Knitting Without Incantations

Perpetua Phoenixfire's Owl Should Be Flying on Monday...

2008-03-28T12:57:00.001-07:00

At least I hope it will be. I am still waiting for a couple of items to be delivered for my Swap Pal's Package. If they were smaller items, I would send off her kit before they arrive and send them on to her seperately..but they are some of the major components..grrrr. I hope the package arrives either today or tomorrow with them..then I can get it off to her in Monday's Owl post..otherwise, it may be a few days late. 8-(

I am sure everyone is enjoying their packages as they are arriving..I know I really loved mine!

Hufflepuff House Quiz #4

2008-03-21T10:55:00.000-07:00

1.Which 2 Huffles have a Pinkstone as spoilers?
Cliodna Trelawney and ME! (Helga Lovegoods)

2.Which Huffle went on a vacation to Germany?
Bella the Beautiful

3.Who is in love with Gus Cauldwell?
Petunia Acromantula

4.Which Gryffindor found the snitch during the first round of Quidditch?
Cassandra Grubbly-Plank

5.What is Harry’s class schedule on Mondays is GoF?
Herbology with the Hufflepuffs, then a break, Care of Magical Creatures with the Slytherins, lunch, double Divinations, then dinner

6.What day does Voldemort kill Frank Bryce?
Saturday, August 23rd

7.When was Moody kidnapped?
Sunday, August 31st

8.Who is called on to help Moody?
Arthur Weasley

9.What happens to Hermione during Harry’s duel with Malfoy?
Her teeth become hexed

10.When is the Yule Ball announce to the Gryffindors?
Professor McGonagall announces Yule Ball in Transfiguration on December 10th

Patonga Pinkstone is the Best!!!

2008-03-13T17:48:00.000-07:00

I just have to rave about how wonderful my swap partner Patonga Pinkstone is! I received her package last week, but my camera was without a battery and I needed to document everything that she sent...in all their wonderful glory! It began with a wondrful note and some delicious M&M's..even the packages were Hufflepuff yellow! Next came a beautiful satin ribbon wrapped yellow bundle of goodness! It included a beautiful handmade bag from a great floral fabric. Inside the bag were more packages, all individually wrapped in black, yellow and silver tissue paper. There were beautiful stitch markers, a fabulous pendant with a knitting design on it, a teeny tiny potions bottle charm, some pretty yellow note cards and great knitting project tags. There were not just one, but two great circular needles...one an addi turbo and the other a Harmony wood circular. There was a gorgeous skein of the softest yellow and grey yarn that is just yummy! But perhaps my most favorite part of the entire package was the book of patterns that Patonga put together for me. She created an "A to Z" sock pattern book that contains a pattern for every letter of the alphabet. Most of them are new to me, and everyone of them is awesome! I have no idea which one I will choose for knitting with the wonderful yarn that she sent me. I am truly overwhelmed!!! Patonga rules! Here are some photos of the goodies she spoiled me with! Thanks again Patonga!!!

Patonga's Note

Package with M&M's

Beautiful Bag

Wrapped Wonderfulness!

I am soooo spoiled!

Perfect Pattern Package

Quidditch Round Three!

2008-03-12T16:15:00.000-07:00

1. When Rita Skeeter prints a bad articles about Hagrid in the Daily Prophet, which Professor teaches Hagrid's Care of Magical Creatures class while he is away?
a. Professor Trisonikly
b. Professor Snape
c. Professor Grubbly-Plank
d. Professor Meshdeh

2. What was the article Rita Skeeter wrote about Hagrid called?
a. The son of Fridwolfa the Giantess
b. The Truth About Rubeus Hagrid
c. Dumbledore's Giant Mistake
d. Half Giant at Hogwarts

3. When the school champions were being chosen from the Goblet of Fire, whose name cam out first?
a. Fleur Delacour
b. Viktor Krum
c. Cedric Diggory
d. Harry Potter

4. What is the spell Ludo bagman says to magically magnify his voice when he commentates?
a. Sonorus
b. Sonofy
c. Lumos
d. Sonatus

5. What kind of dragon did Cedirc have to face in the first task??
a. A Hungarian Horntail
b. A Swedish Short-Snout
c. A Welsh Green
d. A Chinese Fireball

