse (knit)
Twin Baby Hats (knit)
Little Twin Star Ami (crochet)
Capricorn:
Baby Frank the Goat (knit)
Goat Scarf (knit)
Lickety Split Socks (looks like goat hooves) (knit) Sorry Capricorn crocheters...I'm still looking!
Aquarius:
Falling Water Scarf (knit)
Mesh Water Bottle Carrier (crochet) Hey...the water carrier needs to carry water somehow, right?
Watering Can Dishcloth (knit) ditto on the carrying water
Child's Water Mittens (knit)



More to come!

Transfiguration Pattern Suggestions

Here are some ideas for some Transfiguration patterns:

Pumpkins:
Adult Sized Pumpkin Hat (Knit)
Baby Pumpkin Hat and Booties (Knit)
Baby Pumpkin Hat (Crochet)
Leaves /Trees/Plants:
Elvish Leaves Dishcloth (Knit)
Column of Leaves Knitted Scarf (Knit)
Falling Leaves Afghan (Crochet)
Cartoon / TV characters / animals:
Any kind of amigurumi for this one! You can search for Pokemon, Hello Kitty, or even cows and get all kinds of ideas!

DADA Pattern Suggestions

Hey everyone.
We have put together a list of suggestions for patterns to knit for DADA, so if you don't really know what to knit, have a look here, maybe you'll like something!

Important: These are only suggestions that haven't been cleared by Professor Scarlettb, make sure you clear it with her before you craft something you're not sure she'll approve.

Assignment:
Something inspired by a deceased historical figure, an undead creature or both.

Historical Figure Inspired:

Saint Nicholas: Santa hat (Knit)
Sir Francis Drake: Pirate can cozy (crochet), Gunner's cap (Knit)
Anna Pavlova: Ballet Bun Cover (Crochet)
Patrick Swayze: Dancing leg warmers! (Knit)
Michael Jackson: Gloves (Crochet)
Jane Austen: Teapot cozy (Knit)
Shakespeare: Midsummernight's Dream Lace Shawl (Knit), Lace Waves Bookmark (Knit), Elegant Pineapple Bookmark (Crochet)
Babe Ruth Baseball Socks (Knit), Baseball cap (Knit), Baseball buddies (Crochet)
Coco Chanel CoCo bag (Crochet)
Einstein Coat (Knit)
Elizabeth Zimmerman (do I really need to elaborate?)
Jacques Cousteau Dead fish hat,
(Note: remember Professor Scarlettb has a fear of fish... so easy with this one!)
John Lennon/ George Harrison Walrus (Knit), Fab Four Tomatoes (Crochet)

Undead creatures:
Zombies!
Ghost dishcloth (Knit)
Genie the ghost (Crochet)
Vampire Love bites Scarf (crochet)
Frankenstein: Dishcloth (Knit), Frankensocks (Knit), Frankie Potholder (Crochet)
Angel Angel Wings Shawl (Knit)

Both:
I think you can basically add Frankenstein stitches to any historical figure... as well as angel wings, fangs or a sheet to make them look like a ghost. If you knit a Napoleon Bonaparte in white and grey you could say it's a "Napoleon Zombie"!

Remember that if you make the professor laugh and/ or knit in house colors, that gives you extra points!

Let your imagination run wild!!!! Have fun!

If you have any other suggestions, leave a comment and I'll make sure to include it!

October Classes

Arithmancy
Binary
Make something with 2 functions, something reversible, a set, something composed of 2 pieces, 2 skeins that complement each other.
*Bonus points: Originality, good story, house colors.

Charms
Reducto/ Engorgio
Create 2 objects: 1 big, 1 small.
*Bonus Points: Not specified, but be inventive and no spiders!

Defense Againste the Dark Arts (DADA)
Make something inspired by a deceased historical figure, an undead creature or both.
*Bonus Points: House colors and making the teacher laugh.

Divination
Knit, spin, or crochet something inspired by at least one of the twelve astrological signs.
*Bonus Points: Go crazy, make big stuff, complicated projects, read your horoscope and relate it to your life, handspun projects.

Herbology
Identify a garden pest, demonstrate a way to prevent pests, or aid you in getting rid of said pests. Your post should contain what pest/helper you’re after, why it’s a pest/helper and why your project relates to it.
* Bonus points not specified.

Transfiguration
Take a knitting pattern and convert it to crochet, or vice versa. Take an object or image from real life and Transfigure it with fiber. Knit or crochet a model of your Animagus. *Bonus points: Good presentation, story, House Colors and ambitious projects.

September News

The term already started and the month of September went by so fast.

To summarize:
Gryffindor is the lowest on points. But that has happened to winning houses in past terms, so we can still do it!

NEW HEAD OF HOUSE FOR GRYFFINDOR
Due to real life issues, our dear Sparksearcher had to step down as Head of House.
Angiejude (that's me, dears) volunteered for the job and now Gryffindor has a new Head of House.
Sparksearcher will still be around enjoying life next to the very famous MH, knitting and driving around.

ROARING LION AWARDS
hermionejean won the Roaring Lion Award for September, taking home with her a set of 5 Gryffindor stitch markers! It was a close call, with Mauri stepping on her heels. Finally, with the Transfiguration bonus points, hermionejean managed a total of 133 points for Gryffindor!

HOUSE CUP PRIZES
There were 5 Gryffindor students nominated for prizes at the prize thread by their teachers.
trainergirl15 was the lucky winner in DADA. Congratulations!

WELCOME GRYFFINDORS