10 Points to.......Episode 19

Mojo/No Mojo- 
Allena: no knitting or crochet

 Jessica: 

 lemon drop socks (yay 50% of my newt) http://www.ravelry.com/projects/naturallyknitty/wendys-fingering-weight-toe-up-socks-with-gusset-heel

Chloe’s leg warmers (ARITHMANCY) http://www.ravelry.com/projects/naturallyknitty/birthday-leg-warmers

Baby Tam ~Quidditch
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/naturallyknitty/baby-tam


 WIP's-
Allena: 
Cowl for friend who’s moving... http://www.ravelry.com/projects/StarKnits/nordland-morning-mist-cowl
started a baby hat for cure.org.
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/StarKnits/two-colour-infant-hat
Owl of course. dyed up the yarn

 ←tangled mess...

Hitchhiker- OoTP


 Jessica: 
NEWT knitting:
 Truban’s stocking Gryffindor socks http://www.ravelry.com/projects/naturallyknitty/wendys-fingering-weight-toe-up-socks-with-gusset-heel-2
Hitchhiker- OoTP http://www.ravelry.com/projects/naturallyknitty/hitchhiker
baby tam #2 for Feb detention...

 To spin or not to spin- 
Allena:

Finished and turned in for Muggle Studies http://www.ravelry.com/people/StarKnits/stash/handpainted-extra-fine-merino-roving

Finshed and turned in for Transfiguration http://www.ravelry.com/people/StarKnits/stash/combed-top-4

 Jessica: 

 Finished and turned in for CHARMS~ Optimism~ merino from Younger Yarns, http://www.ravelry.com/people/naturallyknitty/stash/younger-yarn-fiber-optimism

Dyed up a ton of roving for Quidditch!


 Wrock Song: 
You Can’t Speak Snake By the Moaning Myrtles http://www.myspace.com/themoaningmyrtles/music/songs/you-can-rsquo-t-speak-snake-25655933


 NOTES: 
the weasley sisters podcast thread

 knit pray love... knit one hat! we are challenging you to just make 1 hat. that’s it! http://cure.org/air1

They call me MS. NOT QUITE FIRST YEAR

Good Morning - Good Afternoon - Good Evening all my NQFY'S

Two Topics today 

First lets talk SORTING
I interviewed one of the long time House Cuppers, Oriocookie and her is what she had to say;
Q. How does Sorting work and how do I improve my chances ?
A. First, make sure you are turning in classes as a NQFY because it gives you a higher priority for sorting. When it comes down to it, being active by turning in classes is the sure way. Also, being active in the houses and other activities help. Bottom line, be active. Also, sometimes how you answer questions on the sorting form may impact your chances… be nice to the hat.

Q.  I am lost about this first year B1 what is all that about?
A.  It goes NQFY, 1st - 7th year, the B1,B2, B3, B4… the B is bachelor. I am not sure what will follow the B, possibly M for Masters, or PhD. The house cup has been going since 2008, so 3 years with 3 “years” each one, so the house cup should have 11 or maybe 12 class years including the current one.

Lets talk CUP HISTORY now.
Q.  Did you great all the houses? 
A.  I did create the Seventh floor, but the other house groups were created by members of their houses…at the time, we all had common room threads in the main group, but it was hard for new players to navigate them as the houses got bigger, so I created the Seventh Floor so we could spread out a bit more and do our planning more easily.


the entire hp knitting/crochet house cup was founded by PrincessOnica in July 2008.
the den was founded by needlesnswiffers in December 2009.
the seventh floor was founded by oriocookie in January 2010.
the tower was founded by isisonearth in August 2010.
the snake pit was founded by GirlyWithATwist in September 2010.
There are currently 2940 members of the House Cup via the stat page and it also has
stats at the Housecup of the most Chatty Cathy's,  this month led by yours truly!

Thank you ORIOCOOKIE for your vast knowledge!!

And of course you will want to know what House Unity is all about. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fh866Z4TpX4&feature=youtu.be

So many pretty things!

PROJECT RECOGNITION INCLUDES THESE GREAT PROJECTS FOR THE WEEK OF JANUARY 15-22  RRRROOOOAAAARRRR

dobarah turned in this awesome citron for Muggle Studies

 

ShaylaMyst turned in this cover for her husband's muggle tool for Potions

CommaSplice turned in these beautiful mittens for Charm

adevinelife turned in this neat cabled hat for  History of Magic

pacasha turned in some gorgeous handspun for Potions

Hope you enjoy the projects that caught my eye this week!  There are so many wonderful ones out there it was hard to choose which ones to post! 