6. Who raised the trophy after winning the world cup?
a. Troy and Moran
b. Troy and Quigley
c. Quigley and Moran
d. Lynch and Connolly

7. How many bedrooms did Mundungus Fletcher claim to have?
a. 4
b. 8
c. 10
d. 12

8. For what did Moody mistake his birthday gift of a carriage clock?
a. An intruder
b. A basilisk egg
c. A bomb
d. A Blast-ended Skrewt

9. What did Mr. Ollivander produce for the end of Cedric's wand?
a. A bunch of flowers
b. A fountain of wine
c. Twittering birds
d. Silver smoke rings

10. The dark mark is on Snape's left arm.
a. Yes
b. No

And now for the picture Scavenger Hunt:

Amos Diggory

A Basilisk

Karkaroff

Mundungus Fletcher

Severus Snape

Sorry Fellow Hufflepuffs

2008-03-05T16:38:00.000-08:00

Dear Hufflepuff Housemates;

I am so sorry that I haven't been around to post this past week on the blog..and therefore caused us not to have 100% participation this week. I had to go out of town for a death in the family, so I wasn't able to post. I also want to apologize to my secret swap partner for not responding to her email. She has mailed my package and I wasn't home to receive the notice to pick it up until today. I will post again as soon as I open it!

Again...apologies all around. I am so behind in my studies now...I must remedy that!

It's Quiddith Time Again!

2008-02-18T08:36:00.000-08:00

My goodness this term is flying by! Here are the Scavenger Hunt Photos for the second round of Quidditch! Hufflepuff House must win this round! Go Badgers!

Goblet of Fire

Challenge Dragon

Victor Krum

Madam Maxine

Madam Pomfrey

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1. With whom does Ginny go to the Yule Ball?
a. Neville
b. Dean
c. Seamus
d. Harry

2. When Harry arrives at the Burrow and Mrs. Weasley makes them all dinner the night before they leave for the Quidditch World Cup, what does her wand turn into?
a. rubber mouse
b. rubber chicken
c. rubber duck
d. rubber cat

3. Since some of the sixth-year girls didn't have any quills on them, what did they think Krum might sign their hats in?
a. nail polish
b. eyeliner
c. lipstick
d. lipliner

4. How old does the Quick Quotes Quill say that Rita Skeeter is?
a. 43
b. 44
c. 34
d. 33

5. What color cloak is wormtail wearing in the Riddle house?
a. Grey (Gray)
b. Black
c. Gold
d. Silver

6. What color is "Mad Eye" Moody's magical eye?
a. Green
b. Hazel
c. Brown
d. Blue

7. What color are the robes that Rita Skeeter was wearing when Harry meets her at the Weighing of the Wands ceremony?
a. Lilac
b. Magenta
c. Mauve
d. Cerise

8. What does Sirius Black tell Harry, Ron and Hermione to call him when speaking around anyone else?
a. Tibbles
b. Snuffles
c. Scruffy
d. Padfoot

9. Which team beat Wales, disqualifying them from competing for the Quidditch World Cup?
a. Hungary
b. Romania
c. Uganda
. Luxembourg

10. What does Madame Maxime say is the only thing her steeds will drink?
a. cabernet sauvignon
b. bourbon
c. single-malt whiskey
d. gin and tonics

I am Stumped!

2008-02-16T06:21:00.000-08:00

I love quizzes and puzzles...I never stop until I can finish them and I usually hate hints of all kinds...BUT I AM STUCK! Granted, I have been busy with my classes and studies this week and really haven't been able to dedicate the time to this week's Hufflepuff Quiz, but I am determined to finish it! And I refuse to look to my fellow housemates for help, although I may have to cheat a little it if gets close to the deadline for when it is due. GRRRRRR (that's my Badger growl)

On a more positive note, I had a wonderful time in Hogsmeade last weekend. It was my birthday on Sunday, so a friend and I took advantage and purchased some wonderful treats (chocolate frogs are a favorite of mine) at Honeydukes Sweetshop and I bought some great socks and a wonderful scarf at Gladrags. Then we stopped for tea at Madam Puddifoot's. It was quite the day..very exhausting, but loads of fun.

