Antonio dela Weasley

Good Things Come To Those Who Wait

2010-01-30T15:12:00.007-05:00

I'm definitely smiling in this picture because of the package of awesomeness that I received last week from my swap partner Sibohan.

It was late in the day when her owl dropped this package at my door step. Once I opened it, I found it full of blue and siler wrapped goodies.

The perfect end to a long day is getting to unwrap all sorts of goodies. Here is everything that came in the package. Quite a a haul!

There was chocolates, jelly beans, Harry Potter activity books, sock yarn, a sock pattern, Starbucks coffee, a crochet beanie, more blue and grey wool, stitch markers and blocking pins. Like I said, quite the haul!

A close up of the yarns. The sock yarn is really soft and I can't wait to make myself some socks with it.

The height of awesomeness... a Hufflepuff Prefect Badge!

Lastly, a close up of the crochet beanie, which I was able to wear while shoveling snow this week. Thanks again to my awesome spoiler!

Final Quidditch Post

2009-12-19T23:12:00.000-05:00

Well it's the final week of Quidditch Around the World: HSKS9... where did the time go to? It seems like we just signed up a couple of weeks ago. I really enjoyed participating in Shuntbumps this time around. It was a really great selection of patterns, they were challenging and the competition was pretty fierce.

My owl Artimus is winging his way up to Canada with my package for Stuart Cauldwell. Those international flight seem to take so long, even though the distance between us is not a great amount. I'm looking forward to seeing what Stuart thinks of the package I put together.

Well that's all for now. It's getting late, but I wanted to be sure to post tonight.

Artimus Heads North

2009-12-11T00:52:00.000-05:00

My kit is all boxed up and ready to go. I will be going to the Owl Post with Artimus tomorrow to arrange his flight out to Canada. The Owl Post will give him protective enchantments against the severe cold weather we've been having. He will definitely be needing that. Fortunately he'll be able to rest up once he arrives at Stuart Cauldwell's before returning.

How Bout Dat!

2009-12-05T00:18:00.000-05:00

It seemed like it would never end. Rowena and I were the finalists in the Knitting League of Shuntbumps and neither of us was making progress on our final project. After trudging through the last few rows, the unending I-cord strap, the seaming together and last but not least finding buttons that worked... I finally finished it!

Hope Mom likes it because it is going to be her Christmas gift.

Make It Work!

2009-11-25T22:50:00.012-05:00

Uncle Vincenzio has been involved in a swap of his own that her just received his package for. It was the Sock Kit Swap on Ravelry, where they had to make a pair of socks for their partner as well as put together a sock kit. This package came in last week. Lots of red wrapping paper in that box!

The kit included 3 hanks of Koigu sock yarn! And a "Men Who Knit" coffee mug! Along with the sock pattern was Nancy Bush's "Knitting Vintage Socks" which I had just borrowed from the Knitting Guild's library and was thinking of getting for myself.

The highlight of the kit was the black canvas bag from Mood Designer Fabric! I literally squealed when I saw it! It is a huge bag and it will make a great project bag!

What A Week!

2009-11-21T22:32:00.002-05:00

Last weekend I was in Chicago and South West Michigan for the Men's Mid-West Knitting Retreat. There were 14 of us all together and it was a great time!

I think we are quite the handsome group of gentlemen knitters! :-) I will be posting more pictures from the retreat. I just downloaded them from my camera but have not had a chance to go through them.

While at the retreat we went to several fiber related places; Lorna's Laces, Marr Haven Fibers, Briar Rose Fibers and the Circle R Alpaca Ranch. Got to see a lot and bought some fibery goodness. I even picked up a couple things to send to my spoilee, Stuart Cauldwell. But I'm not going to say what. :-)

Today I taught another Sock Yarn Dyeing Class fro the Knitting Guild of Greater Buffalo. It was a smaller group this time but everyone was really into it. We saw some great colors created today. A fun time was had by all.

