Lavender Land

Sunday Update

2009-08-16T17:27:00.000-07:00

The weeks are just whirling by and I'm so behind the 8-ball! Our never-ending move hasn't ended yet (so we're still paying double rent), and we keep having little problems at our new place. Last weekend, the pipe in the main bathroom sink split; this weekend, my kitchen sink is all backed up; the "new" refrigerator needs a service call, and I'm just t-i-r-e-d.

I wish I had more energy to participate fully in all the Camp fun. My package is downstairs waiting to be pulled together for my sweet partner. This week, I swear!!

Another Hectic Weekend

2009-08-09T08:07:00.000-07:00

Saturday, the day where I was supposed to finish at the old house, we spent a LONG afternoon at urgent care. My little T had a reaction to antibiotics/OTC, so had to have an IV w/strong meds. Three hours later and she's feeling better. But, we have to go back in Sunday for another round so they left the line in .... she seems to be sleeping okay. So, after we pack more/clean at the old house, go to church, drop off a meal for a sick church member, and have T's follow-up treatment, THEN we're going to pick up our new puppy -- he's going to be HUGE (Dane/Mastiff mix) and is so sweet! Name suggestions??

Sweltering ....

2009-07-30T19:08:00.001-07:00

We are just ROASTING in Portland!!! I'm so thankful that today was only in the 90's! Can you believe we've been moving in this heat - in the most IN-efficient manner possible - ever since we signed papers last Friday? We couldn't get movers until next Tuesday AND had trouble getting boxes, so we've been packing random boxes, driving them the 10 miles to our new place, unpacking/emptying out those boxes to re-use.

I'm praising God for lots of things in this move, but ESPECIALLY the fact that our new domicile has air conditioning! YEAH!! A/C is rarely needed in Oregon but it is SUCH a treat this week.

Game #5 - Part 2

2009-07-23T11:54:00.000-07:00

PART II

Game #5

2009-07-23T11:51:00.000-07:00

PART 1

1. Animagus
2. Daily Prophet
3. Bowtruckle
4. Extendable Ear
5. Radish Earrings
6. Forbidden Forest
7. Golden Cherub
8. Thestral
9. High Inquisitor
10. Educational Decree

Great movie!

2009-07-18T20:36:00.000-07:00

My 10 yo daughter and I caught the 10pm showing on opening day. We had several errands to do first, including buying her a "wand" -- I took her to The Knitting Bee and a pair of gorgeous wood needles were our wands for the evening.

Time for true confession: I'm gonna have to see it again ... I've been so busy at summer camp, I actually fell asleep a couple of times!! Sad, but true. My embarrassing truth is NOT a reflection of the quality of the movie!

Feeling Better

2009-07-09T04:03:00.000-07:00

Madam Pomfrey has worked her magic again and I'm feeling so much better. I'm not able to participate fully in all camp activities yet, but am alive! =)

internet crisis ... will post as soon as able .... out

2009-07-04T19:41:00.000-07:00

Cabins Rock!

2009-06-27T06:10:00.000-07:00

Sssshhh, here's a secret -- I'm not really into "camping". I hate the idea of sleeping with the bugs, getting eaten by a bear, being cold ..... THANK YOU for placing us in CABINS!

I love how our cabin has a temperature spell on it so it's comfortable for everyone, with lots of charms to ward off bugs and any other predators!!

WISH LIST

2009-06-25T22:12:00.000-07:00

I didn't realize today was deadline to post our wish lists. I'll put a quick list up, but reserve the right to come back and update, okay?! This is a huge list - I'm just rambling on about things I like so feel free to pick and choose, or ignore!

