The Gryffindor Blog

the one with NNS ! episode 21

2012-02-10T23:16:00.000-08:00

We are joined by our very own Headmistress Needlesnswiffers aka Stephanie!

Mojo/No Mojo-

Allena:

Michelle’s Cowl http://www.ravelry.com/projects/StarKnits/nordland-morning-mist-cowl

David’s Monster http://www.ravelry.com/projects/StarKnits/claude-the-closet-monster

Victoria’s colorful monster http://www.ravelry.com/projects/StarKnits/geet-the-garage-monster

Knit Pray Love Hat http://www.ravelry.com/projects/StarKnits/two-colour-infant-hat

Jessica:
Lav Lav cowl HERBOLOGY http://www.ravelry.com/projects/naturallyknitty/bandana-cowl

baby hat (knit pray love hat) CHARMS http://www.ravelry.com/projects/naturallyknitty/baby-tam-2

handspun kina ASTRONOMY http://www.ravelry.com/projects/naturallyknitty/baby-kina-2

bag for quidditch challenge 2 http://www.ravelry.com/projects/naturallyknitty/spinning-fiber-pouch

last minute b-day cowl HERBOLOGY http://www.ravelry.com/projects/naturallyknitty/quickie-cowl-2

WIP's-
Allena:
OOTP- http://www.ravelry.com/projects/StarKnits/hitchhiker

OWL- untangled- http://www.flickr.com/photos/starknits/6846674543/in/photostream
writing up pattern-need to dye other skein.

Sewing!- made some coffee sleeves for a gift http://www.flickr.com/photos/starknits/6846671181/in/photostream/

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

Joe’s dickey HERBOLOGY
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/naturallyknitty/basic-neckwarmer

Stephanie:
OWL - Oceanspray
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/needlesnswiffers/oceanspray

Order Mission - test knit for Vox8, also my Mission Chief ACK!!
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/needlesnswiffers/test-knit-for-box9

Not-Noro striped scarf, the take-everywhere project
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/needlesnswiffers/noro-striped-scarf

Hitchhiker - February class, not sure which one
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/needlesnswiffers/hitchhiker

To spin or not to spin-
Allena:
SIPs
for COMC http://www.ravelry.com/people/StarKnits/stash/january-fiber-club-merino-silk

for HOM http://www.ravelry.com/people/StarKnits/stash/combed-top-4

Jessica:
Finished for HOM~ ps the veil is lifting~ corriedale from Younger Yarns,
http://www.ravelry.com/people/naturallyknitty/stash/younger-yarn-fiber-ps-the-veil-is-lifting

SIP~ holyhead harpies COMC

SIP~ Leah’s roving for leg warmers MUGGLE STUDIES

Stephanie:
SIP for Detention - laceweight shetland
http://www.ravelry.com/people/needlesnswiffers/stash/zyounger-yarn-fiber-club-2

Gym:
Insanity
http://60dayworkout.us/

Questions:

Listen to hear our awesome questions for Stephanie and her answers!

Wrock Song:

Lumos Files by All Caps
http://www.myspace.com/ALLCAPSBAND/music/songs/lumos-flies-61953718

NOTES:
the weasley sisters podcast thread
http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/the-seventh-floor/1705207

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

Potter Rock Anthem!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDpopCrIjxs

A Little Warmth for a Cold Day!

2012-02-09T17:10:00.000-08:00

What can be more comforting on a cold day than a big bowl or plate of beef stew?

I like a nice helping over some rice for dinner. Here is my recipe for a quick beef stew.

1-1.5 lbs of stew beef
1 bag of frozen stew veggies
4 small red skinned potatoes
1 med onion chopped
2 tbls of minced garlic
1 package of stew seasoning mix
2 bay leaves
3 cups water
1/4 cup flour
1-2 tbls of veggie oil

Dredge the meat in the flour while heating the oil in a dutch oven or soup pot. Brown the meat in batches. Take the last batch out of the pot, and saute the onion and garlic until clear. Add the potatoes and seasoning packet and the meat pack to the pot. Add the water, the frozen veggies, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer and cover. Let cook for 1 hr to 1.5 hrs. Serve over rice or by itself.

They call me MS. NOT QUITE FIRST YEAR

2012-02-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

Participate Participate Participate

Want the experience to be all it can be? Interaction is the name of the game!
Make friends find out what you have in common. We already know we have knitting/crochet in common but what else is there?
Get involved:
gym class
food class
house cleaning
find your niche, maybe there is something you can put out there?
Leadership roles - Mentors - Professors
Class Cheerleader (I do this quite often)

last words; make friends and activities outside your house too! Remember a balanced life is your friend!

Feburary Planning~ Episode 20

2012-02-03T13:44:00.000-08:00

Astronomy
A- “finger”less gloves for friend
J- Kina(baby sweater) http://www.ravelry.com/projects/naturallyknitty/baby-kina-2

Charms
J- baby tam- write pattern
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/naturallyknitty/baby-tam-2
A- spin cotton balls

Care of Magical Creatures
J- spin fingering weight(holyhead harpies YY) http://www.ravelry.com/people/naturallyknitty/stash/younger-yarn-bfl-holyhead-harpies
A- spin Blue and green Club fiber merino silk. Lacing the flyer and started already http://www.ravelry.com/people/StarKnits/stash/january-fiber-club-merino-silk

Defense Against the Dark Arts
A- spin Firenze Teaches Divination roving from Younger Yarn. http://www.ravelry.com/people/StarKnits/stash/combed-top

Herbology
J- LavLav cowl
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/naturallyknitty/bandana-cowl

History of Magic
J- spin, PS the veil is lifting http://www.ravelry.com/people/naturallyknitty/stash/younger-yarn-fiber-ps-the-veil-is-lifting
A- PS P 42 Wallaby...Faux Cashmere.. for Narcissa Malfoy

Muggle Studies
J- roving, dye, spin, knit (Leah's legwarmers) 4 parts

Potions
A- Reducio something- needed help but decided on mini couch

End of the Month Madness!!!!!!!!!!!

2012-02-02T11:02:00.000-08:00

WOW, Gryffindors!

That's all I've got to say about the AWESOME projects we turned in this month! I've compiled a collection of projects turned in during the last few days of January for demonstration purposes. ;)

Check out the baby blanket Puffygriffinclaw submitted to Muggle Studies!

Look at this GORGEOUS shawl Hazelly made for Arithmancy!

These little rings Pixiewear made for Potions are adorable!

Enk designed this football hat for DADA! How cool!

Look at this PRECIOUS little gnome FlyKytten made for Charms!

SavvyKnits made a Link hat for HoM!

Loveswildflowers spun up the gorgeous yarn to represent the Chinese Fireball Dragon for Transfiguration!

Marthapt made the beautiful socks for CoMC!

Orangebuttercat finished this beautiful Noro scarf for Detention!

NaturallyKnitty dyed up all this gorgeous and fluffly-looking roving for Quidditch!

Autumnleaf77's NEWT is coming along beautifully!

Keep up the INCREDIBLE work, Gryffindor! ROAR!

Tastey Thursday!!!

2012-02-02T08:28:00.000-08:00

So this weekend is the BIG football game and whether you are a Pats or Giants fan pleas know that this week's recipe will satisfy the game day noshers are your party!!!

Killer SuperBowl Nachos (A.K.A. The "Big Ben" Nachos) (no I am not a Steelers fan, why do you ask?)
1lb ground beef
1/2 roasted chicken (or store bought rotisserie)
1 pkg taco seasoning
1 15oz can of black beans
1 15oz can of dark red kidney beans
1 medium onion, chopped
1-3 tbls of chopped green chilies (I use the canned kind.)
4 cups of your favorite shredded cheese blend (I like the Mexican Blend)
1-3 tbls chili powder
1 15oz can of Ro-Tel (use the heat of your choice)

Brown ground beef in a skillet with onion and chili powder. Drain and return to skillet. Shred the chicken and add to the skillet. Add taco seasoning, both beans, chilies, and Ro-Tel heat.
Put the mixture into an oven proof dish and spread the cheese on top and place in the oven at 350F until the cheese is melted and golden.

Serve with your favorite tortilla chips and sour cream.

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

2012-01-31T21:53:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-29T03:04:00.000-08:00

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!