MMWKR

2009-11-11T23:48:00.000-05:00

Well I am almost packed for the Men's Mid-West Knitting Retreat. My flight is Thursday morning at 7:41. So I need to finish packing and get to bed because I'll be up early. My flight arrives at 8:35, so it should be 9:30 or 10:00 am by the time I get to the bed and breakfast that I'll be staying at on Thursday. We have some things planned in Chicago for the day, then we leave Friday morning for the Circle Pines where we will be staying until Sunday.

I've packed a few projects to work on while I'm there: my top-down henley that I'm making for myself, pair of socks for myself, pair of socks for dad, Queen Anne's Lace shawl, my Shuntbumps finals project and I dug out some wool for a hat. LOL! Wonder if that will be enough...

Speaking of the Shuntbumps Finals... Oiy! What a project for the final round! It is a great pattern and an awesome cabled bag, but it is slow going. It used worsted weight wool on US2 needles! So it is a tight gauge, to give a firm fabric. It does not knit up quickly. Both Rowena and I are going slow on it. I also want to get it right, without any mistakes. This is going to be Mom's Christmas present.

Well, gotta finish packing my suitcase, get the laptop packed up, and print out anything I need to bring with me tomorrow. Don't want to have to do that stuff while rushing in the morning. We will have internet access at the Center, so I'll try to post when I can over the weekend.

Where's Winnie...?

2009-11-06T22:42:00.000-05:00

No idea what-so-ever... seriously.

On other news... Uncle Vincenzio and I are going on another Wizards Knitting Retreat. This time it will be in the Mid-West of the States. We'll be heading off next week to Chicago to meet up with a group of 14 other wizards for a 3 day retreat. We arrive in Chicago on Thursday and will be meeting everyone at one of the Local Wool Shops called Loopy Yarns. Later that day we are scheduled for a tour of Lorna's Laces.

Friday morning we will be traveling by muggle automobiles to the Circle Pines Center, where we will be staying until Sunday. Saturday we have a field trip scheduled to Briar Rose Fibers, where we will get to tour their actual studio space. We're also be going to the Circle R Alpaca Ranch. That night we are having a Harry Potter movie night and PJ Party.

Sunday, after lunch, we head back to Chicago, where Uncle Vincenzio and I will be staying overnight and heading back home Monday afternoon.

This, That, and the Other Thing...

2009-10-31T22:06:00.000-04:00

Believe it or not, I don't purposely wait until the end of the week to do my weekly blog posting, it just always seems to work out that way. My goal for next week is to blog before Saturday evening.

Where in the world is Winnie... I seriously have no idea! My brain does not know how to wrap itself around these cryptic clues that she posts. Somehow my mates are coming up with the answers, but I have no idea how they are getting there. So based on popular belief, Winnie was at Queerditch Marsh and Appleby Village.

As for other things going on... Uncle Vincnezio has been involved in a swap of his own. He is just finishing up the Sock Kit Swap 2 and will be sending off an owl on Monday. His swap partner is in New York City and works in a theater as a dresser. UncleVincenzio knit up a pair of Gridiron Socks that were designed by Anne Hanson. They came out smashingly well and he will most likely be making another pair for himself. He's also put together a sock kit with patterns, hand-dyed sock yarn, needles and lots of assorted goodies. Now that Uncle V has finished his swap we can concentrate on my swap package for Stuart.

Some more exciting news is that Uncle Vincenzio and I will be traveling to the American Mid-West
for the Men's Mid-West Knitting Retreat. We'll be traveling to Chicago and staying there for a night. The next day the group will be traveling to a camp retreat in Delton, MI where we will be staying for 3 days. Then we will spend another night in Chicago before returning home. It should be a very fun and exciting time.

Where's Winnie...

2009-10-24T22:20:00.000-04:00

Wonder if I'm going to earn a special commendation for doing these assignments at the last minute each week?

