Hog Warts Sock Swap II

Finally - I got the pictures to download - was starting to get frustrated. But here is my owl delivered swap from Petunia Butterbeer. I have to apologize for being so late to get it posted. I've had it for a while now but between being sick, in the hospital and fighting with the camera/computer, I am running way behind. I can't seem to get the pictures to load where I want them but at least it is here - so anyways - here is my box of goodies.

Besides the gorgeous socks, which fit perfectly, I got a beautiful green variegated yarn, can't wait to make these up for me. My bookmark is knit of the same yarn as my socks. The kids wanted it but it was in the wrong house colors - too bad for them. They are both Gryffindor.

I also got the Harry Potter knitting book, air freshener was melts, blood pops, a Chocolate Frog, a Hufflepuff bag with tootsie roll pops in it and a Bert's Bees facial treatment. Am I spoiled or what. Thank you so much Petunia.

Hedwig

Felted bag swap

Man I just can't get them where I want them. Here is the whole package - cat not included - she just has to help me. Four skeins of yarn, a mitten pattern, a felted magazine with some great patterns, a bag of coffee, a bag of coffee candy, 3 hot cider packets, the bag itself was full of peppermints and "A good yarn" by Debbie Macomber, which has a knitting pattern in it. Microwave popcorn and pumpkin shaped playing cards. What a great package.

Here it is - the felted bag I received from Cheryl - isn't this just yummy? Purple is my favorite color and this is super fabulous - thank you so much Cheryl.

This was a delightful swap - I have to apologize for being so tardy in getting this posted. Stinks to get older and get sick, don't heal too quickly I guess.

Blessings - Robin

England

OK I tried to get a picture of this - it was a huge poster of the Potter gang on Broomsticks from the last movie - took up the entire side of this HUGE building.

Update

OK October really didn't go well for me. I was sick all month and ended up in the hospital for a week - two weeks later I am still exhausted and so forth. Anyways - I got my Hogwarts sock swap (Fabulous) and my felted bag swap (also super-duper). Do you think I can get my camera adapter to hook up my computer? Of course not - the USB slots are all being particular this morning. I'm going to try one more thing before I give up and call in the techy son. I'm way behind in getting the pictures posted, just like I'm behind in getting everything else done right now - but I'm trying.

Update

I've been off blog for a while, totally stinks. I went on the fab trip to Canada, long but beautiful trip. Got some wonderful yarn, saw the "bare naked ladies" (aka shorn sheep) and had a tour of the farm as well as plenty of time to shop. Then I got a nasty kidney infection and have been sick ever since. But - I have managed to get my felted purse just about complete, it is felting/drying now. i got my Hogwarts sock swap II out in the mail this week as well as 4 other swaps. So I'm getting there.

Our weather hasn't been really good here (Michigan) - lots of rainy days, which is just fine when I feel like yuk and don't want to do anything anyways. Today is actually pretty nice out - in the 70s but I hear tomorrow we are back to severe thunder storms. Oh well, lots of knitting to do. I am currently just starting a pair of socks for my husband. He is in Iraq (as a contractor) but I figure good socks are good anywhere. I am doing them in a camoflage green - he can always use them for deer hunting when he comes home, right?

Happy Knitting

Autumn

OK the next challenge/question with the Felted Bag swap group is about Autumn, why do I like Autumn.

This really is my favorite time of the year - for many reasons. My birthday is in Sept and I have some good memories growing up. Probably my favorite is the feeling of the air in autumn. I live in Michigan so we experience the changing of the colors, the wonderful oranges and reds and browns. The air smells different than any other time of the year. I can't say that I enjoy the work involved with autumn, raking leaves, putting things away for winter - but the good far outweighs the bad with this season.

This picture was taken in my back yard - early autumn last year. What's not to love?

Felted bag progress

I love this project. From knitting on size 0 or 1 needles with socks - knitting with a size 13 is totally great. It is working up fast and I love the colors. I don't want to give too much away so will post pictures another time.

Knitting update

will I finished the HSS socks last night - am working on the book mark - hopefully I'll have the owl out next week. Yay

Tomorrow I'm going to spend the day in Lansing with my best friend, shopping, food and whatever else we can get up to.

Upcoming - trip to Canada in early October to Philospher's Stone - sheep farm and knitting spot.

Next project is the felted bag swap. Need to get needles tomorrow when I'm at the LYS.

Update info

well I'm just about done with my HSS socks - hopefully get them finished and out this week, then on to the felted bag and hope it knits up quickly.

I am trying to finish a REN dress for a friend, did you ever have one of those projects that you just can't seem to force yourself to finish? I had to redo the sleeves and just made more work for myself and I'm having trouble forcing myself to the sewing room. grrrr how frustrating.