2012-01-25T12:07:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-24T07:33:00.000-08:00

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

They call me MS. NOT QUITE FIRST YEAR

2012-01-22T00:00:00.000-08:00

        SPINNING MORE THAN YARN

                         Story ideas - three elements

Time to get those cranial juices flowing! Some of the fun you can have in the house cup is writing exciting and fun stories. I have searched high and low, and found that the following should give you a good start to any good story. Remember, to keep your audience wanting more!

Choose a set of three elements and write a story that contains all three of them!

Extreme challenge: combine three of the elements with one of the other short story ideas on this page.
A stolen ring, fear of spiders, and a sinister stranger.
A taxi, an old enemy, and Valentine's Day.
Identical twins, maybe Weasley's?, a party invitation, and a locked closet.
A broken wristwatch, peppermints, and a hug that goes too far.

Aerobics, a secret diary, and something unpleasant under the bed.
An ex-boyfriend, a pair of binoculars, and a good-luck charm.
An annoying boss, a bikini, and a fake illness.
The first day of school, a love note, and a recipe with a significant mistake.
A horoscope, makeup, and a missing tooth.
A campfire, a scream, a small lie that gets bigger and bigger.

Short story ideas - personal creative writing challenges
Make a list of five things you're afraid of happening to you. Then write a story in which one of them happens to your character..

Think of a big problem that one of your friends had to face. Then write a story in which your character battles with that problem..

What is one of your bad habits? Invent a character who has the bad habit, but a much worse case of it than you have. Write a story where this habit gets your character into trouble.

What is one of your greatest strengths? Invent a character who doesn't have this strength. Create a situation in which having this strength is very important for your character. What does your character do? Write the story.

Write your story here and enjoy the rest of us in having fun with "spinning a yarn" !!!!!

Thank you to CREATIVE WRITING NOW website for this fun information!

A Charity Roar: A Few Projects!

2012-01-20T18:08:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-19T19:12:00.000-08:00

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!!!

2012-01-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-18T14:24:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-13T05:56:00.000-08:00

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!!!

2012-01-12T18:24:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-11T07:12:00.000-08:00

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!

Randomness with Autumnleaf77

2012-01-10T18:06:00.000-08:00

Lets get to know another Gryffie today!
What’s your Rav name? autumnleaf77
What do the muggles call you? Brandy or mom
What year are you in the HC? I think I’ll be a B2. scary!
What you do in muggle world? as a job? I’m a stay at home mom of 4
Do you knit, crochet, or spin? Tri-craftual? Bi-craftual? I guess I’m tri-craftual now. I knit and crochet and am slowly learning to spin. I got a wheel for my b-day this year!
What’s your fave craft? (if you had to choose) knitting

Do you have a fave project to date? I think my rainbow recruitment cardigan. I always think of myself as a lazy knitter, wanting to take the easy way. I figured I’d just let the rainbow stripe as it liked when I added the next skein. But it was looking so pretty that I took the time to match up the color repeats whenever I had to start a new skein and I’m so glad I did. It makes me happy just to look at it.
What Inspires You? I think it depends on I’m doing that’s getting inspired. When it comes to knitting, mostly HP (I blame the cup!) Picking colors for things, I think I’m inspired by nature.
Do you have a green thumb? not at all. although I wish I liked gardening.
Are you a good speller? I like to think so!
What kind of critters are you scared / nervous of? spiders!
Do you collect anything? What? Hmm, I used to collect model horses but I sold most of those over the years. I also have a small collection of stone eggs and spheres. And you could probably say I collect books. I frequently like to re-read things so I like to own them.
What is something that makes you cringe? mushrooms/fungi and things involving eyes.
Do you have any weird habits? What? I’ve lost many of my odd habits over the years. I don’t think I have time for them any more.
What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning? why can’t I sleep just 5 more minutes?
What is on the walls of the room you are in? a clock, a picture frame that says “family” with pictures of 3 of the kids, Christmas cards, Christmas lights, a wreath made of jingle bells, a paper star garland, and pictures w/footprints of the older 2 kids. oh, and a little glass cabinet that has a few tiny horses, a couple pewter wizards and thimbles, stones, ceramic turtle, and a fairy in a jar.
If you could change one thing about the world, regardless of guilt or politics, what would you do? you had to go all deep. I’m really not sure. even ignoring guilt, I’m not sure it would be fair for me to change things for other people unless they wanted it. and part of me believes that some things go on for a reason to keep things in balance. but one good thing would be for everyone to have safe food and water to consume.

They call me MS. NOT QUITE FIRST YEAR

2012-01-08T00:01:00.000-08:00

Welcome and Hello all the Not Quite First Years! Last week I gave some advice. I think it is important to be happy with what you are doing and this game allows all of us to be excited and show love to others in smooshing buttons and posting comments. I can't say that I love everything but the love that goes into each project is obvious. We must love what we do or we wouldn't do it. So I would encourage each of you to smoosh lots of love buttons and comment and let someone know that you took a minute to tell them you found some beauty in what they created. It will make their day and it will make you feel good too! What an empowering concept! WIN WIN or what I like to call a PUMPA :D Please send me your project if you would like to be featured! PM knittingnearsided . This week, I would like to highlight some NQFY's and their handy work! I was looking through the post and here is what I found;

NessaknittsII - Potions gift!

Xallanthia for Potions!

UsherLuvRules - Detention

Hopnorth - DADA

Chillywillyrawks - Detention

Congrats to all the NQFY that posted a class. I encourage you to get them in and have fun!

Kuma Matata

This Week on the Seventh Floor!!!!

2012-01-07T12:38:00.000-08:00

Good afternoon, Gryffindors!

We've been awfully crafty so far this year! To demonstrate, let me give you a breakdown:

We have more NEWT students this term than any other House! We have 8 students working on NEWTS; Ravenclaw has 4, Slytherin has 2, and Hufflepuff doesn't have any. ROAR, GRYFFINDOR!!!!!!!!

As of right now, 54 Gryffindors have had their OWLs approved! Muggle Studies appears to be our favorite OWL subject this term, with 12 approved Gryffindor OWLs; followed by 7 approved for Arithmancy; 6 for CoMC; 5 for Transfiguration; 4 for Divination, Charms, DADA, and Herbology; 3 for HoM; 2 for Astronomy and AR; and 1 for Potions. Remember, you still have until the end of the month to get those OWL proposals in! Ravenclaw is currently in the lead for approved OWLs (69), followed closely by Slytherin (67). Hufflepuff has had 48 OWLs approved so far.

We're doing awesome in Quidditch as well, with 17 projects turned in so far! Of course, Hufflepuff isn't going to give up the Quidditch Cup that easily; they're currently in the lead with 27 projects! Slytherin has 3 projects so far, and Ravenclaw has 2.

We've turned in 30 Potions homework assignments so far! My favorite are these mittens from IceJewel:

In Transfiguration, we've submitted 5 projects! Check out Tangeldav's socks:

In HoM, 4 Gryffindors have already turned in their homework. I just LOVE WoolenHorse's tea towel:

For Arithmancy, we've completed 7 projects so far! I love knittingnearsided's bee square:

We've turned in 7 CoMC assignments as well. Look at these Wildfire Whizz-Bang socks purzelonline has already finished:

Gryffindors have submitted 10 projects to Charms so far! I love BlueKittyMeow's fingerless mitts:

Muggle Studies has received 4 projects from us. Isn't kbowman123's narwhal the cutest thing?:

And for DADA, we've turned in 17 projects! My favorite so far is this hat by amandabyebye (which I promptly queued):

We're still ruling Detention this term! Look at this adorable doll submitted by stitchywitchy:

Keep up the fabulous work, Gryffindor! I can't wait to see what else you create this term!

A Charity Roar: Welcome To A New Term!

2012-01-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to a new term of charity knitting and crochet, Gryffindors! As we jump into classes, OWLS, Order missions and Quidditch, I wanted to take some time to review how Mungo's for Muggles works, and let you know more about the charity challenges we've got going already!

I'm adevinelife, and this term I've been joined by FlyKytten to bring you not only charity ideas, but tons of charity challenges! We've got two running right now - one that will continue throughout the term and one for January crafters.

January Yardage Challenge

Hey, everyone! FlyKytten here! Robyn and I were talking, and we decided to do Yardage Challenges this term! So, here’s the first!

