Another Green Bag Lady Giveaway!

Yes this time the Green Bag Lady is giving away Amy Butler Organic Bedding!!

I am so excited about this. Click here if you would like a chance to win this fabulous prize.

Look at these wonderful bags that are part of the giveaway as well:

Green Bag Lady giveaway

Green Bag Lady is giving away TWO stacks of 5 fat quarters of Daisy Janie Geo Grand AND, 5 Green Bag Lady bags made from Geo Grand…

You can sign up at Green Bag Lady until midnight Feb 1 CST.

Look at these beautiful patterns:

Periwinkle, the owl, brought me a package

My kit arrived! It is fabulous.

I was told to follow the spiders, so that is what I did.

There was a card and silly Poppy apologized for one of my wonderful gifts. She didn't think it was good enough since it was only her second knitted project. I love it though!

Here is some yarn she sent so I could make a pleated purse.

And of course yarn for Dobby

I must be a true Gryffindor since I found the sword of Gryffindor (a niddy noddy)

And Baby Fawkes! How cute is that. He has some cute stitch markers too!

And here is an iPad pouch that Poppy wasn't sure I would like, but look at the colors. I love it!

Some roving that I can dye! How cool is that?

And I really love this gift that came direct from Tom Riddle--his diary of course and nagini! I'll never lose my place in a book again.

There are two adorable patterns. Baby booties an a very cute cap. My husband says he can't wait to see how the cap turns out.

And Mrs. Weasley sent me some Toffifee! Can't wait to taste it, but I had fudge when I was out earlier today so it has to wait until tomorrow.

And even more hand made gifts! Moaning Myrtle's bath kit--a nice smelling bar of soap, a wash towel, and a soap bag. I love it! And there is some wonderful smelling tea.

Here is my wonderful kit--everything all at once

Thank you very much, Poppy Pluot! Periwinkle will rest in the owlery and then leave for home tomorrow.

Calling all owls!

I need an owl to delivery a pretty parcel. Penelope's package is all packed up and ready to fly via owl to Wyoming.

I think Penelope will like what she finds when she opens the package, at least I hope she will. I've had fun making things to put in there!

On another note, I believe I'm going to win Nanowrimo again this year! Yay for me!

Last December 1, the day after winning Nanowrimo 2009, I decided to continue writing 500 words a day for an entire year. I have really enjoyed writing my 500 words a day and have not skipped one day, not even when I had to have a couple of minor surgeries. I'm going to have to find a way to celebrate on Dec. 1.

HSKS 12 winding down

The term is almost over. The send period started last weekend. I should have my kit sent off to Rodeomom early next week. Waiting on one more item to arrived before I can box all the goodies up and send them soaring with an owl.

This term seemed to speed by.

Quiz week 9

How about another pop quiz?

1. To which prison was Gellert Grindelwald sent after he was defeated by Dumbledore in 1945?

   Nurmengard. His own prison.

2. Who is the first casualty in The Deathly Hallows?

   Charity Burbage

3. What does Draco Malfoy name his son?

   Scorpius

4. Before Harry gains control of it, who is the master of the Elder Wand?

   Draco Malfoy

5. Severus Snape’s Patronus takes the same form as which other character’s?

   Silver Doe. Same as Lily Potter.

6. Where do Ron, Hermione and Harry apparate when Death Eaters invade Bill and Fleur’s wedding?

   Tottenham Court Road

7. Who does Harry send to search for Mundungus Fletcher and the missing locket?

   Kreacher

8. Who destroys Salazar Slytherin’s locket?

   Ron Weasley

9. What does Hermione use to destroy Helga Hufflepuff’s cup?

   Basilisk Fang

10. Following the death of Lord Voldemort, who is named temporary Minister of Magic?

    Kingsley Shacklebolt

Character Anagrams!

Solve the following character anagrams and post the answers on your blog.

Have fun!