Well...I must get back to this puzzle and the scads of parchments that need to be filled for all of my classes. I never thought being a second year would be so overwhelming!

Congratulations Gryffindors

2008-02-06T10:22:00.000-08:00

Well done on finding the snitch and for your lead in the Quidditch match. Sadly, Hufflepuff House has fallen into last place...but not for long! As Badgers, we are fighters, and we shall rise to the top once more! So don't become too comfortable in the Number One position, as it will soon return to the Badgers!

Quidditch Round One!

2008-01-30T12:37:00.000-08:00

And so it begins! Here are the photos for the Scavenger Hunt for the first round of Quidditch:

Cedric Diggory

World Cup Tournament

Mr. Ollivander

The Dark Mark

Mad Eye Moody

And here are the answers to the Quidditch Round 1 Questions:

1. What was Harry dreaming about the first time he woke up with his scar on fire?

a. Voldemort and Wormtail plotting to kill Dumbledore

b. Voldemort and Wormtail plotting to kill him

c. Voldemort and Wormtail plotting to kill Sirius

d. Voldemort and Wormtail plotting to kill Cornelius Fudge

2. What is the problem with leprechaun gold?

a. It vanishes after a few hours

b. It vanishes after a few weeks

c. It's only good in Ireland

d. It enchants you and makes you forget everything else

3. Why did Mad-Eye Moody turn Malfoy into a ferret?

a. Malfoy had said something rude about Mad-Eye

b. He was teaching him 'constant vigilance'

c. Malfoy attacked Harry when Harry's back was turned

d. He hated Malfoy's father

4. Sirius warns Harry to be careful around Karkaroff because he had been a Death Eater. Which one of the professors at Hogwarts, who also used to be a Death Eater, is frequently bothered by Karkaroff?(Answer is One Word, Last Name Only)

Snape

5. Voldemort could have used the blood from any foe to make the potion that revived him work, but he held out for Harry's blood. Why?

a. To show that Dumbledore could not protect Harry

b. To prove that Harry could not apparate

c. The special protection Harry received from his mother would also pass to Voldemort

d. Simply because he hated Harry that much

6. How old would Frank have been on his next birthday?

a. 76

b. 73

c. 70

d. 77

7. Amos Diggory works for?

a. The Department of Mysteries

b. The Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures

c. The Goblin Liaison Office

d. The Committee of Experimental Charms

8. Who shared a carriage with the three friends on the way from the train to Hogwarts?

Answer: (One Word)

Neville

9. What date in October did the delegates from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang arrive?

a. 30th

b. 31st

c. 1st

d. 2nd

10. What color were Percy's dress robes at the Yule Ball?

a. Navy Blue

b. Maroon

c. Emerald Green

d. Claret

Hufflepuff House Quiz #2

2008-01-23T14:10:00.000-08:00

I am feeling much better of late, thanks to Madame Pomfrey and her wonderful elixirs..and I would like to thank my fellow students for all their get well wishes..I think it worked it's magic!

I have been busy trying to catch up on my studies for all of the classes that I missed while I was ill. Wow..a lot of lessons and homework needs to be done, but in the meantime, here are the answers to the latest Hufflepuff House Quiz:

1. What does Mrs. Weasley do when she is angry?

She tends to explode!

2. Who picks up Harry for his visit to the Burrow?

The Weasleys, by floo powder. Arthur, Fred, George, and Ron.

3. What did Moody give Neville?

The book entitled "Magical Mediterranean Water-Plants and Their Properties"

4. When is Hermione’s Birthday?

September 19th

5. Who does Snape have pickling rats brains for detention?

Harry and Ron for yelling back at him.

6. Are Dobby and Winky at Hogwarts at the beginning of term?

No. Sometime after the start of term, Dumbledore hires them to work at Hogwarts after Winky was set free by Mr. Crouch.

7. Where do Harry, Ron and Hermione pick up sock for Dobby?

At Gladrags Wizardwear

8. Who helps Harry figure out the egg?

Cedric Diggory and Moaning Myrtle

9. Where does Harry have his first meeting with Sirius?

In the fire in the Gryffindor House Common Room. He talks to his head.