For January, use up at least 300 yards of fingering weight in a Charity knit. Now, I know some of you (Robyn, I’m looking at you!) don’t like to use fingering weight! You have two options. First, you can step out of your comfort zone and crochet or knit something in fingering weight (say, a scarf?). OR, you can double or triple strand your fingering weight yarn. In the House Cup official submission for points, take your total yardage, divided by the number of strands, and that answer is your amount for yardage bonus. (So, 300 yards, triple stranded, equals 100 yards for potential bonus points.) HOWEVER. That same project, when you come in here to post it? You can count the ENTIRE 300 yards! Stash busting! ;)

When you post your homework, include this tag: M4MJan11YardageCharityChallenge Just in case the profs are giving bonuses for Unity or Charity! ;)

So, hop to it!

LARGE-SCALE CHALLENGE INFO

Looking for a way to give back in large measure this term? Love knitting hats but your family and friends have already reached their hat quota for the winter? Then join adevinelife on her quest to knit hats for a Chicago Food Pantry!

Thanks to the magic of Ravelry, I have the pleasure of knowing a woman who knits hats each year for a Chicago Food Pantry. The first week in December each year they have a holiday party for the children who have used the food pantry throughout the year - and last year over 1,000 attended.

Keep in mind this is just one of many food pantries in Chicago.

My dear Ravelry friend took to her needles a few years ago to try to knit hats for these children, but that many hats is too much for any one person to make in one year (even us magical folk might not be able to do it!), so I’ve stepped in to help her out! Last term I knitted along, and this term I’m calling all charitable Gryffindors who love to knit hats to join in on the fun!

Knit a hat, any hat. It can be for babies, little kids, bigger kids or teenagers. It can be made of wool or acrylic or cotton or anything else you can come up with! It can be for boys or girls, and in solids, stripes or any pattern you can find! Turn said hat into a class, and then share about it here! And then here’s the fun part - drop that hat in the mail to me!

I’ll be collecting hats all term, and sending a (hopefully) GIANT box of hats to my friend at the end of term, to keep ready for next year’s party!

Craft For Charity Thanks To Quidditch!

This term, there's a charity option for Quidditch! You can make up to 15 items, earning 15 points each (for 225 points total!!!) and make some items for charity in the process! Don't forget to share your finished items in the Mungo's For Muggles thread and grab your challenge badges as you finish projects!

Next week, I'll be sharing some ideas for charity projects you can turn in for each class, as well as some simple and fast ways to earn the challenge badges for January!

Tastey Thursday!!!

2012-01-05T16:32:00.000-08:00

Alright in our first week of the term, I feel it is appropriate to give you a recipe that will make the chocoholic in you go crazy.
Without further ado I give you my recipe for Chocolate Bourbon Cake with Chocolate Hard Sauce

ingredients for cake:
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
2 ounces sweet baking chocolate, chopped
1/4 cup instant coffee crystals or instant espresso coffee powder
2 tablespoons boiling water
1/2 cup bourbon (I use Jack Daniels)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
2 tablespoons bourbon (I use Jack Daniels)

directions
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Butter a 10-inch fluted tube pan. Add cocoa powder.
Shake and tilt pan to coat bottom, side, and tube; shake out any excess cocoa powder.
Set pan aside.
2. In a medium bowl stir together flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
3. In a small microwave-safe bowl combine unsweetened chocolate and sweet chocolate.
Microwave, uncovered, on 100-percent power (high) for 1 minute; stir.
Microwave, uncovered, for 30 seconds more; stir until smooth. Cool slightly.
4. In a 2-cup glass measure combine coffee crystals and boiling water, stirring to dissolve coffee crystals.
Add enough cold water to coffee to measure 1-1/2 cups. Stir in the 1/2 cup bourbon.
5. In a large bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds.
Add sugar. Beat until combined, scraping side of bowl occasionally. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
6. Beat in melted chocolate and vanilla. Alternately add flour mixture and coffee mixture to chocolate mixture,
beating on low speed after each addition just until combined. Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly.
7. Bake about 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted near center of cake comes out clean.
Cool in pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Remove cake from pan; cool completely on rack.
8. Brush top and side of cake with the 2 tablespoons bourbon.
If desired, wrap in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
9. Top with hard sauce while still warm.

ingredients for chocolate hard sauce:
1/2 cup of softened butter
1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
3 tablespoons of cocoa powder
2 tablespoons of bourbon (I use Jack Daniels)

directions:
1. Beat butter until fluffy.
2. Add powdered sugar gradually scraping down the sides of the bowl.
3. Add the cocoa powder incorporate fully.
4. Add the bourbon and mix. Add more bourbon if needed.

You can also make small individual loaf size to give as gifts. This recipe will make 8 mini-loaves or 1 regular Bundt size.

The one where we plan to dye... Episode 15

2012-01-01T23:26:00.000-08:00

In this podcast we went over classes and planned what we wanted to do. It was too long so we had to cut it into 2 videos....

The second video will be added late tonight/tomorrow when Allena gets home... so stay tuned... :) we'll let you know when it's up in our podcast thread!

DADA
We'll be spinning art yarn for this!

HISTORY OF MAGIC
Allena may dye for this class

TRANSFIGURATION
Jessica may dye for this class... (hello HoH challenge~!)

CHARMS
Jessica will spin from stash
Allena may knit Snape mitts/arm warmers

ARITHMANCY
Jessica will spin some 3ply(or dye)
Allena might dye...

POTIONS
We are both knitting a slingshot!.... it's fabulous!
Bonus points are available for sharing an “emergency recipe” here as well.

MUGGLE STUDIES
We will both be spinning up our club fiber!

CARE OF MAGICAL CREATURES
Allena is teaming up with piperredfern for and making leg warmers.
Jessica will be spinning her Knit Girllls sal/kal fiber, hopefully with theresmiling.

NEWT/OWL
Jessica's doing a newt... and you've heard all about that!
Allena will be proposing an Astronomy OWL.... for pattern writing.

OOTP
We'll both be knitting a hitchhiker

Quidditch info....
Check it out!!!

They call me MS. NOT QUITE FIRST YEAR

2011-12-31T21:29:00.000-08:00

Good Day all you NQFY Gryffindor Hopefuls!
Now you may wonder why I make this stretch between Hogwarts and Warthogs, but I felt this was the picture of empowerment! So here we go with a new term and many new opportunities.When I was new to the cup, I remember feeling overwhelmed and worried that I would ask a dumb question or seem silly to someone. Turns out, I did both! So let's get some of those questions out of the way this week and in the weeks to follow.

How do I grab all the badges I earn? I like to open two windows and put one on my profile. You choose edit my profile. In the other window, right click on the badges you earn, and pick save image. Go back to profile window, right click in the picture icon at the bottom and when the insert box comes up, right click, insert your image of your fabulous badge and don't forget to save.
How do I make friends? I admit I am not famous at this but I would recommend being kind, using lots of smiley faces and never ever ever tell someone they can't knit. Cake and hot cocoa and other foods help too!
How do I upload pictures of all my projects? Go and look here for the tutorial!

Now, for the being silly part.......................well, it's grand to be me :D

Ask the Head Girl

2011-12-31T15:23:00.000-08:00

Hi! It's SK your head girl. My whole life I've always wanted to have an advice column so finally here it is...
Yup that's right you guys can ask me questions and I'll give you advice. Any question about anything you ask I will answer. So you can either PM me your questions or email me. If you want to remain anonymous please LMK when you ask your question. This is going to be great!

Calling All Charity Knitters!

2011-12-30T12:30:00.000-08:00

It's a new term, and it's also a winter term, and that means folks around the world are in need of some warm and woolie goodness! In the Gryffindor Tower there's a group of us that hang out in the Mungos For Muggles thread, sharing our charitable crafting ideas and cheering each other on as we craft for others!

If you joined up last term, you already know a bit about how this Gryffie group works, but for those folks who are joining our team for the first time, here’s a bit about how we work.

Mungos For Muggles was formed when a small group of Gryffindors recognized a need - a need in the Muggle community for a bit of extra warmth during the winter months. It would seem non-magic folk have a real poverty problem all across the world - for some reason they can’t figure out how to keep everyone warm!

Thanks to our magical leanings, we witches and wizards have jumped in to help, forming a division of St. Mungo’s Hospital dedicated to warming up the Muggle community … and because of the inspiring number of Gryffindors with charitable leanings, a Gryffindor student chapter was formed during the fall term!

To participate, simply craft something for charity and turn it in for a class! Many Gryffindors already have charity projects they complete regularly, and charity groups they donate to often. If that’s you, just keep doing what you’re doing, and show up here to share your projects!