1. SPARSE VENUES--Severus Snape
2. GO UNLOAD LOVE--Luna Lovegood
3. A MOTH SEDAN--DeanThomas
4. FLUSH CIGAR--Argus Filch
5. SLICK AIRBUS----Sirius Black
6. DUMB ANALOG--Ludo Bagman
7. A DRY MOO-CALF--Draco Malfoy
8. UNSNAP THE SKI--Stan Shunpike (bus driver forgot about him!)
9. PIT-A-PAT RIVAL---Pavarti Patil
10. AN OLD JEER--Lee Jordan

Horcruxes!!!

The seven Horcruxes. The Horcruxes were created as a way to give Voldemort everlasting life. As long as a Horcrux exists, he will be able to live. In order to create Horcrux, Voldemort had to murder someone.

Harry Potter. Created when Harry's parents were killed.

Nagini. Bertha Jorkins died which created the Nagini Horcrux.

Tom Riddle's Diary. Created when Moaning Myrtle died.

Marvolo Gaunt's Ring. This was a special Horcrux. Not even Voldemort knew that the stone in the ring was the Resurrection Stone--one of the three Deathly Hallows. Voldemort killed his own father to create this Horcrux.

Helga Hufflepuff's Cup, Voldemort stole from and killed Hepzibah Smith to create this Horcrux. He also stole Salazar Slytherin's Locket.

Salazar Slytherin's Locket, a muggle was killed to create this Horcrux.

Rowena Ravenclaw's Diadem, an Albanian peasant's death created this Horcrux.

Snickerdoodle Basket Weaving!

Well, I'm happy to report that since the first class of beginner basket weaving filled so fast at the LYS, that they scheduled a new one. My mom and I were both able to get into the class. We went last night, and the class ran over and hour just so everyone could be sure to go home with a completed basket. Jill, our instructor, was real sweet to stay so long and be so patient with all the new weavers.

I learned so much, and my thumbs are still sore from pulling and tucking and weaving all those reeds. I had so much fun though, that I spent hours today researching where to get a good deal on more basket weaving supplies. My research paid off, and I'll be calling and placing my order tomorrow. Oct 30, I'll try to get together with my mother and make another basket.

My plan is to make one or two more of these neat little baskets, and then try my hand at a larger basket to put by a changing table to hold diapers and baby clothes in easy reach. Anyway, that is the plan. I'll see how I do. It took four hours with an instructor at our elbow to make this basket. I'm hoping it doesn't take too much longer than that to make another basket.

My beautiful creation was made with a moss green reed, while my mother used a pretty purple reed. I can't wait to try to make another.

Matching Wands

Match the wand with the owner.

Vine wood and Dragon Heartstring i. Hermione Granger

Walnut and Dragon Heartstring k. Belatrix Lestrange

Hawthorn and Unicorn tail hair m. Draco Malfoy

Hornbeam and Dragon Heartstring d. Viktor Krum

Ash and Unicorn hair g. Cedric Diggory

Rosewood and Veela Hair l. Fleur Delacour

Elder and Thestral Hair b. Albus Dumbledore

Mahogany and an unknown core j. James Potter

Elm and Dragon Heartstring e. Lucius Malfoy

Cherry and Unicorn hair c. Mary Cattermole

Yew and Phoenix Feather h. Tom Riddle

Holly and Phoenix Feather f. Harry Potter

Willow and Unicorn Hair a. Ron Weasley

So thankful for wikis. I didn't know many of these without the help of a wiki!

Week four assignment

This week we’re going to test your knowledge of Deathly Hallows. Put your answers to the quiz and your essay answer on your blog and it will count for this week’s blogging requirement. Ready

Why does Harry accuse Remus Lupin of being a coward?

Lupin offers assistance to Harry, Ron and Hermione even though he does not know what their plan is. He reveals Tonks is pregnant. He is afraid his child will be a werewolf, and that he will be an unfit father.

Who is R.A.B.?

Regulus Arcturus Black. Younger brother to Sirius. He is the one who took Salazar's locket.

