Where in the World is Winnie #9

Winnie's final clues are photos and they are

Peruvian Darkness Powder available at Zonko's
a broken Wand, repaired at Dervish & Banges
Bloodpops available at Honeydukes
Hand of Glory, as frightening as the shrieking shack
carved boar's head - The Hog's Head - a dingy pub owned by Dumbledore's brother, Aberforth Dumbledore, which hosted a previously unknown secret passage into Hogwarts.
Snitch representing the world quidditch cup.
Broom The three broomsticks

He hid the cup in Hogsmeade

Where in the World is Winnie #8

I'm also going with the guess that one of the C's is a U and the message from Winnie is

Stolen Quidditch World Cup Trophy

Reducio Swap #8 - A Weasley Christmas

My package from my spoiler: Belgonzo aka Mr Arcturus Kirke on Ravelry:






And one with the contents of the Cracker (and yes, I did spend over 20 minutes trying to get it out carefully so I wouldn't ruin the cracker and could keep it *grins*)

Where in the World is Winnie #7

She states she is where Christmas began and where that is depends on what you define as the beginning of Christmas

For Christians, it began one night in Bethlehem (Israel) with the birth of Jesus and, eventually approximately two to three years later, the visit of the wiseman

The earliest celebration of Christmas in the western Roman Empire has been dated to December 25, 336 A.D., although celebrations of the Christ child most certainly took place before then. The eastern part of the Roman world celebrated Jesus' birth on January 6 for many years, until eventually adopting the western date.

However, many of its customs and traditions have been adopted from the Winter Solstice (or Yule) which has been dated as early as 3200 bc. in Iceland as this quote shows from here:

It is not clear when humans realized what the solstice was and when it occurred. The Neolithic grave at Newgrange in Ireland, built c. 3200 BC (thus predating Stonehenge 3 I, dated to c. 2600 BC) is a solstice timekeeper: at dawn on the day of the Winter Solstice, the sunlight enters the central chamber through a special opening. It must have been a day of significant rituals.

With all that said, I have to say that considering the head of Vlad Dracula was supposed to have been sent to Constantinople and the first Christmas was a group of strangers (wise men) showing up to visit a recently born baby (Jesus) in Bethlehem.

Winnie is in Bethlehem.

Starknuts Christmas Ornament Swap 2009

I was the lucky recipient of a Starknuts colored ornament holding the one and only Fabulous Cat! Thanks craftylilthing!

*bounces and squees*

I can't believe it but I just learned I won some lovely Hufflepuffy sock yarn here

Where in the World is Winnie #6

The largest city that would be good for stocking up on garlic and crucifixes would be Rome, Italy. After all, we know how garlic is so very popular in Italian cooking and where else to find crucifixes and crosses but in the home of the Vatican City where there is also no shortage of holy water.

And with those on to Transylvania and the Carpathian Mountains where one finds the homes of one Vlad Tepes aka Count Dracula. Bran Castle is one of his homes and the other is Castle Dracula located in the mountains above the small village of Sighisoara. One does not go out after sunset for vampire roam free in those mountains.

Muwahahahhahahaaaaaaaaaaaaa

HSKS9 - My Swap Arrived

My swap kit from Celestina Pettigrew (SherryHarrison on Ravelry) came yesterday for the HSKS 9 Quidditch Cup Swap and it is absolutely awesome

A beautifully knit red bag that was not only in the Wigtown Wanderer colors but one of my fav colors as well. Yarn, hook and patterns for a cowl set. A cute little Hufflepuff bookscarf and a Hufflepuff tape measure (Huzzah Hufflepuff :D). A dozen homemade cookies in a lovely tin (yeah yeah I know there's only 11 in the photo *grins*). A set of cards that are each a crochet block pattern, blood pops, a Hufflepuff sticker and cards! Thank you Celestina :)

Twas Trevor

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the town,
Trevor was celebrating as the snow tumbled down.
His santa hat settled square on his head,
He had no plans tonight for early to bed.

This cute little toad was off looking for joy
and hoping that Santa would leave him a toy.
Not worrying about shopping, he had it all done
Trevor wanted to find friends and have fun.