Happy Term!

the one with the review... Episode 18

Mojo/No Mojo-
Allena: COMC Duel with piperredfern green legwarmers buttons sewed and photo’d 

 Baby Tomten 

Jessica: none 


 WIP's- 
Allena: Owl
Jessica: 
NEWT knitting:
        * finished Leah’s and Chloe’s stocking!
        * Lemon Drop socks just need ribbing and then I’m at 50%!!! 
Started Chloe's legwarmers. I’ll be turning them and the spinning in with my dye project for Arithmancy. I OKed it with the professors. 


 To spin or not to spin-
Allena: 
 SIP 
 SIP- PS the forest is fascinating. 
Jessica: 
 SIP~ Optimism~ merino from Younger Yarns, spinning a bit each day on the sidekick (to fulfill my spin every day this year goal) 

Review-  
Knit Simple Winter 2011'

 Wrock Song: 


 Voldemort Killed the Hufflepuff Star. by KwikSpell 




 NOTES: 
the weasley sisters podcast thread
.... knit one hat... we are challenging you!!! http://cure.org/air1

A Charity Roar: A Few Projects!

Thus far this term, there have been a few amazing charity project turned in - I wanted to take the time to share them with you!

First to share her finished project in the thread, Knittingnearsided shared a square made from a thrifted chenile robe! She's got tons left, and I can't wait to see what else she makes with it!

Jeanub shared a baby afghan square in the group, which will be added to a blanket going to a local women's shelter!

I've been knitting away on charity hats for my OWL - but silly me, I keep forgetting to share photos in the thread! Are you like me, and have made items for charity but haven't shared them with the Mungo's for Muggles group yet? If so, head on over and share a photo, grab a badge, and join in on the fun!

Where's Joe? Episode 17

Mojo/No Mojo- 
Allena: 
COMC Duel with piperredfern green legwarmers just need to dry 


 Jessica: none... all spinning this week.




WIP's- 

Allena: Owl approved!
 Baby tomten = gift for sunday....


Jessica: 
still working on the NEWT~Leah’s stocking, Lemon Drop socks are getting close to being done! 

To spin or not to spin- 
Allena: 
 SIP 

 SIP- PS the forest is fascinating. 

Ordered this month’s PS. and photo’d all my new spinning stash and put it in ravelry 


 Jessica: 
Targhee Pacasha’s club fiber 690yds, 2ply MUGGLE STUDIES

SW merino, fiber optic yarns, Sweet Georgia Brown...468yds, Nply CHARMS 

SW merino, dyed by me... 269yds, 2ply ?(Q or Charms also) 

here it is as roving...

Wrock Song:
they can’t catch us all by The Weasel King 




NOTES:


Our new wheels!... we talk about/review them a bit..


Kromski Sonata

Schacht Sidekick

A Feast Fit for a Lion!!!

This week's recipe is actually a series of a few that I use on a regular basis. The first is my recipe for roasted chicken. Being single, I like this because it is great for lunches and leftovers the rest of the week and I have been known to turn basic roasted chicken leftovers into awesome nachos for Super Bowl (oh yeah that recipe will be coming up).
Roasted Chicken a la Jenn
1 3-4 lb whole chicken
1/2 c Kosher salt
5 tbls black pepper
5 tbls ground sage
5 tbls ground thyme
4 tbls dried oregano
5-6 tbls garlic powder
1/2 stick butter

Set oven at 250 F. Mix spices together in a bowl. Coat the inside of the chicken with a handful of the spice mixture. Going between the meat and the skin rub the some of the spice mixture into the breasts, legs and thighs. Mix the butter with some of the spice mixture and put about a tablespoon worth under the skin on each breast. Spread the rest on the skin and rub the skin with the remaining spice mixture. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil. Place chicken in a roasting pan adding about a 1/2 inch of water. Cook for about 4 hrs.