According to legend, what would a person become if he could assemble the Deathly Hallows?

Master of Death

What is Ariana Dumbledore rumored to be?

Squib

What is written on Harry’s parents’ gravestone?

The Last Enemy that Shall Be Destroyed is Death

Why does Krum want to fight Xenophilius Lovegood?

He wears Grindelwald's Mark

Why does Voldemort seek the Elder Wand?

He wants to defeat Harry.

Where did Dumbledore’s family live?

Godric's Hollow

Whose eye does Harry see in his magic mirror shard?

Aberforth Dumbledore

What item does Harry steal from Gringotts?

Hufflepuff Cup

Where does Rita Skeeter get her information about Dumbledore?

Bathilda Bagshot

What is inside the Snitch that Dumbledore leaves Harry?

Resurrection Stone

Why does Dumbledore leave Ron a Deluminator?

So he can get back to Harry.

Why has Hermione not read The Tales of Beedle the Bard?

She is muggle born and so not familiar with typical wizard children's stories.

What is Dumbledore’s greatest regret?

He helped Gellert Grindelwald

Whose mail did Snape open?

Aunt Petunia's

What form does Snape’s Patronus take?

Doe

Why can the Sword of Gryffindor destroy Horcruxes?

It has basilisk venom

What name is given to wizards who help Mudbloods?

Blood traitors

How do Harry and his friends enter the Ministry of Magic?

Through the toilet

Who made Harry’s wand?

Olivander

Essay Question

Choose one of the following questions and post your answer to your blog.

1. How does Harry change over the course of the novel? Is The Deathly Hallows a true coming-of-age story?

2. In what ways do the dead speak to the living in this book?

3. In what way do Ron and Hermione act as foils for Harry, drawing out his qualities and characteristics more clearly?

Word Association Week Three Assignment

This is word association week! All things Harry Potter or Fall related.

Easy enough right? Here’s our list:

1. Pumpkin Pie
2. Owl Hoot
3. Leaf Blowing
4. Weasley Arthur
5. Quaffle Quidditch
6. Hallow Deathly
7. Mad Eye Moody
8. Dragon Norbert
9. Crystal Geyser (oh what a fail)
10. Trees Womping Willow
11. Hermione Granger
12. Hogwarts Witchcraft
13. Burrow Weasley
14. Dobby House Elf
15. Horcrux Nagini
16. Ministry Of Magic
17. Magic Wand
18. Sirius Black
19. Apple Pie
20. Juice Apple
21. Candle stick
22. Ghost Dementor
23. Snake Nagini
24. Wand Elder
25. Invisibility Cloak
26. Tent Camping
27. Spell Book
28. Umbridge Dorothy
29. Dursely Duddems
30. Prophet Daily

The 5 Things

What five things would I bring if I were running away, going into hiding or camping.

If I had answered this a few days ago I would have said:

1) Kleenex

2) Medicine--cough meds, stuffy head meds, fever reducer meds, pain meds, throat lozenges

3) More kleenex

4) Warm blanket for when I was freezing cold, and that I could kick off when fever sweating

5) Pillow

Actually I feel as if I have been in hiding for the past week, and those are the items I had with me. I feel like I should get a prize for answering correctly. Ha!

If I was going away when not ill, then the answers would be different indeed. For going camping:

1) Husband

2) Dog

3) Sonic Screwdriver--I learned from the Doctor! (See below for info about the sonic screwdriver*)

4) Mary Poppins bottomless carpet bag--you can find EVERYTHING in there

5) Crafting survival kit (Kit includes: Crochet hook, knitting needles, tatting shuttles, yarn, thread, scissors and now newly improved with a drop spindle and roving!)

If I were going to run away just scratch out number 1 above....hmmm ok scratch out number 1 and 2! hahahahaha

*For all you Doctor Who fans, from the Doctor Dances:

Capt. Jack: This can work as a sonic blaster, a sonic canon, and a sonic disrupter. Doc what you got?