To Diagon Alley he hopped in a hurry,
Looking for Crookshanks, his buddy so furry.
Further along was Winky and Kreacher,
With butterbeer enough for all of the creatures.

Thanks to the floo, they were soon on their way
To Hogsmeade where they would await Christmas Day.
For Trevor knew more would make the day merry,
Along with firewhiskey and some good old sherry.

It wasn't too long before more join the party,
With wishes for all that were sincere and hearty.
Trevor smiled with delight when he spotted them all,
And across the Three Broomsticks you could hear him call:

To Neville and Luna
Ginny and Harry
Ron and Hermione
Telling them not to tarry
Gryffindors, Slytherins, 'Puffs and 'Claws,
House didn't matter, he'd invited them all,
So it was he shouted and raised his glass
Happy Christmas to one, Happy Christmas to all.

(c) Lady Dragonsinger 2009

Thankful for........

Where in the World is Winnie #5

This week I made my way to a very fashionable city to seek out a frienD who used to run his own club at Hogwarts. I found him in the magical library that was shaped like giant books. Thankfully, I had stocked up On crystallized pineapple during the SouTh America trip.

She's visiting Horace Slughorn in Dubai

My nExt stop took me to a place that had pyramids of a different kind than those in South America. I had to visit a friend who is an author and beastly anthrOpologist. I'm really and truly hoping that his experiences can help me on my mission.

Giza, Egypt

Where in the World is Winnie #4

1)First, I visited a capital city that was built On a lake, but the lake has since disappeared. Many ghosts meet in the ancient temples and all over the town.

Mexico City is located in the Valley of Mexico, also called the Valley of Anáhuac, a large valley in the high plateaus at the center of Mexico, at an altitude of 2,240 meters (7,349 ft). The city was originally built as Tenochtitlan by the in 1325 on an island of Lake Texcoco

2) Next, I landed in a city where many kites are built & flown. Very windy place that! The city has old game courts which would have been useful for local Quidditch playoffs.

Chicago known as the windy city has old game courts in Lincoln Park

3) Then, lastly, I went to a beautiful Northeastern coastal city that is known for its annual multicultural carnival. Ravenclaws would have loved the pink library!

> Boston has the Dedham Library built out of pink granite.

HaR Apparitions - October 2009

Now, young wizards and witches, it is time to learn the art of Apparition. You must practice very diligently, and when you have practiced, you must complete an assignment showing your ability to Disapparate and Apparate.

Here is your assignment:
Disapparate from Hogsmeade to a destination of your choice. Go somewhere you’ve always dreamed of going! While there, learn a new knit, crochet, spinning or weaving technique or pattern, or create your own pattern based on something that inspired you about the culture you visited. Apparate back to Hogsmeade and spend your class time reproducing the technique or pattern or culturally-inspired project.

Once your project is complete, write a short explanation of where you went and what inspired your project.
The project is worth 10 points, the write-up is worth an additional 10 points. To earn the full ten points, your project must use approx. 200 yards of yarn (about one to one and a half typical skeins). Smaller projects will earn proportionally fewer points, and excessively larger projects may earn more. You may do as many projects as you like, but each must be a different technique or from a different culture.

Having just returned from my trip, I would love to share a bit about my adventures in Transylvania. Yes, it really exists for any who doubted actually a section of Romania. Transylvania's best known resident is one Vladimir Tepes aka Vlad the Impaler or perhaps you know him best as Count Dracula! The original vampire who's biography was written by Bram Stoker.

While there, I managed to visit his former homes, Bran Castle - the most famous one and also the home where it is believed he was born, Casa Vlad Dracul in the town of Sighisoara.

While I did not have the chance to meet Count Vlad, I did prepare in case such a meeting would arise, based on the advice of the locals and crocheted a neck cowl in the Count's colors of black and red to keep my neck warm in the Romanian chill, safe from the odd Vampire attacks and to honor the count with his favorite colors.

HSKS9 - Where's Winnie? #3

A stop in the site of the first quidditch match - Queerditch Marsh, Winnie then found some quality knitting time in Appleby Village, considering there's no shops there to distract her.