-Crochet books -

Art of Tangle Crochet: Sweater Collection Volume V

by Lois Olson (Author)

Blueprint Crochet: Modern Designs for the Visual Crocheter

by Robyn Chachula (Author)

Crocheting on the Edge: Ribs & Bobbles*Ruffles*Flora*Fringes*Points & Scallops

by Nicky Epstein (Author)

Nicky Epstein's Crocheted Flowers

by Nicky Epstein (Author), Jennifer Levy (Photographer)

-German crochet magazines (or knitting mags with lots of crochet diagrams)

- crochet hook roll

- silky yarn

- cupcake themed items

- harry potter themed items

- anything hand-knit

- cute crochet stitch markers .. check out THESE earrings that could be used as markers

- needle felting kit

- wire/beaded crochet kit (or pattern with some supplies)

Flying Car???

2009-06-23T23:47:00.000-07:00

My muggle car has been giving me a real fit since camp started. There may be a new car in my future ... who knows where I can get my own flying car??

Summer Camp Games, Part 2: WINGO Clues About Me

2009-06-16T22:07:00.000-07:00

I haven't finished the game myself but thought I'd answer any questions I can to help a fellow camper fill in their own squares:

W4 - Was in HSKS 6
I1 - Played Q in HSKS6
I4 - I was born in May
I5 - I'm a Hufflepuff in Erumpent
N1 - I like chocolate of all type
N4 - I played clarinet and the accordion growing up
N5 - took the train to Seattle
G2 - I have 29 items in my queue
G5 - I speak a little German and can "speak" some sign language, too
O3 - I have a huge apron pattern collection

Summer Camp Games, Part 1: What's In Your Trunk??

2009-06-16T21:50:00.000-07:00

In a nod to my love for alliteration, here is a list of lovely little look-sees in my trunk:

1. Llama yarn
2. Licorice wands
3. Lace gauntlets
4. Long underwear (I get cold at night!)
5. Lipstick
6. Literature (muggle fiction)
7. Letters from home
8. Leather journal/diary
9. Lone Ranger comic books
10. Luxurious lotions
... and more!

Activity: 3 Truths, 1 Lie

2009-06-14T18:11:00.000-07:00

Our first assignment! Woo-hoo!! Listed below are three truths and one lie about the person (Shawnee) behind the HP character (Lavender O):

1. Helped purchase the first GPS for the US military.
2. Co-authored a cookbook for the freezer.
3. Cried on national television during filming of a documentary.
4. Taught my husband how to cook.

Leave your comments below as to which is the lie. =)

Hogwarts Sock Kit Swap 8 - SUMMER CAMP 09

2009-06-14T17:50:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to report that I'm headed to my very FIRST sleep-over camp, and will make lots of Hogwarts friends, too!! I've special requested a lower bunk near the WC and I really hope I'm not a noisy sleeper.

I'm also crossing fingers that there are some crocheters to share patterns with, but I can't wait to see what all the creative knitters come up with, too!!

Quidditch Trivia - Final Round

2008-11-15T17:48:00.000-08:00

1. Who was Tom Riddle Sr.'s girlfriend before Merope gave him the love potion?
b. Cecilia
2. What does Luna say floated into Harry's ear when he was in the train car that supposedly caused him to lose focus?
c. Wrackspurt
3. How much do the primary Apparition lessons cost?
d. 12 galleons
4. What is Professor Merrythought's first name?
b. Galatec
5. What Hogwarts club was Eileen Prince captain of?
b. Gobstones Club
6. Who is head of the Goblin Liaison office?
b. Dirk Cresswell
7. Mrs. Weasley offers Fleur a goblin-made tiara for the wedding with Bill. What family member is currently in possession of the tiara?
a. Aunt Muriel
8. How many points does Snape take from Gryffindor for Harry's late arrival and muggle attire?
b. 70
9. When Profressory Slughorn first meets Hermione, he asks her whether she is related to Hector Dagworth-Granger. What society did Dgworth-Granger found?
d. The Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers
10. Which of these describes Golpalott's Third Law?
d. The antidote for a blended poison will be equal to more than the sum of the antidotes for each of the separate components

Hufflepuff Quiz #7

2008-11-15T17:32:00.000-08:00

I somehow missed the quiz this week! Here are my answers anyway:

1. If this was your first HSKS, have you enjoyed yourself. If you are alumni, was this term better than other terms (if so how)? I liked all the activities, but my own life was busy, too, so I didn't participate as fully as I would have liked.