10. Who interrupts the above mentioned meeting with Sirius?

Ron

Feeling Under the Weather

2008-01-16T18:11:00.000-08:00

I've been spending some time in the Hospital Wing with Madame Pomfrey. She has been plying me with some potions that seem to be doing something... but I think I just need a sleeping draught and I should be fine. I heard some commotion about some students turning into Yellow Canaries..but that could be just something I saw in my feverish delirium..or is it?

I would also like to apologize to my swap partner, who is a first year Ravenclaw. Being here in the hospital wing has allowed me time to think about what I might be creating for you. I will be sure to send you an owl as soon as I get back to the Hufflepuff Dormitory.

I Have My First Test of the Term!

2008-01-15T11:58:00.001-08:00

and I haven't studied! I hope I pass...well..here goes....

1. How many members of Dumbledore's Army are from Hufflepuff House?

Five. Hannah Abbott, Susan Bones, Justin Finch-Fletchley, Ernie Macmillan and Zacharias Smith.

2. Which famous member of Hufflepuff is related to Sirius Black?

Nymphadora Tonks and Sirius were second cousins. Her mother, Andromeda, was a sister to Bellatrix and Narcissa and they were all first cousins to Sirius.

3. What is the name of the Hufflepuff house member sorted before Harry in the Philosopher's Stone?

Justin Finch-Fletchley

4. Who shared a recipe for Yule Logs?

Boy..am I in trouble if I get this one wrong...it was ME! Helga Lovegoods!

5. List the three Hufflepuffs that have listed in their blogs about their wands and what wood they are made of?

Cliodna Trelawney and her wand is made from Maple.

Bella the Beautiful (Shakleford) and her wand is made from Apple wood.

Antonia Marie dela Weasley and her wand is made from Mahogany.

6. Who was locked out after forgetting the password?

Petunia Acromantula

It's So Exciting!

2008-01-11T20:03:00.000-08:00

Our Headmistress will be handing out our new assignments for this term within a few hours! I can hardly wait! Once their identity is known to me, I can begin my classes in earnest..Charms, Enchanted Kit Planning, Magic in Threadwork and Weaving, and more. I am really looking forward to this term..off to do some more research in the common room!

Preparing for this Term

2008-01-05T14:43:00.000-08:00

Well, after spending some time at Flourish and Blotts, I think I have all of the necessary books for this term. I've also stopped by nextdoor at Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions to purchase a new robe for this year. I think it fits quite well. (Everyone looks thinner in black!) I've started meeting some of my fellow classmates - Fleur Crockford, and Millicent Brocklehurst. We've met in the Great Hall for a lovely chat. I've also seen Esmeralda Beanswallow in the hallways of Hogwarts...grrrr...we've had run-ins in the past...some of which I don't care to remember. If I can avoid seeing her, so much the better! Thankfully, she spends most weekends at her family's diner or something cooking....eat there at your own risk, I say!

Well, the only thing that I need now is my new assignment(s) for the term. I am so excited! Perhaps I should start researching for my finished project???

HSKS4 Signups are Here!

2008-01-01T07:24:00.000-08:00

I waited patiently by my laptop ready to hit the send button at midnight, but alas, there was no questionaire. But when I awoke this morning, lo and behold, it had arrived! So, I sent off my electronic owl and I will try to wait patiently until I know the identity of my new Swap Partner later this month. Until then....

Welcome to my new home! I will be decorating soon, but until then, pull up a cushion and make your bottom comfy while we sit and knit awhile!

Here is a recipe that I make for family and friends at the Holidays...delightful with a cuppa or a butterbeer..enjoy!

Yule Logs

2 - 8 oz. tubes of refrigerated crescent rolls
1 - 8 oz. package of cream cheese, softened
1/4 lb. sausage, cooked and crumbled
1/8 tsp. salt
1 egg, beaten
1 - 2 tbs. poppy seeds

Unroll each tube of crescent dough into a rectangle, pressing to seal perforations. Combine cream cheese, sausage and salt; spread evenly over each rectangle of dough. Starting with the long side, roll each rectangle jelly roll style, then pinch seams together.Slice each log into one inch pieces. Place slices on a greased baking sheet, brush with egg wash and sprinkle with poppy seeds. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. Makes 4 dozen.