Doctor: I've got a sonic uh..well never mind.

Capt. Jack: What?

Doctor: It is sonic let's leave it at that.

Capt. Jack: Disrupter, canon what?

Doctor: It is sonic, totally sonic.

Capt. Jack: A sonic what?!

Doctor: Screwdriver.

Rose: Going down! Doctor are you ok?

Doctor: Could have used a warning.

Rose: There's no gratitude.

Capt. Jack: Who has a sonic screwdriver?

Doctor: I do.

Capt. Jack: Who looks at a screwdriver and thinks, "ooo this could be a little more sonic."

Doctor: You've never been bored?

Rose: There's got to be lights.

Doctor: Never had a long night? Never had a lot of cabinets to put up?

Patients: Mummy

Capt. Jack: Door. [Trying to open door with his sonic gadget] Dammit it is these special features they really drain the battery. I was going to send for another one, but somebody's got to blow up the factory! [Looks at the Doctor]

Rose: Oh, I know! The first day we met he blew my job up.

Doctor: Ok, that door should hold it for a bit.

Capt. Jack: The door? The wall didn't stop it.

Doctor: Well it has to find us first. Come on we're not done yet. Assets. Assets.

Capt. Jack: Well I have a banana, and in a pinch you could put up some shelves.

Week one assignment

• Someone with the same craft as you (either those listed above or another one).

Mystry Moonbleu aka Fuddles--we both like to Tat

She made a very beautiful neck wrap that could be used as a shawl.

• Someone who was born in the same month as you.

Angelina Frysia aka Pinkladyknitter--yay we are both April babies!

I love her Eleanor socks! Wish I could find time to finish my first pair of knitted socks.

• Someone from a different country.

Emma Gorodok aka Selena from Germany

I love her purple goth shawl!

• A new HSKS Family member.

Vevina McFey aka Mrsmama

I love Mrs. Figgs Friend. What an adorable kitty she created.

• Someone who has been in 3 or more HSKS swaps.

Perenelle Tejedora aka Sylvo

Sylvo has taught me loads about knitting. She even got me started on my first pair of socks.

• Someone who has a bigger stash than you! (And if your stash is the biggest, proudly say so!

Rowena Bladvak aka Ronni-licious

Rowena made a very beautiful sweater. I wish I could knit a sweater.

• Someone who both knits and crochets.

Andromeda Finch-Fletchley aka Girlywithatwist

She has a sonic screwdriver!

• Someone who has the same favorite color as you.

Hermione Bagnold aka Smileynetta (I have several fav colors but tonight I'm feeling blue)

She has made some adorable little baby booties!

• Someone who has the same favorite season/holiday as you.

Cassandra Grubbly-Plank aka Kristo--I love fall, it is when the heat breaks in Texas

Kristo has made some beautiful hats/beanies with Noro silk garden.

• Someone who has the same favorite fiber as you.

Caradoc Brocklehurst aka Cayden--Noro. I think Noro is beautiful too!

He has a very cute Stowamba!

Just signed up for the new term

Very excited. I signed up for HSKS 12 term. I'll learn all about Horcruxes this year.

I can't wait for the term to begin.

Ginger, the owl, flew up with my kit!

Yes it is finally here! My lovely Sirius Black kit from Megaera Black. Thank you so much for these lovely things! As you can see above, some of the items were sent through the Floo Network.

When I opened the box, it was so full of packages, I just couldn't count them all!

And here is all the loot unwrapped! What a haul! Here is a list of everything in the photo:

2 Balls of Nightfall Cotlin, 2 balls of Cedar Cotlin

2 Balls of Coto Canapone (Cotton/Hemp blend)

Sock Monkey

Book with photo of Sirius Black's motorcycle. Yes! The same bike that Hagrid borrowed to fly Harry Potter around.

Sirius Black Tumbler

2 Hand made cloths with paw prints on them

Stephanie Pearl-McPhee's Knitting Rules

KnitPicks Crochet Hook Set

Pattern Book Magnets

Instant Honey Ginger drink--yummy!