If you’d like to play along, but don’t already have charity projects or organizations in mind, have no fear! This term,

FlyKytten and adevinelife will be sharing regular challenges to help get the charity projects flowing off your needles and hooks, giving you a few extra badges to earn along the way while also helping earn more points for Gryffindor and also bring some much needed items to charities around the globe!

Get your needles, hooks and yarn ready to go - this term we charitable Gryffs are going to do some serious good!

Welcome Gryffindors, New and Old!

2011-12-27T16:59:00.000-08:00

Congratulations on being sorted into the noble House of Godric Gryffindor! All the Houses are awesome, but there's just something about Gryffindor that feels like HOME, and I know I speak for all of Gryffindor when I say that we are more than glad to have you!

There are several things that make Gryffindor different from the other Houses, so I'm writing this as a sort of "Get to Know Your House" message. I'm including lots of links to make it easy to find your way around the Seventh Floor--the Ravelry group where we are located. You don't have to participate in all the activities; in fact, it's very hard to do so, but we do like to have options. ;) They are meant to encourage you to earn more points, but they are all 100% OPTIONAL. Note: Gryffindor House activities require NO extra crafting!!!! Anything you are already making for points should be able to fit in here. We're also sort of known for liking shiny badges, and more activities = more possible badges. So without further ado, here are our activities this term (in no particular order):

Chocolate Frog Cards: This seems to be one of the primary things we are known for. Hufflepuff has some too, but theirs aren't quite like ours. To get a Gryffindor chocolate frog card, you have to 1) be a Gryffindor, and 2) turn a project in for a class, Quidditch, and/or the Headmistress Challenge. Basically, you get a chocolate frog card for every class you complete throughout the term, as well as for completing Quidditch, and the Headmistress Challenge. AND you get entered into the Gryffindor prize drawing once for every chocolate frog card you earn. For those of you who'd like to keep track of all the chocolate frog cards you've collected, I've created a Gryffindor Chocolate Frog Card Master List here that you can download. I update it every month after the new chocolate frog cards are posted.

Marauder's Missions: These were developed last term, and they were so popular that students from all over Hogwarts came up to the Seventh Floor to play. This term, however, you MUST be a Gryffindor (or a NQFY/SoS) in order to complete a Marauder's Mission. You can do up to two, and you can do any mission solo or as part of a team. Joining a Marauder's Mission team is a GREAT way to get to know your housemates if you are new!

The Weasley Sisters Podcast: Yes, Gryffindor has its very own podcast, hosted by Head Girl StarKnits and Prefect NaturallyKnitty (who are sisters in real life)! They discuss all sorts of House Cup-related things, and sometimes they even have giveaways!

NEWT/OWL Study Group: A place for us to plan and chat about our Advanced Studies (including OotP Missions). We even have scheduled chat nights devoted to this (although we sometimes have a hard time staying on topic)!

Broom Cupboard: Links to projects that can be completed in just a day or two (because quite a few of us are procrastinators, and/or we get so caught up in the awesomeness of Quidditch that we forget we have yet to submit something for a class!).

Take Up the Gauntlet Challenge: A challenge/KAL we're doing this term for mittens, gloves, and fingerless mittens/gloves. If you're planning to make a pair for any point-earning activity in the Cup, please feel free to join us! Oh, and there will be badges!

Owl Post: RAK (Random Acts of Kindness) a fellow Gryffindor!

Swap: We have a swap every term! Another great way to get to know your housemates! And who doesn't love swaps?!

MCMCCM (Mission for the Collection of Muggle Cleaning Cloths for Molly): This term, we're helping Mrs. Weasley spice up her marriage by crafting as many dishcloths (and other muggle cleaning-related things) as possible during the first week of each month. (Oh, the things she does for Mr. Weasley!) If you turn EIGHT objects into one class (the same class, so ONE homework assignment; this is meant to maximize yardage bonus points), you'll be entered into a drawing for a Ravelry pattern up to $5. There will also be badges! (Did I mention we really like badges?)

Spin-Along with the Weasley Sisters: The Weasley Sisters (from the podcast) are hosting a spin-along! Get out your wheels and spindles and spin for at least one class a month! Spinning is an EXCELLENT way to maximize yardage bonus points, because you earn bonus points for the number of yards multiplied by the number of plies in your yarn.

Mungo's for Muggles: Gryffindors tend to be very charitable, so we have charity challenges every term (and you can earn... badges!!!!).

Sock Club: Whether your planning your very first pair of socks, or finishing the last stitch on your 697th, come join us for love, support, encouragement, help, or just to show off your socks!

Gryffie Gym: Our very own Certified Personal Trainer, Jajigirl, helps us find time to squeeze health and fitness into our crafting euphoria! Sometimes there are even prizes and--you guessed it--badges!

Gryffindor Shops: Our very own corner of Diagon Alley! Links to shops owned by your fellow Gryffindors, with AWESOME handmade Harry Potter merchandise (most of which is crafting related as well; hand-dyed YARN, anyone????)!

I'm Going to DYE!: Dyeing tutorials and tips from your housemates!

Language Practice (for International Cooperation): Interested in learning a new language? Need to practice that language you learned in muggle high school? Take advantage of the resources available here, including the love, support, encouragement, and help your fellow Gryffindors are always there to provide!

GRRRRRRRR!!!!!: A ranting thread to get it all off your chest.

Writing Workshop: A lot of professors give bonus points for storytelling. Here's a place to get tips and help if you need it!

Blankets for Gryffindor Babies: Interested in contributing a blanket square (or two, or three, or four, or more!!!!!) for a baby blanket made especially for a future Gryffindor? There's a thread for that!

Scrap-ghan-Along: Blanket square-along! A great way to use up scrap yarn!

WIP the 1st! Challenge: Every month, Gryffindors earn a badge if they submit a Detention project on the 1st. Getting WIPs out of the way is a great feeling! There's also a special badge for those who turn in Detention all three months of term.

HoH Challenge: Our Head of House, Lupingirl, gives us a new challenge every month! You get a badge if you complete it!

I'm sure more House activities will be developed throughout the term. Participate if you want to, but please don't feel like you have to! We all have real lives, and nobody wants you to be overwhelmed! The House Cup is supposed to be fun, so do what YOU enjoy doing.

Again, welcome to Gryffindor! :)

The one with the video. Episode 14

2011-12-26T22:27:00.000-08:00

Mojo/No Mojo-
Allena:
Traveling Scarf Section
Sewing- Christmas Quilt is finished!

Jessica:
dishcloths for teacher gifts, finished another 2 (4 total for this year) brimmed hat for my brother Jared.
1st stocking for my NEWT!

WIP's-
Allena:
magrathea!
man socks
cathy’s socks
Toothless
Tomten

Jessica:
NEWT~ (6 Christmas stockings, 2 handspun socks):
Started Leah’s stocking& Lemon Drop socks for my NEWT. Dishcloth (future detention/Cardio crochet)

To spin or not to spin-
Allena: nope

Jessica: Still spinning this fiber from Pacasha, blue and white... planning on it being for detention :)

next up...
Cloudlover~ haunted vineyard! The Knit Girllls KAL/SAL

SPONSORED by YOUNGER YARN!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/youngeryarn

Our family Christmas pictures...

before:

After:

Jessica and Allena :

The Weasley Sister's podcast thread!

Notes:
cloudlover.com
ASC yarn club
Blue Mtn Handcraft
HP earrings
Stitch markers
9 month bat club
12 month fiber club
Jessica's fiber stash...Now on Rav! woo! go me :D

Random Interview With Aikaterini.

2011-12-26T07:57:00.000-08:00

Hi there, it's that time again. Aikaterini contacted me b/c she wanted an interview. So lets find out a little more about her.


Baby Blanket

What’s your Rav name? Aikaterini
What do the muggles call you? Lori, Catherine, Ms. K (depending on who the muggle is)
What year are you in the HC? I think I’m a 4th year.
What you do in muggle world? I teach but right now just as a substitute.
Do you knit, crochet, or spin? Tri-craftual? Bi-craftual? I knit and kinda crochet (still learning). I would love to learn how to spin; I have a drop spindle but don’t understand it yet.
What’s your fave craft? (if you had to choose) Knitting
Do you have a fave project to date? Oh gee… do you mind me having a few? I loved the baby blanket. It’ll probably be my go to baby blanket because it’s a lot of fun.