I'm going with the general consensus of Dunedin, New Zealand and Stanstead, Quebec Canada. Makes as much sense as anything else.

I think next week I'll do this earlier... or maybe not...

Quidditch Assignment

2009-10-17T23:30:00.002-04:00

Yoiks! Nothing like waiting until it's down to the wire toget this done. But I just finished my Shuntbump competition a few minutes ago. Been a busy week and a busy Saturday. So here goes:

1. Someone with the same craft as you:
Emma Gorodok is a knitter and she hand dyes.
2. Someone who was born in the same month:
Minerva Wood and I are both May babies
3. Someone from a different country:
Eugene Nigeno is from the Netherlands
4. A new HSKS Quidditch player:
Saraid Swiftrunner is a firstie
5. A player who has been in 3 or more HSKS swaps:
Wisterias Lovegood gets around... I mean has been around! LOL! She was my spoilee for my first swap, HSKS4
6. A player who has a bigger stash than you!
Megaera Black has 236 yarns stashed! Even if I had all my yarn in my Ravelry stash I don't think it would be that much!It would be a lot though!
7. A player who both knits and crochets:
Madame Ferula McGonagal
8. Someone who has the same favorite color as you:
Siobhan Mooney and I both like greens and blues

Favorites and Wish List

2009-10-10T22:48:00.000-04:00

This will be a work in progress as I think of things or see things I would like. My Ravelry queue also gives you a good idea of the things I like.

Favorite Colors: Blue, Green, Grey, Brown. Prefer deep, darker colors, bright colors are okay.
Favorite Scents: Cinnamon,Vanilla
Favorite Yarn Brands: Brown Sheep, Cascade 220, Berroco Ultra Alpaca
Favorite Yarn Types: Lace Weight, Sock Yarn, Wool, Merino, Alpaca. Not a big fan of cotton, especially for sock yarns
Favorite Snacks: Dark Chocolate, Anything Peanut Butter or Cinnamon
Favorite Needles: KnitPicks Harmony, Addi Turbo, Inox, ChiaoGoo

Bits of Info On Me:
I'm a knitter. I do not crochet
No Allergies
Coffee drinker, I like roasted blends, house blends, cinnamon flavored. Not a big fan of fruit flavored coffees.
I like making socks, lace, pattern stitch
Don't like dangly, beaded stitch markers

Wish List:
KnitSpot/Anne Hanson Patterns
Good men's patterns
(more to come as I think on this)

HSKS9 - Quidditch Around The World

2009-10-10T10:19:00.000-04:00

Time for another round of HSKS and this time we are doing Quidditch. After try-outs I was assigned to the Appleby Arrows, so I've started my first training assignment by incorporating the colors of the Arrows around here. Still have more to do for this assignment, but will finish that up later today.

End of Summer Camp

2009-08-25T13:34:00.002-04:00

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....

Owl From Luna Starlette

2009-08-20T17:58:00.003-04:00

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.

A Busy Week

2009-08-13T21:14:00.003-04:00

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.

Knit and Crochet Show

2009-08-08T22:50:00.004-04:00

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.

SUMMER CAMP GAMES - Week #6

2009-08-02T00:44:00.002-04:00

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

Sock Kit Swap - OOC

2009-07-26T20:15:00.004-04:00

In addition to HSKS Summer Camp, I was also participating in the Sock Kit Swap 2 on Ravelry. This was the first swap I was ever in that I had to knit socks for someone else. Except for 3 pairs, every pair of socks I've made have been for myself. This was also the first time I wasn't making a pair of mens socks.

The theme for the swap was "Favorites", so you could use your favorite pattern, favorite sock yarns, favorite colors. Of course we kept in contact with our swap partner to learn what their favorites were. It was a lot of fun and very different from the HSKS.

The package from my partner came in late on Saturday. We are last on our mail carrier's route, so we always get our mail late in the day. Plus I was out of the house whe nit was delivered and did not get home until early evening. Here are some pics of the kit I was sent.

