Tuesday, August 25, 2009

End of Summer Camp

We are in the final week of Hogwarts Summer Camp HSKS8. It seems like just a week or so ago that I was in online staff meeting, planning with the other counselors and getting our cabins set up. Where did the time go? HSKS9 is going to be a Quidditch themed swap, which sounds like it could be a whole lot of fun. I may need to sit this next one out though. Once I get everything set up and approved for my Workforce NY training, I'll be starting that and will need to dedicate a whole lot of time to completing that. I'm hoping to know my schedule and have everything in place by the time sign ups start, so I won't make my decision until then.

This weekend I taught my Sock Yarn Dyeing Class at one of the local yarn shops. There were 9 ladies in the class, who were all pretty excited about learning. It was a good mix of people and a good class size. I was able to spend much more one-on-one with each of them compared to last fall when I had a class of 20.

We has a very tasty pasta salad for lunch, made by the shop owner's husband, along with a loaf of homemade bread. I had a glass of white wine with lunch, so I was much more socially lubricated for the 2nd half of the class. Everyone had a great time and I'm looking forward to seeing knit up results from those who took the class.

That's all for now....

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Owl From Luna Starlette

It seems like I'm running late at posting everything these days. Well a couple of days ago an owl delivered a package for me from Luna Starlette.
It was filled with all sorts of goodies and kit supplies.
There was some Swish DK from Knit Picks, which I have not tried yet. Along with a Knit Picks gift certificate, you can always use that. A tidy little Hufflepuff bag carries it all.
There was also a pattern for the "H Is For Hufflepuff" Fingerless Mitts. I need to practice my 2-Handed Fair Isle Knitting, so this will come in handy.There was a big bar of Dark Chocolate (my favorite), a pac of Soak Wool Wash, and a set of Suede Slipper Bottoms for Fiber Trends Felted Slippers. How did she know I love wearing those? :-)Last, but certainly not least is a one-of-a-kind Hufflepuff T-Shirt! Check out the back!
It appears that someone must have put a reducto charm on the t-shirt because it's rather on the snug side. I'm sure I wear a Large, I've always worn a large. I think Wisteria's prankster cousin Thistle may have way-laid this owl to pull another of her well known pranks. I'm sure Wisty would agree on that.

Thanks again Luna.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

A Busy Week

Have had a lot going on this week and haven't been able to spend much time as Antonio. My kit has been sitting, waiting to be sent. I have one thing left to do, then just pictures, wrap it up and package it, then send it out. It will be on the top of my Friday To-Do-List.

I've also been busy with the Buffalo Knitting Guild. First, one of the LYS owners has me teaching sock yarn dyeing at her shop on the 22nd. So I need to get everything ready for that. My order of base yarn just came in yesterday, so I have to wind off skeins from the cone for the class to use. Have to double check my hand out materials to make sure I have enough of those.

I'm also working on the Guild newsletter, which is almost finished (can't wait for that to be done). Just need to fill one more page, then it goes to the printer. I'll also be teaching my sock yarn dyeing class in November for the guild.

I started a computer class this week to learn Microsoft Access. I'm looking to go to school for Web Design and Programming, so this is a good start and it's a free class through the Department of Labor. We have Friday off, then start again on Monday.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Knit and Crochet Show

Today I went to the market at the Knit & Crochet Show, put on by The Knitters Guild of America and the Crochet Guild Of America. I have to say that I was completely underwhelmed by the whole experience. The market floor was far from packed, while there was a good number of vendors, there was very little that called out "buy me" to me. Plus when I go to these things I don't want to spend my money on something I can get at any one of the local yarn stores. I did wind up getting 2 skeins of hand-painted sock yarn. I was able to resist the Buffalo Yarn at $75 per skein.

What disappointed me was that there seemed to be nothing else going on, other than the $95/3 hour classes. There were no demos, presentations, shows, nor was there a single bit of swag for attendees. I've gone to the Knitters Fair in Kitchener-Waterloo and had a much better time and felt I got more for my admission.

I did run into several members of the Buffalo Knitting Guild, as well as Joan DeBolt who taught our Spring Seminars. I also saw one of the guy I met at the Men's Spring Knitting Retreat.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

SUMMER CAMP GAMES - Week #6

The Headmistress' Potions

1. Draught of Peace
2. Mandrake Draught
3. Babbling Beverage
4. Murtlap Essence
5. Felix Felicis
6. Sleekeazy's Hair Potion
7. Pepperup Potion