2. Will you be returning for HSKS7? I think so!

3. What is your favorite part of HSKS? Quidditch

4. If you had the chance to switch houses next term would you? What house would you be in? I've enjoyed Hufflepuff and would like to stay if possible.

5. Are there any problems that you need to talk to the Head Girl or Prefects about? Nope, just trying to get my package done on time. I have all the pieces but need to pull it together.

6. Has your Spoiler been in contact with you about your package? Yes, I've already receive it!

7. Have you been in contact with your Spoilee to let them know you are still with us? ;) I need to send her another owl-mail I think.

Owl Arrived!

2008-11-09T06:06:00.000-08:00

A beautiful owl dropped a huge box off for me yesterday from Waverly Trimble!!! Look at all the HSKS goodness stuffed in side:
There is a handmade black bag to hold my Dye Kit! I have no idea what TO DO with it now, but I'll figure it out! And, Waverly gave me Hufflepuff colors! You can also see some of my pampering kit items in both pictures: neck rest, gels, soap, confetti, loofah .... aaah, I feel relaxed already.AND, there were two new Bamboo crochet hooks and some DPNs (I'm gonna figure out how to use them!), plus a hot chocolate lover's tower of delight .... gorgeous mug, cocoa mix, even chocolate with a mini grate for the ultimate luxury! Plus, that sweet believe mini-pillow hanger. I love it all. Thank you so much!!!

I need to finish up my package to send .... I didn't make the early mailing dealine and am so bummed about that. I wanted my Dumbledore's Army badge... =(

Ugliest Hat in the World??

2008-11-03T19:54:00.000-08:00

I'm ashamed to admit, I may have sent Fleur the ugliest hat in the world. I was following the guidelines and used some yarn from my stash. The farther I got with the pattern, the more "interesting" it looked but I'm so behind in my crafts that I kept going. I'm also sure it's a smidge too big, so I added a sweet pink satin ribbon to the brown -err- furry hat. Too bad we don't live where it's extremely cold.

I like pink and brown together but, to tell you the truth, the overall effect of that particular yarn in that hat (without the ribbon) kinda reminds me of Ron's dress robes ... if you know what I mean! LOL!!! I tucked in a really nice knitting book to make up for my tardiness (and ugliness).

So, here it is, the reason Ron has such a look on his face:

I hope we all agree that there's truth in "it's the thought that counts"! I wish Fleur the best of luck in this next round!!! Huzzah Huffs!!

Stunned Owl Heading to Fleur

2008-11-02T08:17:00.000-08:00

Round 2 of the duels left my owl and I badly stunned .... my little owlet Priscilla finally winged her way to Fleur Dolohov very late, with a little extra treat included. Hope she arrived safely!!

Lavender O

A Hufflepuff Tale

2008-10-26T17:03:00.000-07:00

Professor Lupine was having a terrible morning, and it wasn't even breakfast yet. Someone broke into the Charms classroom the night before, hid a Boggart in the closet, and set loose [3] doxies. How did he know there were 83 doxies? Because each one took a bite out of his nose as he tried to capture it, and Madame Pomfrey had to skip each wound separately. And comment annoyingly about how Professor Hagrid would've had the room cleared out with 2 waves of a wand.

It took forever to get out of the infirmary, and by then Professor Lupine was in a foul mood. Luckily, he knew how to improve it: by finding the culprits and making him, her or them pay. Lupine had overheard some students giggling in the hallways the other day about Lavender Ollivander's stash of doxy eggs, so he had a good idea of who to interrogate first. Unfortunately for him, but rather fortunately for Lav O, the common room password had recently been changed to Gryffindor, so Lupine couldn't enter. Former headmasters looked up from their portrait and laughed at the cursing, frustrated Professor.