Cute pen

The most wondeful smelling Oriental Citrus moisturizing cream

Pattern for an adorable Pete, the puppy boy. This came in a neat envelope that can be reused yay!

And last, I will mention that the 2 balls of Cedar Cotlin is really a magic ball of Cedar that contains lots of goodies!! I'll get to the list of all the surprises my magic ball contained in a moment. Now for more photos!

These are the handmade items: Sock Monkey, 2 paw print cloths, Sirius Black motorcycle book, and of course Sirius Black Tumbler! Can't go anywhere without that!

This is all my yarn! Oh I love this yarn!

And here is my magic yarn ball. Now what in the world could be in here??

There were two stitch markers: Hope, Believe; Mini-sock blocker; strawberry sundae lip balm; a man ready to parachute; Some pretty variegated yarn for perhaps amigurumi embellishments; more honey ginger drink; a row counting bracelet; decorated hair pins; a neat tool for stuffing amigurumi (I had never even seen one of these before, how neat!); eyes for my puppy amigurumi; Emergency floo powder (also looks like I can use what is in the floo powder jar as crochet stitch markers!); a pendant that says: Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus (part of the Hogwarts shield I believe--Don't tickle sleeping dragons! A good warning for Hogwart's students); a Ravelry Bob lapel pin; a cute button with a girl holding her hand out for a dove to land on.

Whew that was lots of items! A wonderful Sirius Black kit! Thank you so much! This has been a really wonderful, and fun swap.

Embroidering my own designs

I've been downloading different software to use to make my own embroidery designs. I finally settled on one. These are the first attempts I made using a photo to embroider and some of my husband's art to embroider. I know there are flaws, but that means I know what I need to learn. And sadly, my thread palette is really small at the moment. I hope to change that slowly over time.

This is a robot my husband drew. There is a slight problem with the mouth. After I stitched this up, I learned how to change the order in which it stitches things, and I'm pretty sure that will help on my next attempt.

This is my dog! She doesn't really have maroon ears of course, but I used that as part of the shadow colors since my thread palette is kind of limited right now.

I really really love my new embroidery/sewing machine! I'm going to make some patches of my parrots to sew on various things as well.

AND IN OTHER NEWS

Go go Gryffindor!!! We won the Quidditch match against Slytherin today. I was the Keeper for Gryffindor, but could not show up on time. I cast a Keeper Charm over the pitch and miraculously no goals were scored even though I was not there. The snitch was found before I arrived. I was a little sad that I missed the game, glad that we won, and happy that my Keeper Charm worked so well!

NEW sewing/embroidery machine!!!

OMG So excited. I got a Baby Lock Ellure Plus!

These are the first couple of designs I did. I cannot post the cute item I made today because it still has to go to Dragonsinger, but it is really cute!

Arithmancy Homework

Arithmancy homework this week was to complete three sudoku puzzles to discover the letters of a word scramble. I love sudoku. The sudoku didn't give me any trouble, but to be honest, Puzzle 2 word scramble did. *hanging head in shame* It was so obvious once I worked it out.

Puzzle 1 Letters: oydbb

Puzzle 1 = Dobby

Puzzle 2 Letters: ratrhoytepr

Puzzle 2 = Harry Potter

Puzzle 3 Letters: gdsehoha

Puzzle 3 = Hogs Head

A perfect kit for Dragonsinger

Well I finally sat down and thought out all the finishing touches I want to do for the kit for Dragonsinger. I'm going to go out hopefully on Tuesday and buy the last couple little extras I need. I have an order in for the yarn. It should arrive soon. And I'm spending today and tomorrow finishing up the handmade gift. I think it is going to be cute! At least I hope so.

As far as patterns are concerned. I'm very happy with my choice and I think Dragonsinger will like it as well.

In less than 2 weeks a little owl should be windings its way to Rowan Dragonsinger's house!