Afghan

I also loved working on the Afghan. My Aunt Toula started this afghan for her grandson Zachary but as the cancer made her weaker she asked me to finish it. My contribution is the bottom row, the 2nd to bottom row from the pink, white, and blue square left, and the left most column.

Headscarf

My headscarf was my first semi large scale lace project.

After months of working on these socks it would be bad if they weren’t a favorite project wouldn’t it? I did really enjoy working on these Poseidon socks once I figured out the pattern though.

Poseiden Socks

What Inspires You? In what way? All in different ways: my family, my faith, kids, the books I read, my friends, places I’ve been, movies I love, and probably a bunch of other things that I can’t think of right now.

Do you have a green thumb? Not as much as my mom but yes. I ascribe to my grandfather’s method of gardening… I won’t water it… I’ll do everything else but I don’t water.

Are you a good speller? I think so. I’m bad about not being able to ignore misspellings and grammar mistakes… it doesn’t always bother me but I do always notice it.

What kind of critters are you scared / nervous of? snakes!

Do you collect anything? What? I guess all of us collect yarn. I also collect books, recipes, and Willow Tree figurines.

What is something that makes you cringe? The pants below your butt thing boys are into right now. Kids trying to make themselves sound “gangsta.”

Do you have any weird habits? What? This is more a question for my dad. :-) He says not that he knows of… he’s usually pretty good about pointing them out to me.

What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning? “what time is it?” Then I try to get up and start with prayers… but especially on days when I teach I sometimes sleep too late.

Now for some random randomness.

Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 18, and find line 4. “of general interest. Although many of these topics are part” wow… that doesn’t many anything on its own does it?

Before you started this survey, what were you doing?
watching Up with my parents.

Plotting and Focus Christmas Episode 13! ....

2011-12-20T21:56:00.000-08:00

Mojo/No Mojo-
Allena:
the knitterly:
Lion sweater
Traveling scarf section
1 more star

Sewing-
Bag for niece
American Girl Doll Bedding

Jessica:
star ornaments! finished another! (2 total)

WIP's-
Allena:
magrathea!
another scarf section
man socks are packed
cathy’s socks are also packed
amigurumi is packed as well
debating if I should pack the tomten...

Sewing- I found a Christmas blanket I am trying to finish it this week before we leave

Jessica:
NEWT!!! (6 Christmas stockings, 2 handspun socks) ~ started with Gabes’

Started some socks for my NEWT. using this yarn:
Dishcloth for teacher gifts... need to be done by... Thursday! (have 2.3 done... need 4)

To spin or not to spin-
Allena:
none.. but i’m planning on bring some unprocessed wool to play with Jessica's drum carder and plotting my OWL.

Jessica:
started spinning some fiber from Pacasha, blue and white... planning on it being for detention :)

We’re sponsored this month by Younger Yarn A wonderful etsy shop full of yarn and unique wool roving inspired by her favorite things or favorite characters. Her yarn ranges from light fingering to sport weight, in various fiber contents. She has a wide selection of various combed top roving and now there’s even some beautiful batts in her shop! She hopes to inspire you too, stop by www.youngeryarn.etsy.com to find your own favorite to be delivered to your door.

Focus on planning - Advanced Studies! Be realistic but lets get thinking NEWTS, OWLs and OoTP!

Jessica ~
I want to go through and photograph all my fiber and get it into my rav, stash page... so i know what i have! anyone with me?!

Wrock Song:
Swish and Flick - Malfoy for Christmas

on youtube
buy it on amazon

NOTES:
http://allrecipes.com/

Cranberries in the Snow... cookies in a jar, for Teacher gifts!

Random Interview

2011-12-16T18:02:00.000-08:00

It's that time again!

Random Interview time. This time I sat down with IceJewel and picked her brain for a bit. Here's what she had to say.

What’s your Rav name?
Icejewel

What do the muggles call you?
Krystal

What year are you in the HC?
This Winter I will be a 4th year.

What you do in muggle world?
I am a stay-at-home, homeschooling mama of 4 beautiful, noisy, tiring, sweet, onery, joyful children. I have a B.S. in Radio Broadcasting with a major-equivalent in Bible, and left the bustling world of horse and farm trade publishing to stay home with my kids. Yeah, it really wasn’t that bustling. More like moseying.

Do you knit, crochet, or spin? Tri-craftual? Bi-craftual?
I have been knitting since December of 2008, and am just now getting into spinning. I can crochet a chain, but it takes so long that it’s not really worth it. The project I had to use a provisional cast-on for (with a crochet hook) has been sitting in the naughty box for almost a year.

What’s your fave craft? (if you had to choose)
Right now it’s knitting. I also scrapbook, but haven’t done much of that since I picked up knitting.


Maxi Color

Do you have a fave project to date? (photos?)
One thing about me is that I am a terribly indecisive person. There is no possible way I can ever have just one favorite anything. Lucky for you I’ve only been knitting for three years. I think my top three are probably the two big projects from this last term and a scarf from spring term:
MaxiColor (HoM OWL)--The first dress I’ve attempted, the first actual garment that really turned out well, and my first large dyeing job.

Red Macaws (BROOM)--This is the first pair of socks I’ve made that actually fit.

Jackson (class)--First large beading and lace project.

Red Macaws

What Inspires You?
I think I have to say my children. I am one of those obnoxious people who only ever wanted to have a huge brood of children and pour myself heart, soul and body into my family. Most of my knitting is for my children, and what doesn’t go to them goes to my husband or our extended family. I have a whole lot of other stuff going on, and they are not the main focus of my life, but they sure take up a huge part of it and I definitely think they inspire me.

Jackson

Do you have a green thumb?
I have more of a pale mint colored thumb. I try, I really do. And I love to research so I will spend months reading and learning how to garden just THE RIGHT way, and then I will screw it all up. I’ll get some vegetables, but not as much as I could if I actually enjoyed it enough to keep it weeded.

Are you a good speller?
I am an excellent speller. (And now I have to skim through what I’ve already done and make sure there are no mistakes…good. WHEW!) In fact I automatically catch misspellings and grammar mistakes in other people’s work; it’s just something I can’t turn off. I have to remind myself to give others grace; I never know what’s going on with them. If you catch a typo from me, it was likely typed on my phone. The Android auto-correct and I have a love/hate relationship going on; I’ll try to correct the mistakes and it will just make more and eventually I’ll just give up and spit some child-friendly swear word at it.

What kind of critters are you scared / nervous of?
I really, really hate what we call June Bugs. I think further south they might go by the name Mayflies. They just make my skin crawl.

Do you collect anything? What?
YARN!! Lol. Not much else, really. I used to collect scrapbooking supplies, and for a while after dh and I were married I went through a toy phase. I think I was trying to reclaim my childhood or something; I collected Beanie Babies when they were all the rage, and Barbies. Oh! Books! Of course I collect books. We homeschool, so the house is full of books! They’re in every room save the bathroom, and only because I don’t trust a 2 yo in a room with both a toilet and a book. ;) Sadly, though, I haven’t bought very many books for myself in years. There’s only so much spare cash, you know, and there is no yarn library (which is a pity, don’t you think?).

What is something that makes you cringe?
The sound of a fork scraping on a plate. It sets my teeth on edge and makes my jaw clench…oh, it’s terrible. Worse if I accidentally scrape it myself and feel the vibration.

Do you have any weird habits? What?Hmm….I count everything. Steps, tiles, whatever. I count to stay awake, to distract myself from something distressing, or to keep myself going. I’m in poor shape so you’ll see this most often if I’m climbing stairs--I count to focus on something other than my screaming muscles and overworked lungs.

What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning?
I worry about the time. I know that if I get up before 6:30 I’ll have time for devotions and exercise and if I do, my whole day goes really well. But if I don’t the kids will interrupt me and I’ll lose my chance. If I don’t exercise I’ll be tired throughout the day, but if I don’t take time for devotions I turn into this sad, unmotivated lump who gets nothing done. Especially in the winter; I suspect it’s SAD but have never been diagnosed.

and now for the randomness
Is the glass half empty or half full?
Half full. Obnoxiously, constantly half full…even when it’s almost empty. Even when there’s no reason to think it should be full, I know that someday it will be full again.

If you could meet any one person (from history or currently alive), who would it be?
Besides Jesus? Maybe an author whose work I’ve really liked. I don’t know. I think people, in general, are much more interesting the way I imagine them than how they would turn out to be in realy life. But I think I would like to meet Michelle Duggar…I think she would probably have some really fantastic parenting advice.

the one with Pacasha! Episode 12

2011-12-14T13:28:00.000-08:00

Mojo/No Mojo-
Allena:
kinda a wip but I finished 1 of each pattern. I plan to make more.
starflake
star-in-a-star ornament

Jessica:
traveling scarf section! (not putting a pic/link up for surprise reasons!)

Pacasha:
hexipuffs, no picture;
legwarmers

WIP's-
Allena:
Magrathea
Tomten
I want to resurect this sweater and finish it by the Knit and Crochet show in Pittsburgh in Feb
baby sweater

Jessica:
ornaments, one is done i plan on making 2...
Mudslide socks, (TdS #6)did a bit on the plane

Pacasha:
present for Mark:
hat with ASC handspun:
traveling scarf- no picture

To spin or not to spin-

Allena:
nothing but I’m dreaming of my wheel. got my christmas present 1st shipment today. (roving club from pancake and lulu on etsy I peeked..

Jessica: meh... i want to spin. (and i totally did after we podcasted, some fiber that Pacasha sent me!)

Pacasha:
next month’s fiber, Morandia’s

finished up a 3 ply using one ply club fiber (herbology)

Sponsored by Younger Yarn!

A wonderful etsy shop full of yarn and unique wool roving inspired by her favorite things or favorite characters. Her yarn ranges from light fingering to sport weight, in various fiber contents. She has a wide selection of various combed top roving and now there’s even some beautiful batts in her shop! She hopes to inspire you too, stop by www.youngeryarn.etsy.com to find your own favorite to be delivered to your door.

this is the contest yarn.... listen to find out if you won it!!!

Gym-
yay for Allena!

Questions: for Pacasha!
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?
Shop Questions 1. How’d you start? 2. can you share your dyeing process or is that secret? 3. what does a typical week of work look like for you? 4. what’s this new special thing you have with Shayla Myst’s Alina Shea? (the yarn/roving called P.S.) 5. what’s your favorite base to work with? 6. how do you come up with the names or is that part of the inspiration?

Q's from our listeners... is she a LotR fan and if so, who’s her favorite hobbit? Oh and I’d like to know who her favorite Dr Who companion is and why! I want to know where she gets her fiber? and what is her favorite dye method? also, does she have a crapton of extra fiber in her basement? “what’s your favorite animal? do you have any pets?” how she feels about the usage of skiving snackboxes and other Weasley paraphernalia. Where she stand on House Elf rights? Or if she can give us hints on upcoming things she’d like to do? What’s your favorite number?!
find out the answers by listening to the podcast!

Wrock Song
Oh Christmas Tree by Big Whompy - lyrics

Other Links:

Jessica's CO yarn shop crawl!:
http://thestitchinden.com/wpsite/ ~ like 4 levels... very cute :)
http://www.gypsywools.com/Gypsy_Wools/Welcome.html ~ way cool... lots of fiber! bought some bfl and sock yarn...
http://www.shuttlesspindlesandskeins.com/ ~ HUGE~!
http://www.knitknack.org/knitknack.org/Home.html ~ giant sock monkey in there... too fun!
http://wildyarns.com/ super cute shop! got some square needles here and some sock yarn!
http://www.fancytiger.com/craftindex.html awesome shop... tons of malibrigo... and some fiber. I got Lorna's Laces fiber from here.

I missed about 4 shops... but it's ok. how many shops can you hit in one day anyways?!

here's a few pics of my loot!

and now i can give away the sock yarn.... ;P

A Charity Roar, Featuring Puffygryffinclaw!

2011-12-12T07:17:00.000-08:00

I love it when a good charity crafting story brings me to tears - and that's exactly what Puffygryffinclaw did last week with her story of these cowls!

She's been using up some of her acrylic stash, holding it double to make these gorgeous (and simple to knit!) cowls for her church. In her words, here's what they're for:

My church group had several tables full of baby items as well as adult and youth items. Most of the adult items will be delivered this week to either one of the Family Shelters or a homeless shelter…in frosty Upstate NY, there are many who need our help to stay warm over the cold and snowy winters. Most of them don’t have access to much in the way of laundry facilities, so acrylics are the way to go.

My favorites are still the baby blankets…there is nothing quite as satisfying as knitting a blanket for a baby who may never get another hand-knitted item in his/her lifetime…love and a prayer in every stitch.

I love it! It's so easy to forget there is so much need around us here in the United States, and in places you forget to look. Your neighbors may struggle to pay for heat, and keep their houses colder to compensate. There are folks all around us in our own neighborhood who rely on our city's "heat fund" to help pay their bills in the winter and keep their houses warm. The gift of a simple cowl like this would make a HUGE difference!

Thanks for the reminder that we can always do tons of good in our own neighborhoods, cities and states!

A Charity Roar, Featuring PennyIA

2011-12-07T19:07:00.000-08:00

I'm amazed and in awe of what PennyIA did this year - she knit 100 Hats for charity! During fall term alone she managed to knit 20+ for donation - and above is a photo of all of them in a group!

While she's not convinced 100 Hats is the way to go for charity goals in 2012, I think we all need to stand up and give a HUGE ROAR for PennyIA and her amazing accomplishment!

The Word of the Day is..... Episode 11

2011-12-07T09:39:00.000-08:00

Mojo/No Mojo

Allena:

DADA - Mini sock - they come in pairs you know!

Muggle Studdies - Not so giant squid and WIP bag for Reducio Swap

Potions Dahlia - given as a gift for the Gryffie swap!

Jessica:

Owl - Love those mittens!

OOTP - Gabe's bloody wallaby!

Arm warmers - totally cool and they are a wand holder!

WIPS
Allena:
Tomten

Toothless

Magarthea using younger yarn’s sleek string

Ornaments

Jessica:

socks (tds #6) (no link)

traveling scarf

To Spin or Not to Spin
Allena:

Potions Owl -spun up 4.44 oz of the fiber and got 2 skeins at 9WPI a total of 149.11 yards.

The Knit Girllls SAL/KAL 358.19 yards at 15 WPI (fingering)

Jessica:

?! tkg KAL....

Other stuff:

We’ll be interviewing Pacasha later this month if you have any questions you’d like us to ask her please feel free to PM or leave them in the podcast thread.
A contest sort of...
If you want to win the awesome yarn Jessica got from Pacasha you need to respond. There should be 17 people responding in the podcast thread by the 15th of Dec to win. There is a code word that needs to be used. Listen to find out what it is.

Other Links:
Hitchhiker trilogy of patterns
monster book of monsters
the stuff we talked about from amazon.

Wrock Song
I Open at the Close by The Sorting Hat

This month we're sponsored by Younger Yarn

Go visit the shop to take home your favorite yarn, roving or batt!

Refocus or how to roast butternut squash! Episode 10

2011-11-23T20:53:00.001-08:00

Mini cast!
yay for planning.... and refocusing!

WIP's-
Jessica:
OWL
OoTP

Allena:
OWL
OoTP
Octopus

Spinning-
Allena:
for the knitgirlls SAL/KAL

Swap packages....
Swap thread.... check it out...
Allena's from stacylovesyarn: posted about here!

Jessica's from ShaylaMyst: posted about here!

Wrock Song-
Underwater by the giant squidstravaganza.
http://www.myspace.com/thehogwartsgiantsquid/music

Other links:
Yes... there is a Falkland wool.... one example...

the cupcakes Jessica made!

Merlin~ shawl by linuxchic!

Books, Midnight Movies and Christmas. Episode 9

2011-11-23T20:51:00.001-08:00

Mojo/no mojo
Allena:
Green Susie's Mitts

Lion Jumper

Jessica:
technical socks, TdS #4

WIPs
Allena
Dahila shawl ~gryffie swap
Tomten~ ootp

Jessica:
Fizzi~ shawl for my swappee!
Wallaby~ ootp

Spinning :
Allena:
Sparkly~ overdyed
OWL

Jessica:
Ravenclaw Shores~ dyed & spun (merino/bamboo)

Gym:
Jaji’s Challenge!

Congrats to the winner of our contest!!!

Other links:
reducio swap
USPS
The Dollar Tree
Paperback Swap
The podcast thread~ come chat with us!
Google+..... it's the new FB... friend us!
Breaking Dawn.... pt 2 comes out in Nov... oops!
The Hunger Games.... and the trailer!
Septimus Heap- new book series to read?!

WROCK song!:
Like Snape Remix by Severus and the Snapes

MINI cast #1 Planning...