Triwizard Challenge -Third Task

Task Three

A champion needs to get through the maze to reach the cup. Make something that is cup-like. Make something that can hold something else. Also the cup was a portkey, make an item used for travel. WIPs and New projects are accepted. If your project is a WIP, please post before and after photos.

A pumpkin that holds a roll of toilet paper

HPKCHC Arithmancy Assignment October 2009

Welcome to Arithmancy!

Please take out parchment and quills.

This month we will be learning the term: ”Binary”.

Binary means: composed of two parts or two pieces.

In Mathematics, a binary function, or function of two variables, is a function which takes two inputs.

For your assignment this month:

Knitters/ crochetters:

1. Two items that complement each other or make a set. For example, matching gloves and scarf. Or a scarf and a hat. (Note: a pair of gloves counts as just one item). Make them as a set. Please explain why you would wear them together. They don’t HAVE to be the same color but they have to match in some way. or

.

When one has two friends in the wizarding world with similiar tastes, to make something for one and not the other could result in problems......

....... especially when one is Narcissa Malfoy and the other works for the Ministry as an auror! So below is my solution, two sets of [Josephine Gauntlets](pattern), one in Narcissa's Slytherin Green and one in Auror Piper Poplartree's favorite color purple!

HaR History of Magic Part 2 - Quidditch Cape

History of Magic

Professor Binns has finally realized he is a ghost, and promptly decided he should retire to do all the things he never did when he was alive. So- it is my privilege to take over for him as the History of Magic professor. As such- I will focus on the APPLIED approach, as to not bore my students into a snoring stupor. :D

APPLIED History of Magic Syllabus

As I KNOW I’m not the only teacher giving homework- I have decided to approach HoM as a gradual course.

Each term, we will study ONE topic in depth. Students will have two projects (and one optional extra credit projects) to complete. Since Quidditch is so popular- the first term will be devoted to this popular subject.

Due dates and points:

• The second project is due by the end of class. It will be worth 15 points.

SHOULD you not be able to complete the projects by the end of class- you may complete them and turn them in before the end of the TERM for reduced points.

Project Two: Quidditch Capes
ANY cape/shawl/capelet pattern will do.

Each project may be made in House colors, or in your favorite professional quidditch team colors.

Assignment #2

Quidditch cape in Ravenclaw Blue also as a gift

HaR History of Magic Part 1 - Quidditch Gauntlets

History of Magic
Professor Adais

Professor Binns has finally realized he is a ghost, and promptly decided he should retire to do all the things he never did when he was alive. So- it is my privilege to take over for him as the History of Magic professor. As such- I will focus on the APPLIED approach, as to not bore my students into a snoring stupor. :D

APPLIED History of Magic Syllabus

As I KNOW I’m not the only teacher giving homework- I have decided to approach HoM as a gradual course.

Each term, we will study ONE topic in depth. Students will have two projects (and one optional extra credit projects) to complete. Since Quidditch is so popular- the first term will be devoted to this popular subject.

Due dates and points:

* The first project is due by the end of class. It will be worth 10 points.

SHOULD you not be able to complete the projects by the end of class- you may complete them and turn them in before the end of the TERM for reduced points.

Project One: Quidditch Gauntlets
ANY gauntlet or fingerless mitten/gove pattern will do as long as it extends past your wrist. Also- if you want to tackle actual gloves- be my guest.

Quidditch guantlets:

Done in Slytherin green as a gift for my friend, Narcissa :D

Where in the World is Winnie #2

Now Winnie is in New Zealand and Montreal

Where in the World is Winnie #1

It was so good to hear from Winnie even if only from London at the Ministry of Magic. Really Winnie, I don't see how they think you could do such a thing!

HSKS9 - First Blog Assignment

Find the following people among players on your and the other teams. (Each person can only be listed once.)

• Someone with the same craft as you (either those listed above or another one).
Siobhan Mooney CelticMommy, Montrose Magpies


• Someone who was born in the same month.



• Someone from a different country.

Cassandra Grubbly-Plank (Canada), kristo, Montrose Magpies

• A new HSKS Quidditch player.
Celestina Pettigrew, sherryharrison, Montrose Magpies


• A player who has been in 3 or more HSKS swaps.

Minerva Lovegood aka Knyquol, Wigtown Wanderers

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

I say with pride I believe my 15 Rubbermaid Large Tubs may be the largest here :D


• A player who both knits and crochets.

Celeena Cree, switchcleo, Montrose Magpies

• Someone who has the same favorite color as you.

HPKCHC DADA Assignment October 2009

Welcome to our first class on Necromancy!

In honor of Halloween this month, let’s focus on the connection points between the worlds of the living and the dead. To complete this month’s assignment, make something that is inspired by: 1) an historical figure that is now deceased 2) an undead creature (zombie, vampire, skeleton, ghost, etc.), or 3) both (now would be the time to make that Zombie Abe Lincoln) Bonus points, as always, for house colors or making me laugh.

Note: Projects may be inspired by a deceased historical figure or undead creature. They don’t have to be actual representations of them

Dragonsinger of Hufflepuff submitting her DADA assignment:

Halloween, derived from Samhain, is the time of year when the veil between two worlds is the thinnest. In my history, was my godmother/aunt, Ita Marie Breslin, who crocheted ever since I can remember. She never used patterns, she just saw in her mind what she wanted and set to work. The gold hat is one she made for my mother years ago. Wednesday, 7 October 2009, 'Aunt' Ita crossed over to the otherside of the veil.



In the past couple of nights since learning this, I sat down and reconstructed the hat as a tribute to her ability, crafting and love.

So I present Breslin's Beret orginally designed by Ita M. Breslin in the 70's. Pattern available here

Triwizard Challenge - Second Task

Task Two

Last time we focused on doing something for someone we loved. The other part of the original task was to swim to the bottom of the lake. This time around, we will focus on the lake itself. Make things that remind us of the lake in some way: things that are the color of the lake; things that have wave patterns in them; or things you can use in or near a lake (swimsuits, coverups, etc)

The champions were required to swim to the bottom of the lake to retrieve thier friends. You task is to make something that has to do with a lake. WIPs and New projects accepted. If it is a WIP please post before and after pictures.

Possable options include but are not limited to

• color of water

Completing Task 2 with a Jiffy shell stitch afghan the color of water, dark blue like the night seas

Triwizard Challenge - First Task

TASK ONE

Since Harry and the other tournament players had to get past the Dragon to grab the egg, we will do an “egg” theme this time around. Players can make either baby items (blankets, sweaters, hats, etc.), items for small children, or actual egg-shaped items.

This can be a WIP or start a new project. If you turn in a WIP please post before and after photos.

Possable items include but are not limited to

• items for small children

• actual egg shaped items

• 
  

Completing first challenge under two options with rubber duckys:

Egg shaped


Items for children

HLBOE Swap Received!

Now without further ado, the awesome treasures sent to me by Lady Ferula the Forgetful (Staarkatt) who almost forgot when to stop -- oh and where she hid those lovely Hufflepuff fingerless mitts when she packed them! lol :D

There was also a lovely little dragon who sits on the top edge of my screen and a cute little Hufflepuff colors note pad and lovely stitch markers that accidently got left out of the photo but are no less loved than any of the package :) *hugs*

HPKCHC Transfiguration Assignment October 2009

This month we delve into “Cross-Species transfiguration”. The most well-known is the Animagus spell, but there are many other types as well! You must show an ability to Transfigure an object from one species into another. This can be demonstrated by:

3) Knit or crochet a model of your Animagus either as a 3-D toy or a colorwork design.

Form: Fox
Genera and species: Vulpes vulpes
Collective Term: A skulk of foxes
Distinguishing marks: Red fur, green eyes
Animal Characteristics:
Appealing and cerebral and of average size, the fox is a close relative of both the wolf and dog personalities and displays typical canine qualities of loyalty, passion and creativity. Largely misunderstood to be a shy, retreating individual, it's the fox's unique stature as a small carnivore that defines its survival strategy. Because it cannot succeed in the world using brute force alone, it must rely on its sharp mind and engaging personality to garner resources, and it consequently spends a lot of time in its head -- giving the impression that it's trying to outsmart its friends. So the fox is often surprised to learn that its intellectual pursuits are intimidating.