The old Professor Lupine would have thrown a hissy fit at being taunted by a mere portrait, and blasted the thing all the way into the 5th floor girl's bathroom. The new Professor Lupine went to 15 weeks of Anger Management classes, punched a lot of pillows, and took up crochet. And started subscribing to the Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes catalogue.

Professor Lupine's first class off the day was Charms with the 3rd year Hufflepuffs and Slytherin. It took them 2 hours to clean up after the entire carton of Wildfire Whiz-Bangs that went off and clung to their robes, schoolbooks, and any exposed flesh. The students all knew that Lav O was planning to do something in Charms to get Professor Lupine, so everyone blamed her for the prank and gave her the cold shoulder for 17 days, until Lavender A blew up the Flying classroom with a misplaced charm and became the new pariah-of-the-hour.

Hufflepuff Quiz #4 - part 1

2008-10-22T19:16:00.000-07:00

1. Name of a male professor at Hogwarts - Professor Lupine
2. A subject at Hogwarts - Charms
3. A prime number between 53 and 1000 - 83
4. A professor at Hogwarts (either gender) - Professor Hagrid
5. A body part - Nose
6. A verb - Skip
7. Your character name - Lavender Ollivander
8. Your favorite Quidditch team - Gryffindor
9. Someone (or someones) you'd find in a portrait at Hogwarts - former Headmasters
10. A number between 1 and 7 - 5
11. 20 minus your answer for #10 - 15
12. A craft (noun) - Crochet
13. A Hogwarts House other than Hufflepuff - Slytherin
14. Something they'd sell in Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes that makes a big mess, loud noise, lots of smoke, or general nuisance - Wildfire Whiz-Bangs
15. The character name of another swapper in HSKS6 - Lavender A
16. A subject at Hogwarts - Flying

Congrats Ravenclaw

2008-10-18T07:45:00.000-07:00

Wow, Agatha Vlablasky is a genius! I have NO IDEA how she figured out to go to the Perfect Peds Sock Yarn Club page but that's where the snitch was hiding at the bottom of the page. I was trying to figure out who left her family's business to make candy so I could find another clue and it was just snatched!

Nice hunting .. thanks for joining me this am, Ursula and Selena!

As an aside, isn't this cute?? Let's all feel the love.

Quidditch ... Snitch Hunt

2008-10-18T06:38:00.000-07:00

Well, I've been up since 6am waiting for the release. Hoping for better seeking than last time, but no one really shared tips and tricks with me and I don't think I'm a natural like Harry. Mum sent me a new broom, the Swiffer 2008, so I'm hopeful that will help. Oh, and I have new glasses ... that's a story in itself that I will explore on my muggle blog.

I sure hope some fellow puffs join me in our common room to discuss strategy!
~Lav

Quidditch ~ Round Two

2008-10-15T20:16:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I'm Stunned ....

2008-10-14T18:20:00.001-07:00

The second round duel pattern was released on Friday, while I was at a weekend conference. My partner, Fleur, actually completed AND mailed her hat to me on Friday!!! It arrived today, so I'm out! Bummer. It's a really cute hat; too small for me, but my 9yo daughter loves it.

Hufflepuff House Quiz #3

2008-10-12T15:46:00.000-07:00

I was sick when this ran, but I'm posting anyway!!

Trivia Questions

1. On what day does Harry run into Draco and Narcissa in Diagon Alley? Saturday, 8/3

2. How does Harry get detention in DADA? Snape tries to jinx Harry, Harry retaliates and gets detention.

3. How does Ron get his spot on the Gryffindor Quidditch Team? Hermione confunds McLaggan

4. When is the first Apparition lesson? February 1

5. When do Ron and Ginny breakup with Lavender and Dean? April 21 - Harry's lucky day
6. What Horcrux is hidden in the cave? a fake Slytherin Locket
7. Who does Filch have a romance with? Madame Pince

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

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

10. Who is “Mollywobbles” and who uses the name? Mrs Weasley, as called by Arthur in their alone times and used as a secret word to confirm they hadn't been cursed

Picture Search

Quick Hi!