Highlights are not just for Hair

PROJECT RECOGNITION INCLUDES THESE GREAT PROJECTS FOR THE WEEK OF JANUARY 8-14  RRRROOOOAAAARRRR

                                                                      Arborbe

                                  
                                                                         eafkfa

                                                                        Jedimeg16

                                                                            M8land

                                                                     mcoolidge

THANKS ALL FOR SUCH WONDERFUL PROJECTS

They call me MS. NOT QUITE FIRST YEAR

Good Day my pretty little NQFY students!  Today we are going to learn to make your own robes!  I know you have been wondering how to do this so, just remember, swish and flick.....oh, sorry....wrong class :D
First things first.  A disclaimer. This is how I do it.  There are many ways and you should feel free to share your expertise in the NQFY thread.  I didn't want to buy or download a new program so I used paint, which was pre-loaded on my computer.
1.  Google on the internet to find a picture or use something in your own pictures
2. Open Paint and file; download or picture
3. Pick picture and it will show up in your paint box.  I find the size of my paint box is perfect for my robes.
4.Click on A picture box and you are going to write what you would like to say;
5. The bottom two icons allows the background to be clear or white.
6.  File SAVE.  I change the name by adding a letter or a number behind the download name so I don't lose that picture.  I may want to use it again with different words.
7. Go to your profile in Ravelry and edit and add your robes!
8. My preferences are to have holiday robes when the occasion arises. I also find you want to be able to read or see your robes clearly. If you find after posting, you can't, just try again.  I also find a light colored background helps others identify you better.
HERE ARE SOME ROBES JUST FOR YOU. GRAB AND GO, I MADE THEM JUST FOR YOU!!

PART TWO
I have also been asked to list where a NQFY can join in for fun so here is what I found;
GRYFFINDOR 7th Floor was created by oriocookie in 2010
Spin-a-long with The Weasley Sisters! 
Stashbusting Challenge 
Gryffindor Cooking Channel
Gryffie Gym Winter '12 
Mungos For Muggles winter 2012
MARAUDER'S MISSIONS - Winter 2012

You can also visit and find out what they have and where you fit in.  Each house has a slightly different take. But they are all AWESOMESAUCE!!!  Remember you don't have to read it all! 

Hufflepuff House
The Tower
The Snake Pit

A Charity Roar: Classes And Badges

Hello, hello! Another week has come and gone, and we're almost halfway through the month - how did that happen?!

For those of you who think charity first when plotting your classes for the month, this post may be of no help; however, many folks WANT to knit or crochet for charity but just don't know where to fit those projects in, or don't think they have enough time to knock an extra project out.

Never fear, Robyn is here! Below is a list of each class, and at least two knit and two crochet projects (free patterns, all!) that will fit for each class! As a bonus, each project is small enough that it shouldn't take you long to complete at all!

As for where to donate? Send those hats along to me for the Chicago Food Pantry, those scarves, mitts, and such can be donated to nest: Maine if they're made out of wool, and the squares can be made 12x12 and sent along to the Grffies blankets for babies group!


Transfiguration – Dragon

Option 2: Knit, crochet, spin dye, or weave something that displays the characteristics of particular breed of dragon. (provide the specific name of that dragon.) 

• Dragon Scale Keyhole Scarf (Ravelry link)
• Dragon Ribs Hat (Ravelry link)
• Dragon Skin Scarf (Ravelry link)
• Dragon Warrior Square (Ravelry link)
• Dragon Tail Hat (Ravelry link)
• Crochet Block: Scales (Ravelry link)

History of Magic (HOM) – Wizard transportation 

Option 2: Students will do well to remember that magical transportation comes with its own set of risks. Consider or report on first-hand observation the dangers involved in your chosen form of transport. 

For this option, story matters most -  hats, scarves and such would be wonderful ways to protect against fire burns while traveling by Floo Powder or to protect from splinching!

Arithmancy – Tessellation or Bees 


Option 2: Craft something with bees on it or relating to bees. 
 

For this option, there are a number of hats that look like hives or honeycombs!

• Honeycomb Hat (ravelry link)
• another Honeycomb Hat (ravelry link)
• crochet Honeycomb Hat (ravelry link)
• Honeycomb Beanie (ravelry link)

Potions - Craft something you can make in a short period of time that is just fabulous. 

Craft something quick and fabulous?! Just pick your favorite thing to knit or crochet and whip it up; don't forget to donate it to charity though! 

Muggle Studies – Muggle oceans not wizard 

Option 2 - Craft something inspired by marine biology.

• Stinky Fish Hat (ravelry link)
• Half Fish Beanie (ravelry link)
• Angel Fish Washcloth (ravelry link) - use this one as a blanket square!
• Slippery Fish Fingerless Gloves (ravelry link)
• Man's Little Fish Socks (ravelry link)

Care of Magical creatures (CoMC) – Quintapeds

Option 2: Transfigure! Use up your stash yarn or fiber and “transfigure” it into something new!

This is the perfect chance to use up that lingering stash! Those odd acrylic balls everyone has laying around in their stash work up into blanket squares in no time!