So, the fox tempers its serious nature with a sardonic sense of humor and engaging playfulness while interacting with its eclectic community. It expects others to be as honest about their strengths and shortcomings as it is of its own, and while these high expectations don't make the fox a snob, it expects its friends to first demonstrate their worthiness before returning the favor with loyalty and devotion.
Foxes are typically successful in the work place but their competitiveness and ambition sometimes makes coworkers feel belittled. They would never deliberately take advantage of others, but their single-mindedness often blinds them to their feelings. So they thrive in their own businesses and like to surround themselves with family and friends in these ventures.

Reducio Swap #7 - Hogwarts Express

My swap package from up spoiler came in the Reducio swap this week and without further ado, I'm showing off my fabulous package!!!!!!!!!! Our theme was the Hogwarts Express.



There was a darling little hufflepuff sock as well as a miniature train keyring for the Hogwarts Express. a prefect badge that is going on my tote bag and a Hufflepuff bookmark. The chocolate frog from the cart was delicious and just like Harry, I got an Albus Dumbledore card *squees*. There's a tiny little Hedwig in his own little cage and he even comes out of the cage for sending my own owls out. She also found grapefruit gum which is one of my favorite flavors!




And since I have heard that my spoilee received her package I can show you what I sent out as well

HaR Care of Magical Creatures, EC1 and Complete

But TWO Diricawls



Which completes all eight creatures and all eight quizzes and as requested:

Hail Hail the gang's all here

Fantasia - September 2009 Dark is Rising

“When the Dark comes rising, six shall turn it back,
Three from the circle, three from the track;
Wood, bronze, iron; water, fire, stone;
Five will return, and one go alone.

Iron for the birthday, bronze carried long;
Wood from the burning, stone out of song;
Fire in the candle-ring, water from the thaw;
Six Signs the circle, and the grail gone before.”

The Signs which Will hunts down in the book take the form of quartered circles, one each made of wood, bronze, iron, water (an opalescent stone), fire (gold), and plain stone. Craft something inspired by one of the Six Great Signs of the Light. A literal interpretation (a quartered circle), something decorated with that motif, spun fiber inspired by the materials used to make one of the signs, or whatever else your imagination may present.

Necklace done in the color of fire - Red, with the spark of gold threaded through it.

HPKCHC Care of Magical Creatures

Dragonsinger of Hufflepuff turning in her assignment.

I became the caretaker of a tiny niffler named Lucky Charms, Lucky for short.



While he was a well-behaved niffler and usually most obedient, it seems while I was in the process of finding him a bed, he decided that one of my necklaces was rather suitable

HaR Care of Magical Creatures, Parts 6 and EC2

Dragonsinger of Hufflepuff submitting two more creatures

Centaur - which completes the regular credit assignments



And from the Extra Credit section
Billywig

HaR House Challenge - September 2009

There will be a variety of House Colors projects to choose from - hats, mittens / mitts / gloves, and/or socks.

Use ANY pattern - as long as the finished object is in House colors.

Use ANY House’s colors based on what is in your stash (or need for gifts).

Multiple projects allowed, including the same type of item (e.g. 2 hats, 3 pairs of mitts, etc.)

And completed a Ravenclaw Beanie for my husband for the September Challenge :D

HaR DADA Part 2 - Completed

Dragonsinger of Hufflepuff submitting the rest of her DADA assignment

Skull Tapestry Panel



and

Amigurumi Spider

HPKCHC Charms Assignment September 2009

Aguamenti - The Water Charm

Aguamenti is the charm used to put out fires/ create water to drink. It is first named in Half-Blood Prince, when Harry is being taught how to perform this specific charm in Professor Flitwick’s class. Later Harry casts this spell in an attempt to create water for Dumbledore to drink after taking Voldemort’s potion and then to douse Hagrid’s hut after it is set on fire later.

So your task is to either

a) create something water related, be it colours, waves etc.
or
b) create something a little more literal like a goblet, something that imitates the jets of water or a fire hose (firemen optional but welcome and yes the professor knows where some minds will take this one and that is also fine :D)

Hufflepuff Water Bottle Sling!