2008-10-11T21:52:00.000-07:00

I've been out of blogland but stopping in to say hi. If you check my Muggle blog, you'll see that I have been sick since last weekend but recovered enough to be involved in a large convention this week.

And, the Duel is on!!
Lav O

Hufflepuff Quiz #2

2008-09-29T20:30:00.001-07:00

A fun little quiz with a prize for a lucky Hufflepuff:

1 Which is your favorite book in the series (and why)? I liked The Sorcerer's Stone, just because it was the beginning of an amazing era.

2 If you were taking Owls, which class would you get an E in? Would you get any Ts? I think I will E in Charms but T in Herbology (black thumb here).

3 Who is your favorite character (or characters) in the Harry Potter series? I love Mamma Molly, and Luna Lovegood.

4 If you had to pick 1 character for a roomate, who would you pick and why? Who'd be your least-favorite to have as a roomate? Hermione would be a terrific roomie/study partner to help me! As much as I like Luna, I wouldn't want to room with her .. too many Nargles!

5 Hufflepuffs are a hardworking bunch, but also a bit mischevious. Which Hogwarts professor would you most like to prank, and how would you do it? Snape, maybe a fake loveletter (but PRAY never to get caught)

6 Favorite DADA professor? (from the books, Lucius does NOT count :) Professor Lupin - such a sweet man inside (and my future husband according to the latest quiz)

7 Favorite magical creatures? (Also, if for example you like a certain creature in general, but not how they are represented in the HP canon, feel free to elaborate :) Centaurs have always intrigued me.

8 What is your favorite food in the HP universe? Which food or foods would you like to try in real life? Do you have any recipes to share with us ;)? "pudding" they never elaborate, but I love a good pudding.

9 Broom, floo powder, portkey, or magic carpet? I would prefer a portkey, fast and clean.

10 Since we're Hufflepuffs... Yellow or Black? Basic black.

Snitch found .... not by me

2008-09-27T08:16:00.000-07:00

Grrr, I'm so disappointed. I was ON the blog it was found but didn't look in old enough posts (May for goodness sakes)!! Plus, I'd love to know if it's been posted a while. I just read her entire personal blog about a week ago because we live in the same metro area when we're not in school!!!
I think I saw the snitch there before and didn't know what it was. Well, I DO NOW.

I need a nap. Hmmph!

Hunt is on!

2008-09-27T07:25:00.000-07:00

I'm so tired! I've been searching non-stop for the snitch since 6:30am this morning. Now, I think it's not been released yet. I found several clues in comments thanks to Emma but I'm getting tired already. I'm hoping off my broom for a few minutes for a time out!

Quidditch ~ Round One

2008-09-24T18:12:00.000-07:00

1. At the beginning of the book, Cornelius Fudge is talking to the Muggle Prime Minister. Which member of the Order of the Phoenix has recently been found dead?
c. Emmeline Vance

2. What animal does Bellatrix Lestrange kill when she and her sister, Narcissa, are going to see Professor Snape?
b. Fox

3. What time does Professor Dumbledore collect Harry from Privet Drive?
b. 11:00 pm

4. What did Professor Slughorn transform into when he was trying to hide from Harry and Professor Dumbledore?
a. An armchair

5. What grade did Harry get for Herbology?
a. E – Exceeds Expectation

6. Herbert Chorley, the Prime Minister’s Junior Minster, has been entertaining the public by impersonating which animal?
b. A duck