2011-11-07T19:38:00.001-08:00

November Planning!

OOTP-Madi’s Tomten(A) Gabe’s Wallaby(J)
OWL- card and spin(A) Leah’s mitten/charity mittens(J)
HM Challenge -Toothless (A &J)

Charms- Lion Sweater part 2(A) Socks (J)
Astronomy- Spring Leaves(A) Fizzi(J)
Herbology-Dyeing(A)
COMC-Spidey hat(A)
Muggle Studies- reducio swap project (A) Socks(J)
Divination- Staff swap project(A) Dye roving (J)
Potions- gryffie swap project(A) Socks(J)
DADA- Spin yarn(J)

KAL winner(s)!
Since it was so close we decided to use both Spring leaves and Fizzi! If you want to partner up let us know and we can turn it in for Astronomy together!

Wrock song-
Expelliarmus Kid by Peeved

Sponsored by Alina Shea Creations

Psst! there is still time to enter the contest.....

Grilling Lupingirl... episode 7

2011-11-04T15:19:00.000-07:00

This month we’re sponsored by Alina Shea Creations

Joined by our co-host becca aka Lupingirl!

Mojo/No Mojo-
Allena:
Stripey Scarf ~DADA
Perry~Quidditch
Girly Baby ~ mug stud
Baby Brim~ COMC
Nylon Scrubbies ~ Potions

Jessica:
TdS #2 socks ~ CoMC
Tds#3 ~ Ancient Runes
Trubie’s mitens ~OWL
Chloe’s mittens ~OWL

Becca;
bright vincas

Rememberall socks

Jekyll and hyde socks

WIP's-
Allena:
Tomten- OOTP
Man Socks
Cathy’s Socks

Jessica:
Q yule ball balls
Gabe’s wallaby, aka my BROOM
OWL mittens~ Leah's mittens, charity mittens

Becca:
Hedwig (big snowy owl)
Q ball ornaments
Dragons breath socks
trick-or-treat bag, pattern page

To spin or not to spin-
Allena:
Gradient or no?
TransfigUntempered Schism 311.8 yds (2ply) 15WPI
Owl – Carding it up

Jessica:
Gradient yarn

Sponsored by Alina Shea Creations!

Remember you have to listen to hear the coupon!
(club members, as always, get an additional 10% off orders reimbursed through paypal)

Contest:A Chance to win a Hogwarts is home kit.how to enter. Go to Alina Shea (http://www.etsy.com/shop/AlinaSheaCreations) on etsy (or http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/AlinaSheaCreations) and come back to our podcast thread and share a link of what your fave item is.for a 2nd entry FB AlinaShea’s website or tweet it or any other social media and tell us about it in our thread.

We’re going to put a poll in the thread for voting on a KAL... to get Allena to knit lace/shawl and use up some of that sock yarn. Go vote HERE in our podcast thread!!!

Wrock Song!
Run Free by Marked as his Equal.

Do you have a product you'd like us to review?... contact us!

If you would like to sponsor our podcast please contact one of us for the details!

Last-Minute Finishing Touches

2011-11-01T15:25:00.000-07:00

Hello, Gryffindor!

Today I really want to highlight some of our last-minute October projects, so here's a compilation of some spectacular projects that you guys turned in during the last 3 days of the month!

Naturallyknitty spun up this stunning purple yarn fractally for Arithmancy!

Savvyknits made this precious little snail for Transfiguration!

FantasyFlyte made this cute little skeleton bride and groom couple for Muggle Studies!

Knitknot submitted these impressive colorwork socks for Ancient Runes!

MrMagpie cleaned some socks for Potions! It's always good to have clean socks! ;)

Lupingirl's remembrall socks for Charms are just beautiful!

Mimocoyo finished this bright and colorful hat for CoMC!

For DADA, vsmedile spun up this beautiful yarn!

For Detention, Kina8D finished this awesome hat!

And in Quidditch, for the 2nd Yule Ball Event, jwill knit up these adorable owls!

Keep it up, Gryffindor!!!! ROAR!

A Charity Roar, Featuring Mio!

2011-11-01T10:30:00.000-07:00

This week, A Charity Roar is featuring Mio, otherwise known as Becky!

Becky crocheted up this hat (of her own design!) for September's DADA class to be donated to The Little Hats That Grew, which is a charity in Hamilton, Ontario that collects hats, scarves, and mittens for elementary school children. What a fun way to help out folks in your local area - I'm headed off to figure out if there's something similar here in Omaha!

A Charity Roar, Featuring Slothmuffin!

2011-10-26T10:30:00.000-07:00

In this edition of A Charity Roar, we're featuring the amazing work of Slothmuffin, aka Kathleen!

Slothmuffin whipped up this gorgeous Olivia's Hat while watching Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows in September, and fell in love with the pattern while crocheting! This hat was added to her donation pile for the Children Of Pine Ridge, a charity many other Gryffindors knit and crochet for as well!

An Interview with BarknKnit

2011-10-18T13:10:00.000-07:00

So I'm the random interviewer for Gryffindor this term. That means I get to interview people and ask them random questions and you get to read the answers.So pull up a chair and grab some coffee or tea and let's get to know each other.

What’s your Rav name? Barknknit
What do the muggles call you? Natalie or Gnat
What year are you in the HC? Firstie!
What you do in muggle world? I am a customer support specialist for a web company.
Do you knit, crochet, or spin? Tri-craftual? Bi-craftual? I would say I’m Tri-craftual in that I knit, spin, and can sew. However, on several occasions I have learned to crochet so I guess I could be quad-craftual.

What’s your fave craft? I guess I would have to say knitting because it’s what I do most of but if I could bring my spinning wheel with me everywhere it would be a tie.
Do you have a fave project to date? Again I can’t just pick 1. :) My all time favorite project would be my wedding shawl. It was my very first lace project and it was for such a special day. But there are two other projects of note. The toddler hoodie I recently knit for my daughter babybarknknit was my first steeking project and turned out so cute! And I also have to mention the vest I made my dad because none of my knitting gifts have ever been received by a more appreciative recipient and he wears it all the time even though he lives in Panama. :)
What Inspires You? My inspiration comes from my family and friends. I really enjoy knitting for those around me, however, when I first started knitting no one in my family understood why I knit when I live in Florida! It took us having a really cold front come through two years ago and when I had all kinds of lovely handknits they all asked where were theirs. I’ve since started a slow process of knitting everyone in the family something and for the record I am part of a very large Latin family so this is going to take a while. Ravelry.com is another big inspiration! Even before the greatness that is the House Cup for inspiration, I have always trolled the new and old patterns on rav as well as checked out my friends activity on a regular basis. I have found many of my favorite projects by looking through rav. I have also been known to find inspiration by listening or watching podcasts. It’s great to hear or see what others are knitting and how they make the pattern their own.

Do you have a green thumb? I wouldn’t say I don’t but I wouldn’t say I do. :) When I have planted things or had plants in the house, I have always managed to keep them alive but we moved a bunch for a while and I ended up not investing a lot of time in planting new things. I have been wanting to start a small vegetable garden for sometime but our backyard needs a lot of work before this would be able to happen.
Are you a good speller? Thankfully spell check and Google exist. :)

What kind of critters are you scared / nervous of? spiders, snakes, cockroaches and anything else that is creepy and crawly give me the creeps!
Do you collect anything? What? Other than yarn and fiber, the only other collections I have are books of all sorts and Willow Tree figurines! I love them and only have a few but they are my favorite!
What is something that makes you cringe? Scary movies!! They make me cringe so much I refuse to watch them!
Do you have any weird habits? What? My weirdest habit is that I talk to my dogs like they can respond to me. I will have full on conversations with the both of them.
What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning? Can I please sleep just a couple more mins?

Thank you so much for the interview. If you'd like to be interviewed PM StarKnits.

This Week on the Seventh Floor!

2011-10-14T16:04:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon, fellow lions!

Those of us on the Blog Staff have decided that we really want to make this blog about you. We want to showcase your projects, brag about your ginormous hearts, and get to know you even better. So, as part of this mission, I'm bringing you our first installment of "This Week on the Seventh Floor!" Basically, I'm going to post at least one Gryffie project (that was turned in this week) from every class/event currently going on in the House Cup! Prepare yourselves for the splendor that is GRYFFINDOR! ROAR!

Abitknottie turned in these gorgeous socks for Ancient Runes:

For charms this month, Knitkitsune used legilimency on Luna Lovegood and made these beautiful hair clips to suit her personality perfectly.