DADA – Random spells 

Option 2: Deflect the Antler Jinx! Craft something to protect your head. 


Option 3: Cast the Corn-Flaked Skin Jinx! Create something textured.

For either of these options, consider a hat!

Charms – Unbreakable Vow

Option 2 - Craft gloves, mittens or fingerless mitts to represent the way that the Unbreakable Vow wraps around the hands.

These are always in need - donate them to your local shelter or send them off to nest: Maine!

• Toast (Ravelry link)
• Maine Morning Mitts (ravelry link)
• Camp Out Fingerless Mitts (ravelry link)
• Owlings (ravelry link)
• Garter Stitch Mitts (ravelry link)
• Basic Fingerless Mitts (ravelry link)
• Beginner's Wrist Warmers (ravelry link)

Tastey Thursday!!!

Hmmm what has been happening in the Seventh Floor? It seem that there is a new cooking channel there. While scanning the channel I noticed an awesome receipe there from Knittingnearsided for Brioche. This sounds sooo yummy, I just may have to break down and actually make some. (Well unless she sends me some.)

Knittingnearsided says:

Brioche dough (makes about 4 loaves)

1 1/2 cups lukewarm water

1 1/2 tablespoons granulated yeast (2 packets)

1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt ( I didn’t add salt because the butter had salt in it)

8 large eggs, lightly beaten ( I use eggland eggs)

1/2 cup honey (this is my all time favorite!) (I didn’t have honey so I used syrup)

1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, melted (only had salted butter)

7 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

Mix the yeast, salt, eggs honey and melted butter with the water in a 5-quart bowl, or lidded (not airtight) food container.

Mix in the flour, using a spoon until all of the flour is incorporated.

Cover (not airtight), and allow to sit at room temperature for about two hours.

I sat this in my bowl with a towel covering it and let it rise in the sunlight. I grabbed a hand full after a couple hours and spread it out. I put margarine on it and then shook my little cinnamon sugar boy shaker until I liked the looks of it. Rolled it, sliced it and put it in a glass dish. 350 degrees for 12 minutes. I then took some powdered sugar and milk and made up a good consistency. I heated this in the microwave for 10 seconds and when the rolls were done, I spooned some on top of each one . This is my “adjusted” recipe and it is YUMMY 

The one with Girly. Episode 16

We’re joined this week by GirlyWithATwist aka Angela 


Mojo/No Mojo-
Allena: 

Slingshot Turned in for Potions. It’s Fabulous!!! 


 Jessica: 

Fabulous slingshot for POTIONS 


 Angela: 

holy hand grenade 
3 hats 




 WIP's- 
Allena: 

legwarmers COMC Duel with piperredfern 
Owl proposed
OOTP and my BROOM was accepted. 
magrathea! 
cathy’s socks are in the car for knitting when out, also man socks and toothless are hanging around being knit/crochet on if I’m board  


Jessica:
NEWT!!! ~Leah’s stocking is half way done, Yellow socks are past the heels! 


 Angela: 

skew

OWL
Mittens




 To spin or not to spin- 
Allena: 

Turned in for DADA 2ply 104.2 yards Bulky 7-8 WPI batt day redux 
Detention- batt day 89.6 yards 14-15 WPI Nply
SIP merino club fiber 
SIP- PS the forest is fascinating. 




Jessica: 

cloudlover haunted vineyard, dueling with theresmiling 503yds, Nply~COMC 

my art batt, aka Lav Lav, 185yds 2ply~ DADA 
SIP~ targhee Pacasha’s club fiber MUGGLE STUDIES 
SIP~ superwash merino, fiber optic yarns, Sweet Georgia Brown~ CHARMS


Listen to find out the answers to these questions for the Slytherin HoH!!!
 Questions for G.W.A.T. 1. When did you start reading the HP books. (audio books included) 2. What book is your fave and why? 3. How’d you find the HPKCHC? 4. What is your Roll in HPKCHC? 5. How’d you get into WROCK and do you have a fave group? So how do you and the Slytherin team encourage the awesomeness of winning? Can you share any secrets? Were you always in Slytherin? What made you choose that house your first term/when you switched? What makes Slytherin unique? (i ask in case NQFY’s are listening) 


Wrock Song:
 Hermione Might Be Hot 
by Hogwarts Trainwwreck  


 NOTES:
Hermione Jean Creations
 Mayrland sheep and wool 
 we were way off.... Midwest Fiber and Folk Art Fair, it’s in IL 
Etsymom Team


BATT DAY PICS!