7. What is Professor Sprout’s first name?
d. Pomona

8. What is Dumbledore’s idea of ‘a few words’?
d. nitwit, oddment, blubber and tweak

9. Who is Marcus Belby’s famous uncle?
b. Damocles

10. What is Snape’s mother’s name?
b. Eileen Prince

Pictures

Narcissa
Snape
Bellatrix
Professor Sprout
Professor Dumbledore

Duel is ON

2008-09-21T09:17:00.000-07:00

By the end of my first hour crocheting, I made it to Round 13 on the Divine Hat. Even though I swatched and was spot-on, I must be using less tension than the pattern 'cause it seems a little big. We'll see how it goes; I'll start again if need to. It appears that no matter what I'll finish tonight and it will be a race to the post office.

Dear diary,

2008-09-20T09:07:00.000-07:00

I just got the sweetest email from my dueling pal, Pren from Gryffindor. It was my first contact from other housemates besides those in charge and felt special. I shared with her how I'm feeling a little lost and bewildered 'cause I'm a bit shy here at Hogwarts but am looking forward to our little duel. I didn't share with her that I feel bad 'cause I'll have to kick her butt in the duel. That wouldn't have been polite.

She was worried about pet hair. The Masters asked so I answered, but I just don't worry about it since I love animals so much. If I get sneezy, I take an antihistamine!

I will have to let all my future partners know I'd like something in HP colors if it's in their stash (wool if possible, due to static); otherwise, go with what is owned. I also made my true confession about my head: it measures ~~22"~~ 23" around, and I think that must be very large for a girl cause the last two hats I've been sent only fit my DD. I keep telling myself it's because I have a full, thick mane but I'm afraid I just have a freakishly large noggin, very similar these Muggle Bratz dolls. I have monster-sized feet, too, but at least mine stay attached.

I really can't wait until the dueling crochet hat pattern is posted so I can get started! I will go to church in the AM, so hopefully I can get it finished before then. ;) Two hours should be plenty of time.

On a different note, I haven't made ONE house meeting or celebration or anything. I'm always caught in another class or detention or doing an odd-job around the castle; maybe some day I'll get to hang with my classmates!

Hufflepuff House Quiz

2008-09-18T07:12:00.001-07:00

1. Do you knit and/or crochet? Crochet is my craft. I've learned to knit several times but still don't quite have the hang of it. I'll keep trying ... I'm only 43 so there's time!

2. How long have you been at your craft? Since a child ...about 35 years.

3. Do you spin? If yes do you use drop spindle or wheel. No spinning yet.

4. What is your favorite color? Red is my favorite.
5. Do you have any other hobbies? Sewing, reading.
6. What are your favorite yarns/fibers? I love bamboo, and also feltable fibers.

7. What are your LEAST favorite yarns/fibers? Novelty yarns.

8. Are there any yarns that you’ve been eyeing and wanting to try? That new stuff made from corn sounds interesting.

9. What are you currently working on? Some amigurumi cupcakes and a new felted crochet entrelac purse/bag pattern. Warming up for this weekend's duel.

10. What is your favorite Finished Object? (Pictures are welcome.) Felted Brach's Bag; and Girl Scout Cookie Scarf

11. Are there any knitting/crochet techniques that you would like to learn? Hairpin Lace Crochet
12. What is your favorite type of book or movie? romantic comedies, culinary mysteries, fantasy
13. Who is your favorite person at Hogwarts? I really like Professor McGonagall
14. Favorite class and/or subject at Hogwarts? Transfiguration
15. How many family members do you have? hubby, three grown kids, one 9yo daughter and a cat
16. What is your favorite Fall activity? being able to use the fireplace
17. How many projects do you have on your needles/hook? always 5-10
18. What is your favorite type of footwear? at home, cozy socks and slippers. I like the style of Dearform ballet slippers but mine are too narrow for my fat sz 10 foot. At work, I wear comfy flats.
19. What is your favorite beverage of choice? cold-diet Pepsi; hot-soy hot chocolate or soy chai
20. What is your favorite part of Half-blood Prince? Every time Harry says he's Dumbledore's man through and through.