For DADA this month, Binkette55 made this adorable baby sweater! So cute! Mindless knitting at it's most precious!

Lovesockwool washed her New Moon handspun for Potions! Love it!

Alexist created this target to practice aiming for zombies for CoMC!

Jrf1977 finally revealed that she is an animagus--a purple dragon--for Transfiguration!

WoolenHorse made this beautiful Calorimetry (from Knitty) for Muggle Studies!

Mcoolidge made this super cute rainbow monster to symbolize the fractal nature of clouds for Arithmancy.

For Detention this month, SherryHarrison finished this Halloween shawl!

Intallcotton turned in this hypogryff as part of her CoMC OWL:

RiverCameron completed Task 2 of the Triwizard Tournament with this stunning air-inspired scarf!

Keep up the awesomeness, Gryffindors!

Chemo Tremo or the one where we forget to introduce ourselves. Ep 6

2011-10-13T19:06:00.000-07:00

As promised here are our show notes!

MoJo/No MoJo...

Jessica:

Chudley Cannon socks (TdS stage1)
dishcloth (detention)
baby sweater for Q

Allena had no MoJo...

WIP's-

Jessica

Allena

Perry- Quidditch
Stripey scarf
Man socks- detention
Madi's Tomten- OoTP

To spin or not to spin-

Jessica

spinning (for Arithmancy) up some BFL/Silk that i dyed for DADA
washed 3 fleeces! (1, 2, 3) (and another is in the works)

Allena

Owl – Carding it up
Beautiful Nerd Girl Dr Who Fiber Club Fiber

This month we are sponsored by Alina Shea Creations (Gryffindor's very own ) .... there's a contest to win some of her yarn! listen to the podcast to see what you need to do!

you can win this!:

Listen to the podcast to get a coupon code to get 15% off of your order! (club members will still receive an additional 10% off their order after it is placed through paypal!)

Gym-

Jessica

getting back on track! did about 6 times since last podcast!

Allena

on track with 3x a week.... Jessica's going to send her some roving if she does what she wants to, ie, 3x week

Questions:

What do you want to know about other Gryffies Allena interviews?
Have ideas for the blog?!... go and PM HermioneWeasley!
KAL!.... have ideas?.... we are thinking shawl....

Wrock Song
Bad Guy by The Basilisk In Your Pasta
http://www.myspace.com/thebasiliskinyourpasta/music/songs/bad-guy-10094635

Other linkage-

Tour de Sock (rav group)

Nerd girl is Linuxchic http://www.ravelry.com/people/linuxchic ravelry group http://www.ravelry.com/groups/nerd-girl-yarns

book - Turning wool into a cottage industry by Paula Simmons.
Yarnspinners tales http://yarnspinnerstales.com/

Pottermore

Amy Pond Scarf - http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/amys-scarf-2
Spring Leaves - http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/spring-leaves-4
Dr Who - http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/dw

If you would like to be a sponsor for a month please PM one of us! We can review your shop/pattern/yarn/fiber.... host a contest for you or anything... just let us know!

A Charity Roar, Featuring Jeanub!

2011-10-10T16:36:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the newest column here on the Gryffindor blog - A Charity Roar! Each week I'll be featuring charitable Gryffindors, knitting and crocheting (and spinning and dyeing!) items for charity for their classes, Quidditch, OWLs and more!

This week I'm highlighting Jeanub, who shared a great idea over on the Mungo's for Muggles thread - she makes dish cloths to include in food bags given out through her church!

Turning in a Christmas-themed dishcloth for Arithmancy this month, and shared her story - she and several of her crafty friends work up dishcloths over a period of time, and on the appointed "food distribution day" they add one to each bag of food heading out to a family in need. The dish cloths must be quite a pleasant surprise to folks!

I love the idea of finding a way to give locally to others, helping to brighten someone's day in a new way. I wouldn't have thought of doing something like this, but you can bet it's gone on my "ways to donate" list for the future!

Jean, thanks for your charitable heart!

Want to share your charitable creations with the rest of the Gryffindor House? You could be featured here next week - simply be sure to share your charitable creations in the Muggles For Mungoes thread!

Dirty Cool

2011-09-28T23:20:00.000-07:00

Mojo/ no Mojo

Jessica/Naturallyknitty

broccoli

pumpkin hat

Crocheted baby sweater

Thin Ice Shawl

80's~tastic arm-warmers

bunny nuggets

Allena/Starknits
Cardio knitting washcloth
Redico Socks
New Purse

Mini Pigmy Puff
Baby Sweater

Diamond Wrap Socks

Don't blink washcloth
Dalek washcloth

WIP's

Jessica's
OWL~ mittens(3 stranded, 2 plain jane)
Traveling scarf.....
crocheted dishcloth (hello detention projects!)
Dye roving

Allena's
Angles have the Tardis
Man Socks
Waiting for OWL wool to finish drying
Traveling scarves(have 2, 1 finished one to go!)

To Spin or not to Spin
Allena
Dyed some lambs wool
Gillyweed

Jessica
TdF sock yarn

Gym
Allena is ROCKIN!
Jessica... not so much...
But... We both want to kick it up a notch... Join us in the Gryffindor Gym!

WE Announced our Winner of Jessica's handspun! listen to find out who won!!! A big thank you to all who have left reviews on itunes and all who have shared our podcast with others. Please feel free to keep sharing the love!

Gryffindor Swap! check it out! Sign up!
SEND DATE OF NOV 13-19th

Our Sponsor this month was...
www.starknits.etsy.com

If you would like to sponsor us we'd love to hold a contest for you, review your shop/pattern/yarn/whatever! Just PM one of us on Ravelry and let us know. Or you can donate to our cause on our podOmadic site. The Weasly Sisters There is a PayPal button on the right side :D We want to keep this a bimonthly show(or more frequent) and need your help if you enjoy listening!

Jessica at the theater for the midnight showing

Other Links
pandora
Google+ is the new FB... friend us!
Jessica's movie line buddies:

HP DH Pt2 Release date, Nov 11th!!

Wrock Song
Common Welsh Green by the Quaffle Kids

ROAR!!!!

How to Make Butterbeer

2011-09-19T17:03:00.000-07:00

Since the blog isn't being used as much as it used to be, I thought I may start sharing some recipes for everyone to try out. To start us off I've found a butterbeer video. LMK what you think! Since the blog isn't being used as much as it used to be I thought I'd start adding some recipes to it. 
. I know i'll be stopping at the store to get some ingredients to try it myself. LMK if you do try it out.

What's all that hype about Gryffindor? Episode 4

2011-09-05T17:26:00.000-07:00

MoJo/NO MoJ0~
Nope, no FO'a for Allena or Jessica

Allena's SIP~ much further along than this :)

WIP~
Allena:
Diamond Wrap Socks

Jessica:
Green Posies Socks (used for detention)
2 dish cloths started for future detentions!

To Spin or not to Spin~
Jessica:
just drop spinning at parks
my sad sad broken spindle...

spinning at the park...

Allena:
has been prepping fiber!

wool wool wool!

Gym~
Allena:
biking, hooping, walking! yay!

Jessica
biking, some hooping... then I broke my toe :(

Contest~

You know you want to win this! XD

We are continuing our contest to get our name out there.... You can win some of my handspun. (583 yards 2ply!) Here's how to get your name in the contest:

1. Write a review and star our Podcast on itunes.
2. Link to our podcast on FB
3. Link to our podcast from your blog.
4. link to our podcast on Twitter.
5. Talk about it on another podcast (if you happen to have one).
6 Link to our podcast on Google+

Go to the seventh floor and onto our podcast thread and tell us what you did and where you linked to us! You will get an entry for each place you talked about the podcast!

Linkage for things mentioned:
Younger yarn Group KAL (a new sock KAL every month!)
Working on a Drum Carder
Gryffindor Babies & Blankets
Owl Post!
Marauders Missions

Wrock Song!~
Death Eater Tango by the butterbeer experience.
on youtube
on myspace

This episode was sponsored by StarKnits etsy store. Where you can find knitting bling, custom crochet hooks, WIP bags and more.

We are currently looking for sponsors for our podcast. We'd like to make the podcast an every other week show. If you're interested we'd love to hear from you. We'll do an add or review (or both) for your shop or product and let people know that your sponsoring our show. Please PM or email StarKnits and we'll work out the details! thank you!