The dark blue sack is a GoKnit Pouch that you can feed your yarn through and attach to a bag strap or belt so you can easily take your knitting with you.
She sent 2 KnitPicks Harmony Circular needles! Plus a Mini-Sock Blocker Key Chain, which is also a needle gauge.
A skein of hand-painted sock yarn from one of the local Portland dyers.
And the socks that she knit for me!
Here are the socks that I made her. I was very proud of the fact that the stripes matched on both socks. That never happens!

SUMMER CAMP GAMES - Week #5; Part 2

2009-07-25T14:46:00.006-04:00

1. Animagus

2. Daily Prophet
4. Bowtruckle
5. Extendable Ears
5. Radish Earrings
6. Forbidden Forrest
7. Golden Cherub
8. Thestral
9. High Inquisitor
Dolores Umbridge and Uncle Vincenzio
10. Educational Degree

SUMMER CAMP GAMES - Week #5

2009-07-21T22:01:00.000-04:00

PART 1

1. Animagus
2. Daily Prophet
3. Bowtruckle
4. Extendable Ear
5. Radish Earrings
6. Forbidden Forest
7. Golden Cherub
8. Thestral
9. High Inquisitor
10. Educational Decree

Part 2 is in the works...

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

2009-07-16T22:21:00.003-04:00

Tuesday night I was able to attend the Muggle opening of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." Uncle Vincenzio was able to get tickets for myself and my two best friends: Malibu Riddle and Johnny Malfoy. We arrived early and had time to stop in a nearby pub for a pint of Butterbeer before the show.

There were many Muggles dressed in Wizards attire, so we blended in perfectly. There was a moment when one young Muggle tried to grab Malibu's wand and many of them commented on how authentic our wizards attire and wands looked. If they only knew :-)

I will say that the Muggle who made this film did not stay true to the history of Harry Potter. He completed ignored my cousin William being attacked by Greyback and the attack on the Weasley family home did not happen until Bill and Fleur were married. Malibu explained that these Muggles tend to change stories around to make what they think will be a more appealing story.

By the time the show had let out it was quite late and it had been a long day. Although we were asked the strangest thing outside of the theatre. A young Muggle approached us asking if we had jumper cables and could give him a jump? I had no idea what he meant, but Johnny quickly responded, saying that we couldn't help him. I guess it has something to do with those Muggle automobiles. After he was out of site we each mounted our brooms to head home.

It was a long night but we had a really good time.

SUMMER CAMP GAMES - Week #3

2009-07-10T00:00:00.003-04:00

I've never been fond of snakes. They are alright in a case, behind glass. But I don't want to hold one or have it crawling over me.
Riddikulus!
What walks down stairs, alone or in pairs, and makes a slinkity sound?
A spring, a spring, a marvelous thing! Everyone knows it's Slinky.
It's Slinky, it's Slinky. For fun it's a wonderful toy.
It's Slinky, it's Slinky. It's fun for a girl or a boy.
It's fun for a girl or a boy!

Wizards Vernal Equinox Knitting Retreat

2009-07-04T12:43:00.006-04:00

During the break between HSKS7 and HSKS Summer Camp, I was able to attend the Wizards Vernal Equinox Knitting Retreat with Uncle Vincenzio. It was held at a lovely mountain resort in a Muggle area known as Greenwich, NY... with is 30 miles from Albany. The resort isn't on the Floo Network and our brooms could not hold everything we needed to bring with us, so we traveling in Uncle Vincenzio's Muggle automobile.

Uncle Vincenzio isn't used to traveling remote country roads, so there were times we thought we would never get there. But we did arrive and checked in just in time for dinner that first night.

