Why did I learn how to knit?

Even though it was only about nine years ago it seems like forever. Back then I was an avid crocheter and every pattern that I would see and really want to make was knitted and I found myself disappointed every time. So I decided to teach myself to knit with a book. That didn't work out and just when I was about to give up I came across the magazine Easy Knitting with a soap opera actress on the front who said that her favorite knitting shop was in my city. Armed with that magazine I went to that shop and the owner Brenda taught me to knit. I soon gave up crocheting and have been an avid knitter every since. I'm not knocking crochet. I just was not a very good one.

Warm Ewe Up Swap Q & A

Do you knit or crochet, or both? How long have you been at your craft? I knit and I've been at it for about 8 years.

Do you spin? Yes

What yarns/fibers are your favorites? I love Malabrigo, Lambs Pride, and alpaca. Wool and alpaca are my favorite fibers.

What yarns/fibers would you like to try but haven't? Bamboo and Socks That Rock Yarn

What are your favorite colors? Colors that you don't like? Red, pink, purple. I don't like green.

What are your favorite types of projects to knit/crochet? sweaters, shawls and socks

What are you currently working on? I'm the queen of multiple projects, so I'm working on all of the above and some leg warmers.

What is your favorite FO?I don't really have a favorite one. I love them all.

Are there any techniques that you want to learn? Purling continental 

Do you have a yarn winder and/or swift? Yes I have both

How do you store your needles/hooks? In a fabric needle holder but I need another one.

Do you collect anything? No

Do you like sweets? Yes, chocolate

What are your favorite scents? Vanilla and cinnamon spice

Are you having a birthday during this swap? Yes, March 11th

Do you have any online wish lists? No

What is your living situation? Single with a cat, no children

Are you allergic to anything? No

Is there anything that you would like your pal to know? I don't like acrylic yarn at all.

No More Humdrum Mitten Swap

I received this wonderful package from my secret swap pal Vilde about a week ago and forgot to blog about it on my blog. I absolutely love everything in it

These are truffles and exotic teas for me to try. Love!


Some yummy Dream In Color Smoochy Sock Yarn and Elabeth Lavold alpaca yarn to make a matching hat for my mittens.


And the star of the show my beautiful, almost to pretty to wear mittens! Everyone I've shown them to can't believe that she gave them away they are so pretty.



The entire pretty package all together. Can we say I've been spoiled!

New Moon Swap


Last night I got home and for this on my door from my swap partner Violet. Inside the box everything was labeled so nicely so I knew exactly what it was for. She really out did herself.


Some yummy Dream in color Smooshy to remind me of the foggy beach in La Push with a sock pattern.


Some stationary to keep in touch with my wolfy friends, a sweater key chain, some dpn needles, and some wolfy stitch markers. Violet rocks!


Then there is this beautiful bag which I've been wanting to make but haven't had the time to. It's like she read my wolfy mind. It's lined with the same fabric on the inside that's on the strap. Just absolutely beautiful Violet.




And she supplied me with some sweet snacks(almond nuggets my favorite) and wonderful teas for the tea junky in me.

I love this package thanks again Violet. I feel ridiculous spoiled!

Trick Or Treat

After having one owl that was blown off track and lost Minee regrouped and sent her best owl this time. Yesterday I received this treat in the mail. Inside the treat was of course the yarn Risata from knit picks, some blue and gold stitch markers and some trading cards. Trick was some of Berts every flavor jelly beans with flavors like booger, vomit and ear wax to name a few. This box will be just for decoration as intended. Thanks Minee I really love it.

Arriana Stylos

The Owl has Landed!!!

Yesterday I arrived home and a big, beautiful brown owl was waiting patiently for me. I gave her some owl treats and let her rest a moment before she headed home to her owner Belladonna. I felt like a kid on x-mas morning as I tore into my package. Look what I got!

A bookmark, sock yarn with an exclusive Belladonna pattern, a crochet hook, Size 1 knitting needles, scissors, Ravenclaw patches, tapestry needles, tape measure, and stitch holders.

A hand sewn Ravenclaw inspired bag with wonderful and thoughtful pockets . Love it!

My Owl Misty Takes To the Skies

Look out Aurora Curlyfur Misty is flying your way with a box of goodies! I loved this swap so much I can't wait for next term.

Arriana

Final Quidditch Quiz

1. b

2. c

3. d

4. b

5. b

6. b

7. a

8. b

9. d

10. d

My Muggle Life Intrudes Once Again

Today I'm feeling in the dumps. I had to visit the muggle vet for my poor kitty Midnight. Turns out there was no hope, he was in kidney failure and  there was nothing that anyone could really do for him.  He has now joined my other beloved animals in Rainbow Hill Animal Heaven. Goodbye honey you will be missed.

SSRHQ

1. Astrid Cloverleaf

2.  Cassandra Grubby-Plank

3. Enna Kirts

4. Selena Starfire

5. Henry Longstaff

6. Ceciley Fotescure

7. Mona Ravenscroft

8. Artengia Pascal

9. Prendolyn Wilcox

10. Lizzy Wynchwood

11. Ursula Longbottom

12. Rowena Weasley

13. Aurora Curlyfur

14. Lily May Clearwater

15. Megaera Black

B1: Hermoine Bagnold

B2: 37, less than half

WOO HOOO!!!!! WE GOT A NEW PRESIDENT!

I'm sorry that pesky muggle half of me got just a little carried away. I'm getting ready to put the finishing touches on my bag but I still haven't decided what to do about the handles. I'm sure that something will come to me before it's all said and done. I don't think that I'm going to make the early deadline for owls to go out but I'll have it out before the final deadline.

Arriana

RAVENCLAW HOUSE QUIZ

1. What security question does Mr. Weasley ask Mrs. Weasley before he enters the Burrow? What is the answer? what do you like me to call you when we're alone together? mollywobbles

2. What two names does Mrs. Cole call Dumbledore when she takes him to see Tom Riddle at the orphanage? Mr. Dumberton, and Dunderbore

3. What is the name of Ginny's Pygmy Puff? Arnold

4. What three D's are needed for apparating? Destination, Determination, Deliberation

5. What spell did Harry perform when he was attacked by Dementors? Experemus Patronus

6. Who did an arrow salute at Dumbledore's funeral? The centaurs

7. What did Dumbledore set on fire to prove to Tom Riddle that he was a wizard? A wardrobe

8. What Christmas present did Kreacher give Harry? a package filled with maggots

9. What is on top of the Weasley's Christmas tree? A garden gnome

10. What is the most popular item at Weasley's Wizard Wheezes? Shield hats

11. Why did Harry threaten to kick Ron off the Griffindor Quidditch team? He's so nervous that he can't stay on the broom and is horrible at it.

12. What happens if you break and Unbreakable Vow? You die!

13. Who did Hermoine go to Slughorn's party with? Cormac McLaggen

14. Who is Mrs. Weasley's favorite singer? Celestina Warbeck

15. Who are the only two people who know the full contents of the prophecy made about Harry and Lord Voldemort? Harry and Dumbledore

TRICK OR TREAT MINI SWAP

Yesterday I sent my owl Misty out to deliver my package to my secret swap partner. I forgot to take a picture of it but hopefully she'll love it. I keep checking the horizon for an owl winging its way to me but I figure that it will arrive closer to the end of the week. Well I'm off to herbology class. I don't want to keep the professor waiting. ;o)

Arriana

Go Ravenclaws!

I can't believe that we snatched the snitch! Way to go Agatha! I tried to figure out the clues I only got the one. I feels good to be a part of a great team. To celebrate we all had some butterbeer and buttery rum cake, not necessarily in that order. Trick or treat time is coming upon us and I'm trying to decide what I should dress as. Last year I was a sexy witch complete with the matching hat. Well I'm off to my History of Magic class!

Quidditch Round Two

1. What animal does the portrait in the Muggle Prime Minster’s office resemble?
a. Rat
b. Frog
c. Cat
d. Lion
2. What drink does Romilda Vane try to give Harry?
a. Gillywater
b. Butterbeer
c. Pumpkin Juice
d. Elf-Made Wine
3. What is the name of the person who heads the Holyhead Harpies?
a. Gwenog Smith
b. Gwenog Jones
c. Glen Jones
d. Glen Smith
4. How many ‘Exceeds Expectation’ grades does Harry receive in his O.W.L’s?
a. 6
b. 3
c. 5
d. 4
5. What is Professor Sughorn’s favorite candy?
a. Cockroach Clusters
b. Sherbet Lemon
c. Acid Pops
d. Crystallized Pineapple
6. What tattoo is Harry reported to have on his chest?
a. Mermaid
b. Blast Ended Skrewt
c. Hippogriff
d. Unicorn
7. What color robes do the staff at the Weasley’s shop wear?
a. Buttercup
b. Magenta
c. Royal Blue
d. Aqua
8. What is the man outside Flourish and Blotts selling?
a. Amulets
b. Cloaks
c. Wands
d. Hats
9. How much is the skull, which Hermione enquires about at Borgin and Burkes, worth?
a. 9 Galleons
b. 18 Galleons
c. 16 Galleons
d. 12 Galleons
10. What are Professor Slughorn’s initials?
a. H.F.G.
b. H.E.F.
c. H.A.L.
d. H.K.D.

HSKS 6

Well I've been doing really good with my potions homework. Snape has not been able to harass and embarrass me here lately. Hermoine is fully recovered from her freak owl attack although she is still a little jumpy whenever the owls come in the Great Hall to deliver the mail. Can't say I blame her though. I've just heard that my owl from Ophelia is on its way to me. I not even done wit her hat though, the bobbles are slowing me down just a little, hopefully I'll have it done by Monday but I still can't mail it. The muggle Post Office is closed on Monday for a holiday.

Hogsmeade,

I'm a first year so I'm not allowed to go. Shh! don't tell anyone but I put on my invisibility shawl and headed out anyway. My roomies had already gone ahead but I followed them at a discreet distance. I went everywhere they went enjoying myself immensely. Things got a little hairy for me when they went to The Three Broomsticks. I was almost sat on by Ophelia Crookshank who came over to tell Hermoine that she was glad that she was feeling well enough to leave St Mungos after her accident. It was at that point that I decided to go back to the dorm before I got caught. Well I'm off the to common room for some butterbeer and knitting.

Arriana

RAVENCLAW HOUSE QUIZ

1. What potion has the strange side effects of excessive singing and nose-tweaking? Elixir to induce Euphoria
2. What ingredient can be used to counteract the effect of the above side effects? Pepperment
3. How much can you get for Acromantula venom? 100 Galleons a pint
4. What is the most powerful love potion in the world? Amortentia
5. What antidote does Harry use to help Ron when he is poisoned by Madam Rosmerta's finest mead? A bezoar
6. How does Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes' owl Order Service get their potions past the security at Hogwarts to their customers? They had hide them as perfume bottles and such
7. What did Draco malfoy make in Potions class when Professor Slughorn assigned them to make something amusing? Hiccuping Potion
8. What spells will not work in an area affected by Instant Darkness Powder? No light spells: like Lumos and Incendio
9. What are the ingredients for the Draught of Living Death? Velarian roots, asphodel, wormwood, and sopopherous bean
10. How much will unicorn tail hair fetch? 10 Galleans a hair

EXTRA CREDIT
1. Do you prefer to knit or crochet? knit
2. What is your favorite weight yarn to knit/crochet with? lace weight
3 What fiber contents do you most like to knit/crocher with? What fiber contents do you dislike knitting/crocheting with? Love Wool and alpaca. Hate acrylic!
4. How many complete pair of socks have you knit/crochet? One pair and I lost one of the socks
5. What is your favorite item to knit/crochet? Sweaters lately
6. What is your favorite treat? World Class Chocolate from Baskin Robbins
7. Do your drink coffee, tea, or both? Tea
8. Do you have an online wish list? If so, where? I wish, but no
9. How many Ravelry groups are you in? Thirty-two
10 Is there any special item you have been really wanting, but can't find in your local area? Dream In Color Sock Yarn

Twilight Swap Goodies

Whew! Boy what a wild ride. I just landed from having quidditch practice and after a few tumbles somehow I was able to hold onto the broom. I'm headed to the doom now to study my potions homework. Snape already humiliated me in class today for being ill prepared to say the least. My roomies tried their best to help me but sometimes I'm just a little hard headed.
I just finished my first duel club hat and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that my hat reaches my target before I receive his. One can hope! Well muggle life calls!

Quidditch Round One





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?


a. Hestia Jones


b. Elphais Doge


c. Emmeline Vance


d. Dedalus Diggle


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


a. Owl

b. Fox


c. Rabbit


d. Cat


3. What time does Professor Dumbledore collect Harry from Privet Drive?


a. Midnight

b. 11 p.m.


c. Noon


d. 11 a.m.


4. What did Professor Sluhorn transform into when he was trying to hide from Harry and Professor Dumbledore?


a. An armchair


b. A bed


c. A table

d. A wardrobe


5. What grade did Harry get for Herbology?


a. E – Exceeds Expectation


b. P – Poor


c. O – Outstanding

d. A – Acceptable


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


a. A hen


b. A duck


c. A lion


d. A squirrel


7. What is Professor Sprout’s first name?


a. Pimmy


b. Pomony


c. Pommy


d. Pomona


8. What is Dumbledore’s idea of ‘a few words’?


a. nitwit, odder, blubber rand tweak


b. nitwit, odder, bubblegum and tweak


c. nitwit, oddment, bubblegum and tweak


d. nitwit, oddment, blubber and tweak


9. Who is Marcus Belby’s famous uncle?


a. Bertie


b. Damocles


c. Tiberius


d. Savage



10. What is Snape’s mother’s name?


a. Helana Prince


b. Eileen Prince


c. Lily Prince


d. Elizabeth Prine



PicturesPost pictures to your blogs or link to the pictures from your blog post.

Narcissa

Snape

Bellatrix

Professor Sprout

Professor Dumbledore

Man I'm having some serious problem trying to load my new avatar. I accidently added it to the Harry Potter blog. No I have to figure out how to get it to my personal blog.

Woo-Hoo!

I got my dorm assignments and two of the coolest roommates: Hermione Bagnold and Rowena Bladvak. I also got my spoilee Aurora Curlyfur and spoiler Belladonna Boomslang and both are in Gryffindor. I'm so excited that I have all sorts of ideas in my head about what my spoilee might like. I'm also thinking about competing in the Dueling, but I've yet to make my decision. I don't want to bite off more that I can chew. Well I'm off to potions class. I don't want to be late!

Arriana Stylos

Questionaire

Potter Name: Arriana Stylos

Rav  ID: chonnybunny

I am allergic to: Acrylic

Pets that I have: 2 cats and a puppy

My favorite yarn: Malabrigo worsted weight

If you are in Ravenclaw, do you prefer the film colors or the book colors? Book

My favorite flavor: Strawberry

My favorite holiday: Christmas

I would like to receive: Sock Kit

List your favorite brand of needles or hooks, including size and length: I like Addi Turbo circulars, Brittany double points and straight needles(the short ones). I don't have a favorite size.

Is there a brand that you are dying to try? No

I've participated in HSKS: Zero times. I'm a first year.

Do you have a birthday during this swap? No

Ravenclaw Challenge- Name the new house elf.


I think her name should be Shelby. I don't know why but I've always liked that name.

Arriana

MITTEN SWAP


Well I've picked out the yarn and the pattern for my spoilee's mittens. I hope that she likes it, so I've gotten rave reviews on my pick. I went out and got the needles today and one more little gift for my other swap partner. Twilight swap is coming to a close and all I have left to do is put the finishing touches on her bag. I'll post a picture of the bag and her goodies next week after she receives it. I don't want to spoil the surprise!

HSKS6

I'm headed down to Diagon Alley to pick up my school supplies. I got to get my books, a wand, some robes both dress and regular, a broom, and my cauldron. I've always wanted a cauldron being a chemist in the muggle world. I'm so excited about being in this swap I keep looking at all the Harry Potter themed sock yarn and wondering what my partner might like. I can't wait to see what else goes on in the swap. It feels like it's going to be like a treasure hut.

Arriana Stylos

I just joined the HSKS swap and I'm now known as Arriana Stylos of Ravenclaw house. I'm so excited!

No-More-Humdrum-Mittens Swap 3 Questionnaire

How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? I've been knitting for eight years and I learned at my local LYS.
Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? Intermediate
What are your favorite colors? Any you dislike? Red, black, blue and pink. Most greens except dark green and olive green.
Do you like Latvian type patterns? If so, what are your favorite patterns. Yes I like them but I haven't have the pleasure of making any yet so I don't have a favorite.
Do you desire mittens for yourself, your "special someone else" or your child? Myself
What is the measurement from your wrist to the tip of your longest finger? 7 inches
What is the circumference of your hand at its widest point? 7 inches
What other things do you enjoy knitting? Shawls, socks, sweaters, vests and hats
What sort of needles do you enjoy working with? Addi Turbos the metal ones
What's one yarn you've not yet tried but are dying to work with? Dream in Color Yarn
What other hobbies do you have? Do you spin? Sew? Garden? Cook? I love to shoot pool, i also spin, and do a little gardening. I don't cook enough to call it a hobby.
Besides yarn, do you collect anything? Books
What kind of goodies do you enjoy? Sweets? Salty? Anything you hate or are allergic to? I enjoy exotic teas, chocolates, and taffy but I hate black licorice and peach flavored things.
Do you have any kids? Pets? No kids but two cats.
What is your favorite part of Winter? Fresh undisturbed snow
What is your least favorite part of Winter? Freezing Rain

X-MAS GIFTS

Well I've got one gift purchased already. My Daddy's gift is on the needles and my Momma's is about to be casted on. I'm involved in one swap and about to sign up for two others. My Twilight swap is going well but I need to finish that bag this weekend for sure. Since I last blogged I've made the Talia vest which I just need to weave in the ends, block and sew on the buttons. I also made another Cable Newsboy cap and this time I'm not going to lose it. ;o)

Shaolwater Shawl

Shaolwater Shawl,
originally uploaded by dabunny311.

This is my project for the Tour de France. I'm entering under the Polka Dot Jersey. This project has been on the needles since 2004. I feel that it is time to finish it up. I bought some Addi Lace needles which are also in this picture in the left corner. July 5th here I come!!!!

I loved knitting this blanket. I used 4 skeins of Patons merino wool and I have plans to make one using Eco-wool by Cascade.

New Vogue: Man I'm loving my new Vogue. The wedding and blue sections are just plain beautiful. I have no plans of having a wedding but if I ever changed my mind I would definitely look to this issue for some ideas. I'm already getting together my X-mas list and making plans to make my gifts early. So far my list looks like this:
Momma-Gaunlet Gloves
Daddy-Noro Scarf
Best Friend- Hat and mitten set
Boyfriend- Noro Scarf
Grandma-Lace Derby hat

My list is coming together very slowly, so I figure that if I get the two that I've already decided on done then I'll be ahead of the game.

Charity Knitting for Lent

I have decided that this year during the lenten season that I would knit as many preemie hats as humanly possible and donate them to my local hospital wards. I'm also working on the tilted duster skirt and picking out my first pattern for two socks knitted at one time. Finally a way to over come second sock syndrome.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!

I know I'm a little late. X-mas turned into a knitting frenzy as I tried to get all of my gifts done on time. This year I vow will be different. As early as next month I'm starting my x-mas gifts. There will be no more knitting at 3am x-mas morning for me. Right now I'm knitting selfishly. It's all about me and my tilted duster is coming along nicely.