Weather here in Michigan is delightful today. Sun is out, around 72 degrees. Have a great day everyone.

Felted bag swap challenge

OK here is a sampling of the yarn - pretty sweet isn't it.

Probably the blog I read the most is Cheryl C.'s http://knitting-knut.blogspot.com/

Challenge #3 - HSS2

What type of pet do you choose as your companion at Hogwarts? Definitely an owl.

While shopping in Hogsmeade you stop by Honeydukes for some sweets. What treats do you purchase for yourself? Peach pits and Honey sticks

A potion you are preparing needs an ingredient available only at muggle shops. You don't want to stand out in your wizards robes, so you resort to traditional muggle clothing. Describe your outfit in detail. Jeans, T-shirt and Jean Jacket - crocks and goofy socks, and a Huge handbag that I can fit everything into, probably purples and blues

What is your favorite subject to study at Hogwarts and why? Divination - I like to know what to look forward to.

Likewise, what subject is your least favorite and why? History of anything - boring. It's over - can't change it.

Back to the potion you were shopping for ingredients for, what type of potion are you making, what color is it, what are the ingredients, and precisely what does the potion do?

I'm making a Feel-Good Spell. I need lavender, meadowsweet, angel kisses, a touch of dew drop and some cone flower. Color - green. It's a natural stress reliever - will make you feel happy.

Knitting progress

well I'm working diligently on my Hogwart's sock swap - am on the heel of the second sock. Can't wait to finish these so I can get moving on the felted bag. I got the yarn yesterday - it is beautiful - really excited to get going with it.

Almost back on US time - it's only taken me 5 days - yay. Had a power outage today - so gee whiz, what to do - KNIT!

PS

Sorry - the picture in the post I just put up is Leed's Castle in England. Beautiful place.

I'M BACK!!!

The trip to England was fabulous - lots of great things to see, tried to eat everything - crazy about Bangors and Mash - (sausages with Mashed potatoes) so good. Lots of fish and chips, lots of tea.

Now that I'm back I'm working on my HSS2 socks again, going to be working furiously to finish them up asap so I can start on my felted bag swap.

I ordered a fabulous, specially died yarn for this bag so can't wait to get it and get going.

And my HSS@ partner - I picked up a little something from England to include in my package.

HP sock swap Challenge 1

OK here goes - this is my version of the invisibility shawl/cloak. I crocheted it just because it goes faster - would have much rather knit but just too much going on. I am seriously not photogenic - and I didn't get this draped really good - I wanted it to look like the deatheaters hoods with lots of drape - shows better on the back picture.

Directions:

Yarn: Lion Brand Homespun - color Edwardian. Crochet hook P-16

Shawl:

Chain 30, turn.

Row 1: SC in each chain across, ch 2, turn.

Row 2: DC in each sc across, ch 2 turn

Row 3: Repeat Row 2

Row 4: DC in each sc across, ch 1, turn

Repeat rows 1-4 until desired length. Mine is about 72" long, ending on a sc row.

Hood:

Chain 48. Follow same pattern as shawl, making a square about 18-20"

Fold the square in half, sc across one short side making the top of the hood.

Center the bottom of the hood with the center of the shawl, sc the two pieces together.

Single crochet around the entire shawl/hood.

HP Challenge 2

Six steps to Draco Malfoy - this was a stretch for me - but here goes.

The Dursleys - aunt and uncle to Harry Potter

Harry Potter - best friend to Ron Weasley

Ron Weasley - brother to Ginny Weasley

Ginny Weasley - Riddle diary planted in her Cauldron by Lucious Malfoy


Lucious Malfoy father to Draco Malfoy

Draco Malfoy son to Lucious Malfoy

Felted bag swap Questionnaire

How long have you been knitting or crocheting? How did you learn? or from whom?
I've been knitting and crocheting for probably 40 years - man am I old. My grandmother and one of my aunts taught me to knit. Grandmother taught me to crocket.
What was your first felted object, and why did you decide to try felting? This will be my first felted project - mainly because I love purses.
What are your favorite colors? Any you hate? Don't like red, pink or orange.
What are your favorite styles\types of bags? (Long straps? Short handles? Handbags? Totes? Embellished? Plain? Include links to patterns or photos if you’d like – give your pal an idea of what you enjoy!) Long straps - will drape over my shoulder if possible. I like larger types - because I carry too much stuff, like to have room for a book.
What handbag or bag are you carrying today? Do you use a separate bag to carry your knitting?
Today I carrying a denim zipper top with an appliqued dog on the front. I carry a separate bag for knitting projects.
What other things do you enjoy knitting or crocheting? My latest craze has been socks, but I've made just about anything that can be made.
What sort of needles do you enjoy working with? (straights vs circs, bamboo vs aluminum) Depends on the project. I like bamboo for socks, larger projects I like circulars. Haven't used bamboo circulars yet.
What’s one project you’ve not yet tried but are dying to make? A felted purse :) and I want to make some of those long fingerless gloves - those look so great.
What’s one yarn you’ve not yet tried but are dying to work with? nothing specific - always like to try new things.
What other hobbies do you have? Do you spin? Sew? Garden? I sew and quilt (OK it's sewing) and read. I have an herb garden but I'm not much of a gardener. I also make handmade soaps.
Besides yarn, do you collect anything? too much stuff - I am starting to do some scrapping and card making - have way more books than is decent.
What kind of goodies do you enjoy? Sweets? Salty? Anything you hate or are allergic to?
either/or - don't care for anise or licorice
Do you have any kiddos? (Furry kind count!) two grown sons, two kitty babies and one large choc lab.
What kind of project best personifies you and why? this is a tough one - I'm a real homebody and mom-type person, so probably something cozy.
What is your favorite part of Autumn? You can also share a special Autumn memory if you'd prefer! Love the smell and the feel in the air. It's my favorite time of year - also my birthday and my brother's birthdays are in the fall. Lots of good fall memories.
Tell us 3 things you would do if you won 10 million dollars in the lottery.

Pay off my son's house and get something for the other one.
Help my inlaws - just found out the FIL has cancer again.
Take a trip around Scotland and Ireland.

Whew - I think this is everything. Purple is my favorite color - can you tell? :) Oh and I'm a Harry Potter fan!

Horcrux socks

I tried to get a good picture of the design but it doesn't show too great in the variegated yarn.

Felted Bag Exchange

OK so I'm a dummy - I posted the wrong info on the blog - thought that was a little strange to post my info - but I have to learn the hard way. Will go find the other questionnaire about the swap. Thanks for the help - Hedwig

fall is approaching

OK the knitting needles are busy here - I have my first sock almost completed for the Hogwart's sock swap, doing the toe now. I'm working on another project for the Hogwart's challenge and hoping to get into the Felted Bag swap - woo hoo - sign up is tomorrow.

In addition I leave for Englandtwo weeks from today to meet with my hubby for 9 days - so it's going to be a busy month for me.

Felted Bag Swap

I just found this link on a fellow knitter's blog - for an upcoming felted bag swap.

http://feltedbagexchange2.blogspot.com/

Swap Update

I have almost my first sock done for the Hogwart's sock swap. It is going much better this time than the last time. Hope to finish this one in the next day or two and on to the second sock. The new contest is to create something and have it completed, pattern posted etc by Sept 2 - tall order with the sock swap too - but I'm hoping I can make it.

Year two changes

Yay - lots more new things for the Year two swap. I was just granted Prefect for the Hufflepuff House - along with one other. I will be coming up with trivia questions - great fun. Can't wait.

Today was a fun day - made a trip to the LYS because they had 25% off Jitterbug sock yarn - too much to resist - went down and picked up some for me and for my swap partner Petunia - just wait - you wanted to try it :)

It's a beaute day here in Michigan - my hubby is in Iraq - so I can Knit, Knit, Knit - I'm becoming sock addicted.

Harry Potter Names

I am a little slow - I didn't find this link until after I had registered for Hogwarts swap II.

to get your Harry Potter generated name click on http://www.mess.be/harry-potter-names-female.php

My new Harry Potter Generated name is Mafalda De Mimsy Porpington - now that's a mouthful.

Owl post is on the wy

I finally got my owl post out today - whew - now I can get ready for Year 2 at Hogwart's Sock Swap.

It only took me three tries and two different kinds of yarns and needles to complete this task. This is Cherry Tree Hill yarn - 100% superwash merino - absolutely fabulous yarn to knit with. I used size 1 bamboo needles - I may never use anything but bamboo for socks - loved them too. This yarn is called Moody Blues - the gray is not as prominent in this yarn but it really is blue and grey.

Hogwarts Sock Swap Questionnaire - 2nd years

Hogwarts Sock Swap Questionnaire
Second Years

1. What Hogwarts house have you been sorted into?
Hufflepuff

2. Shoe size? Foot length? Foot circumference?

7.5 to 8 9 ½ 8 ½

3. List your three favorite sock yarns.
a. Cherry Tree Hill
b.
c.
4. Would you like to try a new brand of sock yarn? If so, which brand? I’m open to try anything

5. Do you prefer variegated or solid sock yarn? I buy more variegated than plain color – but no preference really

6. What colors would you like to add to your sock yarn stash? That bright green – kind of a yellow green or blues

7. What kind of sock patterns do you gravitate toward? Lace? Ribbed? Fair Isle? ribbed

8. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, animals, etc.) no

9. Will your socks be exposed to cigarette smoke or animals as you knit them? animals

10. Are you willing to have an international Hogwarts Sock Pal? absolutely

Hogwart's Swap II Information

Hogwarts Sock Swap Questionnaire
Second Years

What Hogwarts House have I been sorted into? Hufflepuff
What are my foot measurements? Size 7.5 to 8 shoe, 9.5 long, 8.5″ circumference
My three favorite sock yarns: Cherry Tree Hill - willing to try anything
Yarn I haven't used but would like to try: Jitterbug, Tofutti
Type of sock patterns I like: pretty much anything - plain patterns, I don't care.
Varigated or Solid Yarn? I buy more variegated than plain.

I'll be using Hedwig as my "name" and using the hegwig14@gmail.com as my contact email for the swap.
blog: http://knitwitchery.blogspot.com/

Hogwart's swap received

I got my swap from a super partner Pragna Chan - check out these Hufflepuff socks.

I'm still working on my Ravenclaw socks. The ones previously shown i had to give up after 3 tries and two months of work. Had to start over with new yarn and needles - now am knitting 24/7 it seems to get them done in time.

Went to the new movie with my boys last night at midnite - great movie, over two hours and a sore behind, but worth it - can't wait for the book.

Update

It's been a while since I updated the blog. I'm just about done with sock #1 of my Hogwart's sock swap. I received my goodies from my swap partner yesterday. I will try to get a photo posted of my goodies.

Second pair beginning

I am just starting the second pair - my Ravenclaw yarn - it's been a trial so far, keeps slipping off the needles - darn needles are too slippery. I took this one outside to get the picture for better lighting.

completed socks

Finished the first pair of socks. These are done in the worsted weight pattern - Horcrux design from the Six Socks group. Red Heart yarn, color Ocean.

New Yarn has arrived

I received my yarn for the Hogwarts swap - spent most of the morning winding it - so it is ready to go and have done the initial cast-on for my swap. This yarn is gorgeous - I really wanted to do my own socks first - how selfish I am, but figure it may take me a while so I'm starting on the swap socks first.

Horcrux socks

Well I made my first Horcrux sock - finished it this morning and am started on the second one. This is a Red Heart worsted weight yarn - color Ocean.

Yarn on the way for Hogwart's sock swap - Yarn hand died by Carrie.

Hogwart's Sock Swap

The link for the sock swap - http://hogwarts-sock-swap.blogspot.com/

For all you sock knitters - if you are a Harry Potter Fan - or just plain like to knit socks - check out this great swap.

Hogwarts Questionnaire

Which Hogwarts house will you be sorted into?

Hogwarts Sock Swap Questionnaire

1. What Hogwarts house have you been sorted into? Hufflepuff

2. Shoe size? 7.5 to 8

3. Foot Length? 9 ½ inches

4. Foot Circumference? 9 ¼ inches

5. List your three favorite double-point needle brands, including size and length. Really no preference
a. Knit Picks
b.
c.

6. Would you like to try a new brand needle? If so, which brand? Size? Length? Sure – I’m open to anything

7. If you are a RAVENCLAW, do you prefer the colors in the film or the book? Do you have a strong preference? N/A

8. Are you willing to have an international Hogwarts Sock Pal? yes

Beginning Of Hogwarts Saga

Hello everyone - I'm new to blogging and it's been a while since I've done socks - so I am hopeful on both accounts.

I am an avid knitter just haven't had a lot of time over the past years due to life in general, work, family, etc. Now that I have retired, I am trying to get back to the things I really enjoy, reading, sewing and knitting - I also soap, crochet and just about any other craft that comes along I try.

Like everyone on the Hogwart's Sock Swap - we are Huge Harry Potter Fans. I can't say as I have a particular favorite character although I am partial to Hegwig. I wanted to rename all my animals but the family wouldn't go for it. At the time, about a year ago, I had a grumpy old Himalayan that I wanted to name Dumbledor - my lab would be Ron Weasley, my Bengal probably Hermione, my other tiger cat probably would have been Harry or Hagrid.

OK, enough about my pets. The sorting hat sorted me to a Hufflepuff, which works for me. My son is a Gryfindor.

I am attempting to start the Horcrux socks today in a worsted weight, had to hunt for needles as there is nothing in this small town that I live in. But gee what a surprise - I have a huge stash of various sizes of needles, just have to get out my sizer thingy to find the size I need. Can't quit buying yarn, so I got a nice purple with flecks and a variegated blue today to try out and see how it comes out.

Thanks to Rebecca for inviting me to this group - Robin