Huzzah Hufflepuff!!

Your result for The Harry Potter Husband Test ...

2008-09-16T18:47:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Lupin

Your perfect HP man is Remus Lupin.

You like a nice, kind guy with a bit of a fierce streak and you don't mind if he comes damaged. Sure, he may take some convincing since his self-esteem's so low, but once you win him over, you know he's yours for life. Unless of course he has an attack of "I'm not good enough" and runs away, but luckily he's also good at making friends who will push him back into line if necessary.

(Art by Gold-Seven http://gold-seven.deviantart.com/ Used with permission.)

Take The Harry Potter Husband Test at HelloQuizzy

Questionnaire Homework due Sept. 16, 2008

2008-09-13T19:54:00.000-07:00

Potter Name:
Lavender Ollivander

Rav ID:
CrochetCupcake

I am allergic to:
Animal hair

Pets that I have:
indoor/outdoor tabby cat named Ollie

My favorite yarn:
Bamboo and feltable fibers

My favorite flavor:
Anything cherry or berry

My favorite holiday:
Christmas

I would like to receive a: Surprise Me Kit - they all sound great!

List your favorite brand of needles or hooks, including size and length:
For hooks, I prefer in-line hooks made from natural materials. I am not familiar with knitting needles since I'm new.

Is there a brand that you are dying to try?:
Check out this hook and this one .. they look like wands! For needles, I've heard that KnitPicks interchangeables are wonderful.

I've participated in HSKS:
This is my first year

Do you have a birthday during this swap? If so which day?
Nope -- May 30 for me

2008-09-10T21:58:00.001-07:00

From Houses of Hogwarts - Hufflepuff

Hufflepuff

Loyal. Dependable. True. Just.

What an honor to be sorted into Hufflepuff! The house based on values and virtues over simply deeds. Not that the Hufflepuffs don't do anything worthwhile, it's just that here importance is based more on how you are, not what you do. Hufflepuff is all about acceptance. Since when is that a bad thing?

In Hufflepuff, there is a fallacy that the members are simply average, not good enough to get into the other houses. This is most definately not so. Just because Hufflepuff doesn't discriminate against people for not being good enough (or brave, smart, and ambitious enough), does not mean that the entire house is full of wimps, as people seem to think. While, yes. hard-workers are most likely to enter Hufflepuff, this does not mean there aren't other qualities. The fact that Helga Hufflepuff will take "all the rest" can and is seen as a bad thing, by some.

A Hufflepuff is loyal to their friends, trustworthy and patient, and often hard-working. One need not to fit all the criteria of a house to belong it it, nor not have any of the other House's values.

Last, I hope I need not remind you of Cedric Diggory, the one champion chosen for Hogwarts, over all the cunning Slytherins, brave Gryffindors, and clever Ravenclaws. You'd do good not to doubt Hufflepuff.

HSKS Questionnaire

2008-09-09T17:09:00.000-07:00

Sign Up Questionnaire
What Hogwarts house have you been sorted into? What are your second and third choices? Hufflepuff, 2nd Gryffyidor, 3rd Ravenclaw

List your favorite double-point needle brands, including size and length. Or would you prefer circulars? I'm open -- don't own either. I prefer some sort of wood if possible, interchangeables would be cool but VERY extravagent!

Would you like to try a new brand needle? If so, which brand? Size? Length? Partner's favorite. I'm new to knitting.

Do you have any allergies? animal fur makes me sneeze, but I still own an indoor/outdoor kitty

Do you smoke? no

Do you have cats? yes

Are you willing to send internationally? prefer US or Canada

What type of kit would you like to receive? Bag Kit, Sock Kit, Yarn Dyeing Kit, or Surprise Me Kit? Dyeing kit or bag kit (simple) Something crochet related would be my favorite, though

What was your portkey to get to the registration form? Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince book