My Spoilee's Bag

Thought I'd post a pic of the bag I made for Clidonia Acromantula. She's a 'puff, but a 'puff with some razzle dazzle, if ya know what I mean. She likes the color! Come to think of it, after spoiling Clidonia and actually meeting the fabulous Ms. Lav A, 'puff-baiting just doesn't have the same entertainment value it once did (see yummy 'puff recipes from previous posts). If I come back next term I might just have to pick on the Kitty Cats (or maybe the faculty!).

HSKS6 Package

I received a lovely package from Suzie Weasley. It included a felted scarf pattern, several skeins of Knit Picks yarn and the new Harmony straight needles, a crochet hook, monkey tape measure, bookmark, stitch markers and chocolate. Not included in the photo is a felted bowl which is already in service!

I have been remiss....

Can't believe it has been two weeks since I posted. Sorry guys.

Round Three

1. Who was Tom Riddle Sr.'s girlfriend before Merope gave him the love potion?
b. Cecilia

2. What does Luna say floated into Harry's ear when he was in the train car that supposedly caused him to lose focus?
c. Wrackspurt

3. How much do the primary Apparition lessons cost?
d. 12 galleons

4. What is Professor Merrythought's first name?
b. Galatea

5. What Hogwarts club was Eileen Prince captain of?
b. Gobstones Club

6. Who is head of the Goblin Liaison office?
b. Dirk Cresswell

7. Mrs. Weasley offers Fleur a goblin-made tiara for the wedding with Bill. What family member is currently in possession of the tiara?
a. Aunt Muriel

8. How many points does Snape take from Gryffindor for Harry's late arrival and muggle attire?
b. 70

9. When Profressory Slughorn first meets Hermione, he asks her whether she is related to Hector Dagworth-Granger. What society did Dgworth-Granger found?
d. The Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers

10. Which of these describes Golpalott's Third Law?
d. The antidote for a blended poison will be equal to more than the sum of the antidotes for each of the separate components

All Hallows Eve

Last year my business partner and I decided to dress up for Halloween at the cafe. Remember Alice, the television sitcom about Mel's Diner? I went as Flo ("kiss mah gritz!") and Michael dressed as Dead Mel. Sooner or later one of those ditsy women would have done him in, right? Our customers loved it!

The Coming of Stitches Witches

The real news is that a number of HSKS participants will be flying into Baltimore for Stitches East! Everyone is meeting up at Queen Frysia's castle for a weekend of friends, fiber, fun and food! I spent most of this weekend working on something for a secret gift exchange that QF's son graciously coordinated.

Most of last week was spent in the kitchen and so not much else was accomplished. This week the Cambridge Jacket needs to be blocked and sewn together. Must also keep an eye on swap deadlines.

Quidditch Round Two

What animal does the portrait in the Muggle Prime Minster’s office resemble? b. Frog

What drink does Romilda Vane try to give Harry? a. Gillywater

What is the name of the person who heads the Holyhead Harpies? b. Gwenog Jones

How many ‘Exceeds Expectation’ grades does Harry receive in his O.W.L’s? c. 5

What is Professor Sughorn’s favorite candy? d. Crystallized Pineapple

What tattoo is Harry reported to have on his chest? c. Hippogriff

What color robes do the staff at the Weasley’s shop wear? b. Magenta

What is the man outside Flourish and Blotts selling? a. Amulets

How much is the skull, which Hermione enquires about at Borgin and Burkes, worth? c. 16 Galleons

What are Professor Slughorn’s initials? b. H.E.F.

Slytherin Homework #3

Well the question is about Chapter 10....

Harry's first encounter with Tom Riddle's diary gives insight to Voldermort's formative years. His parent's loveless marriage, his mother manipulating his father and the father's eventual abandonment are disclosed. It is also the chapter in which two future horcruxes - Slytherin's locket and the Peverell ring - are introduced. Now off to work on my kit......

Slytherin Quiz

Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Yes, about a size 9W. Length: 9.25 inches Around: 9-9.25

Do you have a yarn winder and/or a swift? Both

Where/how to you keep you needles/hooks? Worm binder, really.

Do you collect anything? Does dust count? Not really, although I do have hundreds of cookbooks.

What is your favorite type of music? Are you MP3 ready?
No favorite kind of music and I own an iPod

Do you like sweets? What are your favorites?
Yes, although I'm trying to keep it to dark chocolate these days.

What is your living situation like? Any pets? Children?
Live with a friend. No pets. No children.

Do you have an online wish list (Amazon, Etsy, Loopy Ewe, etc.)? Please include links for your swap pal. I will set up an Etsy wish list and update this post when I do.

Favorite Harry Potter movie character? Don't have one.

Quiddich 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?
c. Emmeline Vance

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

3. What time does Professor Dumbledore collect Harry from Privet Drive?
b. 11 p.m.

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

5. What grade did Harry get for Herbology?
a. E – Exceeds Expectation

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

7. What is Professor Sprout’s first name?
d. Pomona

8. What is Dumbledore’s idea of ‘a few words’?
d. nitwit, oddment, blubber and tweak

9. Who is Marcus Belby’s famous uncle?
b. Damocles

10. What is Snape’s mother’s name?
b. Eileen Prince

There will be no after...

...cause this is a mess! The only thing that is right is the color - purple. Yep I "highlighted" my hair with vibrant purple streaks. But the cut? A stringy mop. Giving it a couple days then calling the culprit for a re-do.

The Before Picture

I'm going in for a major hair-do today. Cross your fingers it isn't a hair don't! Be warned, I don't do the hair thing often, when I do it is usually dramatic.

Here's the before:

Beanswallow FAQ

Potter Name: Esmerelda "Esme" Beanswallow
Rav ID: CarmaFrancie
I am allergic to: nothing (maybe the metal nickel)
Pets that I have: none currently
My favorite yarn: Really? The one I just discovered - whatever that happens to be.
If you are a Ravenclaw, do you prefer the film colors or the book colors?
I was before I realized that yes, in fact, I am the center of the universe and went Slytherin.
My favorite flavor: too hard to call. Good coffee, dark chocolate, grapefruit (citrus in general), ginger and clove.
My favorite holiday: Thanksgiving
I would like to receive a scarf kit, I think, but am open to bag.
List your favorite brand of needles or hooks, including size and length: I really have all the knitting needles I need, but would love to get more Addi crochet hooks. The only one I have is 5,5 (US I) BTW, the scarf does not need to be a crochet pattern.
Is there a brand that you are dying to try?: See above.
I’ve participated in HSKS: this is #3
Do you have a birthday during this swap? No

Homework Already!

1. Do you knit and/or crochet
Both

2. How long have you been at your craft?
Crochet since childhood (and I'm NOT being more specific). Knitting for about 3 years.

3. Do you spin?
I have a Turkish drop spindle, but have not learned how to use it!

4. What type of spinning do you do (drop spindle or wheel)?
See above.

5. Are there any other crafts that you participate in? The only thing I can think of that I haven't done is tatting. Quilting, sewing, and textile design/dyeing are probably my strongest craftastic skills.

6. What are your favorite yarns/fibers?
Wool, bamboo, linen and hemp.

7. What are your LEAST favorite yarns/fibers?
Acrylics and wools that are very course and fuzzy.

8. Are there any types/brands of yarn that you are dying to work with but haven’t gotten a chance? Not that I can think of.

9. What are your favorite types of projects to knit/crochet? bags and small accessories like mittens, scarves and hats.

10. What are you currently working on?
I still need to finish lining my Doctor's Bag. Just ordered yarn to start the Cambridge Jacket for a Christmas present.

11. Anything you plan to start this autumn?
Afore mentioned jacket. Lots of presents and swap related stuff.




12. What is your favorite Finished Object? The Jughead Hat I made for a friend. Not because it was the fanciest or best yarn, but because it was so perfectly him and he loved it.

13. Are their any knitting/crochet techniques that you would like to learn? Two hand stranded knitting.

Your result for The Harry Potter Husband Test...

Mrs. Bill Weasley

Your perfect HP man is Bill Weasley.

You like guys who are cool. And not cool in that fake, dicky way, but actually cool. He's so cool that they couldn't find any actor to adequately portray him, so they decided to just leave him out of the movies rather than risk not doing justice to his coolness. He's like the Chuck Norris of Harry Potter: plain freaking awesome. When Voldemort says "You-Know-Who", he's talking about Bill Weasley.

(Fanarty by The Starhorse http://the-starhorse.deviantart.com/ Used with permission.)

Take The Harry Potter Husband Test at HelloQuizzy

PRIZE YARN!!!

What a loverly surprise I received today. Two packages swooped into the Cafe late this afternoon and one of them was this beautious hank of yarn I won for the kit I assembled for HSKS5. A sweet treat and very lovely card accompanied. What was in the other package? Well that's a surprise for someone at Hogwarts, so I'm not tellin'.

Winding up for another term

So it's on! HSKS 6 is underway. New Head Girl Lavender Diggory-Dolohov is already prowling the halls looking to make trouble for those goodie-too shoes from Gryffindor. I'm trying to figure out how to enchant the paintings so that she can have eyes everywhere!

I've been thinking a bit about my, as yet unassigned, swap partner. The last two swaps I've had a Ravenclaw. This time I'm hoping for a 'Puff. It would bee fun to sting someone with little surprises and set them buzzing.......

I Customized A Harmony #10

So I just went all MacGyver on a Harmony #10 and am thrilled with the results. I’m finishing up the Doctor’s Bag from Knit2Together (of the "Seeking Public Accountability" thread). All the seams are finished by picking up around the pieces then grafted. It makes a really nice finished edge, but it means picking up a couple hundred stitches (and it is knit double-strand). So I’m picking up with a crochet hook and transfering the stitches off the back end of the crochet hook to a KP Harmony needle - one needle on a cable with a “stop” on the other end. And I think, “an interchangeable crochet hook end would be so cool.” Then I pull out the Dremel tool and ……
























































For which I was awarded a Level Three MacGyver Knitting Scout badge by fellow Ravalier Telcontar.

Emma Scrimgeour is a Spoiled Witch!

... who doesn't have a camera. So at the risk of tooting my own horn here are the pictures.

Quidditch - Round Three

1. When Hagrid returns to Hogwarts after being sent to see the giants with Madame Maxime, Professor Umbridge questions him on his late return to school. She suspects that Hagrid had been to the mountains, but where does he tell her he has been?
d. South of France

2. Professor Umbridge comes to Hagrid's Hut and searches his cabin one evening (as she believes Harry, Ron and Hermione are there visiting him at night when they are not supposed to). When she walks past the place where Harry, Ron and Hermione are hiding under the Invisibility Cloak, Harry holds his breath. True or false?
b. False

3. A stately-looking witch in an emerald green shawl is one of the members of the Advance Guard who rescues Harry from Privet Drive. What is her name?
a. Emmeline Vance

4. What is the name of the witch who was killed two weeks after the photo of the original Order of the Phoenix was taken?
b. Marlene McKinnon

5. Which two fifth year Ravenclaw students does Dumbledore choose to be prefects?
d. Anthony Goldstein and Padma Patil

6. Which house was Rose Zeller sorted into?
d. Hufflepuff

7. What is the color of Murtlap's essence?
c. Yellow

8. Name the Ravenclaw girl who became prefect in Harry's fifth year.
b. Padma Patil

9. According to a healer's portrait at St. Mungo's hospital, which disease was Ron suffering from?
d. Spattergroit

10. Which book did Harry give Hermione for Christmas?
a. "New Theory of Numberology"


Bonus point: What movie will Robert Patterson (Pattinson?) star in this December?
Twilight

Spoiled Times Two!

A special priority owl swooped into Beanswallow's yesterday carrying a large and very flat package. What in the world could it be? Turns out it was a lovely pair of sock blockers (made by Jalanna Kedavra herself), some dandy candy - homemade caramel and some Jelly Beans, lovely note cards and a precious little parcel of lavender from Jalanna's garden. Thank you so much, it is all wonderful and I'm sure to enjoy using (and eating!) it all.

Done, but no proof :-(

So my spoilee's handmade item is finished (and it is ::sqee:: lovely! However, I left my camera at a little league game and it went home with the sister-in-law. Trying to figure out how to get a picture to the Headmistress before midnight! I tried to tell the Slytherin Prefect that the dog ate my homework and she didn't buy it......

War Path

Someone's in trouble! Mrs. Wartbobble and Prefect Moody are both beating the drums. Blog, little witches, blog.

Quidditch - Round Two.1

'Fraid I got a nasty head cold during our last bought of quidditch and will have to sit this one out. Hang on to those brooms and SSSSSSSSSSSSSoar Slytherin!

Quidditch - Round Two

1. At the beginning of the year feast, who is the only person who rudely interrupts Dumbledore during his speech?
b. Professor Umbridge


2. Off what street is the alley where Harry first met Sirius?
b. Little Whinging


3. Tonks’ mother had two sisters, both pure-bloods, and both left on the Black Family Tree. What are their names?
c. Narcissa and Bellatrix


4. What spell are the students studying in McGonalgall’s class when Umbrdige is doing her inspection?
d. The Vanishing Spell


5. Who comes to warn Harry and the rest of Dumbledore’s Army that Umbridge and her group of followers are coming to break up their meeting?
Dobby

6. Who are the members of the Order that met Harry Potter in the Dursely’s house during the summer before his fifth year?
c. Alastor Moody, Nymphadora Tonks, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Elphias Doge, Dedalus Diggle, Remus Lupin, Emmeline Vance, Sturgis Podmore, Hestia Jones

7. Moody used the Disillusionment Charm on Harry.
a. Yes


8. Which of these Death Eaters is Sirius related to?
d. All of these


9. At what age did Sirius leave his home?
16


10. How many of the original Order members were killed (don’t include those who disappeared)?
b. 8

Post Card from Jolanna

Look what arrived by owl this morning! Jolanna informs me this is the Muskingum River, the largest river in Ohio. She also informed me more goodies were on the way! I love goodies........

I was RAOK'd!

How fabulous are these Shrimp Stitch markers and the Golden Snitch tape? Thank you Lavender Ackerly! Big WET SLOPPY KISSES!

My First Mini Sock

Well I didn't get a picture of it, but my first mini sock is winging its way to Oregon. It is Slytherin green with silver grey stripes and I tucked it inside a little present, accompanied by another little present which is a pattern for something inside something else. Confused? Maybe someone from Slytherin will blog an explanation.

In the pre-dawn mist....

Believe, my friends and classmates, this is a true story. Twice I have meet magic in the hour before dawn, this is a story of the first. In 1982 I was entering my sophomore year at Minneapolis College of Art and Design. Having spent most of the night in my studio space in the fine arts building, I needed to stretch my legs and pick up a pack a cigarettes. The nearest source of smokes - a vending machine at the Fair Oaks Motel - was just two blocks from school. The weather was chilly and moist, a heavy fog lay like cotton candy and swirled around my legs as I walked.

MCAD, The Children's Theater Company and the Minneapolis Institute of Art form an aesthetic triangle on the south side of town and the MIA stoop seemed a good place to have a quiet smoke. As I finished, dawn began to arrive. A soft pink glow infused the vapor as I turned the corner. Standing quit clearly in front of the Children's Theatre was a unicorn. Looking at me as I looked at him, clearly neither of us expecting the other. I was to find this small, cream colored beast was know to his friends as Lancelot. A single, straight horn grew from above his brow ridge directly in the center of his forehead. His companion (whose name is lost to time) informed me they had arrived earlier than expected to an event being held at the Theatre. After hanging out for a bit on a grassy bit of lawn, the man went over to the motel for a cup of coffee and Lancelot and I shared a cigarette. Of course I smoked mine; he ate his.

After going home and getting some sleep, I awoke wondering if the chance meeting could have been a dream. It seemed almost certainly a product of paint fumes and exhaustion. Until I opened my Camel's and found one single, wavy, golden, wiry hair.

HSKS 5 Bag Arrived!

hsks5,
originally uploaded by Beanswallow.

Thanks Jalanna Kedavra. Clockwise: the bag, wool wash, yarn, sock pattern, lined journal and post-it stickers.

Quidditch Round One

1. Which of Arabella Figg's cats ran out from under the car?
Tibbles

2. Which of the following is NOT one of Albus Dumbledore's middle names?
Ignatius

3. Which educational decree introduced a High Inquisitor to Hogwarts?
23

4. Apart from Harry, Ron and Hermione, who was the first person to enter the Hog's Head that showed an interest in Harry's Defence Against the Dark Arts classes?
Neville Longbottom

5. In the first Quidditch match of the year which player attempted to score first?
Angelina Johnson

6. What kind of bush does Harry hide behind to listen to the news?
A hydrangea bush

7. Why is Mundungus Fletcher disguised as a woman when he witnesses the DA (Dumbledore's Army) meeting in the Hog's Head pub?
He was banned from the Hog’s Head pub 20 years ago.

8. When Harry and Cho go on their first date to Madam Puddifoot's in Hogsmeade, what is it decorated with for Valentine's Day?
Golden cherubs and pink confetti

9. How old is Sturgis Podmore and where does he live?
38 and number 2 Laburnum Gardens Clapham

10. What did Fred and George Weasley do to Montague?
Forced him head-first into a Vanishing Cabinet on the first floor.

My First Scarf

So my friend muggle friend Neville and I are going to learn how to knit, right? So we go to the LYS and I buy a lovely skein of Manos, a ball of black mohair and a bee-u-tiful pair of Lantern Moon US #17 needles. Before I had gotten 8 inches, Neville was finished! So I took what remained of his primarily red Manos and incorporated it into my scarf as a stripe! I knew I wanted a long scarf...... Well, I ran out of the black Manos and got another ball. THEN I ran out of the mohair and got another ball. THEN I ran out of Manos AGAIN! Got another ball. Notice a pattern? Same problem with cheese and crackers! Anyway, I got my long scarf (better than ten feet!) - and here are pictures to prove it!

First House Quiz

1. How many goal posts are on the Quidditch Pitch?
Six

2. Who was portrayed in the picture that kept screaming in the headquarters for the Order of the Phoenix?
Sirius' mother, Walburga

3. Who was giving Hagrid all of those bruises and cuts?
His half brother Grawp

4. Who left his shift early, leaving Harry open to a dementor attack?
Mundungus Fletcher

5. What was the name of the Squib who came to Harry's side after the attack?
Miss Figg

6. What position was Percy promoted to that made him have a 'row' with Mr. Weasley?
Jr. Asst. to the Minister

7. What secret does Hermione know about Rita Skeeter?
She is an animagus

8. Name one person other than Sirius Black who was scratched off of the Family tree wall?
Cedrella, who 'married Septimus Weasley'. She was struck off just for marrying a blood traitor Weasley.

9. Who discovers the room of requirement?
Someone in need of it.

10. Where is the first DA meeting held?
Hog's Head Inn

Showing Slytherin Pride

Green Little Piggies,
originally uploaded by Beanswallow.

This girl is rockin' the green and silver from head to TOES!

What Carma Means

You are very open. You communicate well, and you connect with other people easily. You are a naturally creative person. Ideas just flow from your mind. A true chameleon, you are many things at different points in your life. You are very adaptable. You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun. You are confident, self assured, and capable. You are not easily intimidated. You master any and all skills easily. You don't have to work hard for what you want. You make your life out to be exactly how you want it. And you'll knock down anyone who gets in your way! You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out. Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia. Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person. You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow. You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily. Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is. You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless - and you have a lot of questions about life. You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You're most comfortable when you're far away from home. You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Whole lotta talkin' goin' on!

Well! Long letter this morning from my spoiler! Jalanna Kedavra sounds like a delightful woman. Bright, vital, a little athletic and she's got some Mallowsweet wine fermenting under her bed! My spoilee is Miss Emma Scrimgeour and she has some rather ::cough:: exotic pastimes - she's a belly dancer! Anyway, I haven't even signed up for classes yet. Got to get on the stick.......

Got my girl!

So my spoilee this term is Emma Scrimgeour - naturally one of the Ravenclaw Emmas! I'm really looking forward to getting to know her and spoiling her rotten.

The Bag

bag,
originally uploaded by Beanswallow.

How fab is this bag?! I must admit to liking "grown up" looking things and this bag suits me to a T. Almost had to wrestle my playground companion to get the bag back!

The "Main" Yarn

yarn,
originally uploaded by Beanswallow.

How funny is it that this beautiful hand-dyed yarn was born in Maryland, shipped to Utah, only to be put on a return owl to Baltimore! It is Crazy 4 Dyeing and my picture does not do it justice. Oh, the the stitch markers? The bronze color bits look like coffee beans...

Mini Me

MiniMe,
originally uploaded by Beanswallow.

OK, how precious is this?! Cliodna Trelawney made it herself! And it looks just like ME! Funny thing is, Clio had no way of knowing my first real job was in a ceramic shop. Back in the 1970's I bet I painted about 100 owls, pheasants and Elvis busts!

Do I Smell Funny?

goodies3,
originally uploaded by Beanswallow.

Cotton yarns and a crochet hook for a wash cloth (pattern in my binder), a scrubby and nice shower gel and lotion. Unfortunately, the sweet little candle holder for the tea lights was broken (poor Hoot must have dropped the package before he dropped dead).

A Coffee Theme

goodies1,
originally uploaded by Beanswallow.

You should have smelled this package when I opened it! Coffee and vanilla - yum! The mug says "Mom always said beans were good for you".

Magical Fiber Arts

magical fiber arts,
originally uploaded by Beanswallow.

A very cool note book that includes sock patterns (one called Ampersand - very cool for a former typesetter), legwarmers, a crochet Swiffer® cover, and other fun things.