Wizards from all over America and Canada traveled to this retreat. There was even a wizard who came all the way from Australia! There were 42 wizards total who attended. Here is a group photo of those in attendance.
We shared a cabin with 3 other wizards; Kyle, John and Chuck.
We worked on a group project where those of us attending knit or crocheted a 15" blanket square. At the retreat the squares were assembled into a blanket that was donated to the Easton Mountain Resort on behalf of the Wizards Knitting Retreat.

The attendees volunteered to teach workshops on specific knitting and crochet topics. Uncle Vincenzio taught Continental Knitting and the Magic Loop Technique. There were some great workshops and a whole lot of knitting and crocheting going on.
Of course there was spinning as well.
We even got some staff members to take up needles and learn the basics.
After a hard day of fiber related fun, there was also time for relaxing.
We also had a night of Show-N-Tell, where everyone showed off their creations.
We had a great time and will definitely be going back again next year!

The Truths

2009-06-25T11:41:00.004-04:00

Well last week we posted our get to know your cabin-mates activity. More than one person guessed correctly, but one person got it right and knew the reason why. Here's the explanation of each:

1. I am living in the house that I grew up in.
TRUE - this is a 2 family home that my parents own. Mom and Dad are living in the downstairs flat and I live in the upstairs flat.

2. I have never traveled outside of the United States.
FALSE! - Wisteria got it exactly right. We are located by the Canadian border and you only need cross the Niagara River to enter Canada. Growing up we would go to the Crystal Beach Amusement Park every summer. Until 9-11 it was not considered uncommon to cross an International Border to go play Bingo or go to a Chinese Restaurant.

3. My job in the printing field had me working on Books 1-6 of the Harry Potter series.
TRUE - the company I worked at until 2006 had a contract with Scholastic Books. I worked on many of the illustrated children's books they published as well as Harry Potter 1-6. We all had to sign non-disclosure agreements so once the materials were in house my official statement was "Harry Potter? I don't even know who that is!"

4. I have two brothers, an older brother and a younger brother.
TRUE - I am the poor middle child who never got anything! ;-)

Bernadette, Emma and the visiting Wisteria guessed correctly!

SUMMER CAMP GAMES - Week #1

2009-06-16T20:33:00.005-04:00

PART 1 - What's In Your Trunk"
Antonio brought...
1. Apricots
2. Alpaca Yarn
3. Angel Food Cake
4. Apple Cider
5. Alarm Clock
6. Ankle Socks
7. Art Supplies
8. Aardvark
9. Ant Farm
10. Abba's Greatest Hits (on CD)

PART 2 - WINGO! Wizard Bingo
It took some doing. I didn't think I would find a May birthday who was at Summer Camp.
The only I didn't have was a Patronus. I don't like the answers I get in the quizzes. Plus I would say my Patronus would be something like a giraffe or a penguin. Highly doubtful anyone has that :-).

PART 3 - Get to know your Spoiler & Spoilee
Left a comment on the project page for:
SPOILEE Violet le Veela's Lucky Diamonds socks (want!) and
SPOILER Luna Stalette's raglan baby sweater

WINGO Assistance
For anyone who needs help filling spaces for Wingo, here are things about me that fit
I'm a Hufflepuff
I like Dark Chocolate
I have 2 brothers
I dye yarn
I've been to a castle, the Casa Loma in Toronto, Ontario
I have a wand (2 in fact), but not a wizard hat
I collect Depression Era Green Glass
This is my 5th HSKS
I was born in May
I'm a Hufflepuff
I've taken the train to NYC
I live in Buffalo, NY... don't know if anyone is with 100 miles. Have to check on that one myself

Hope this helps

WELCOME TO SUMMER CAMP!

2009-06-14T16:15:00.004-04:00

It's almost the start of HSKS 8 - Summer Camp! This time around I am a Camp Counselor for the Manticore Cabin. We've got a mix in our cabin of 2 members from each of the four Hogwarts houses. Plus two of them are joining us at HSKS for the first time. It's a great mix of people and the Manticores are already looking to be a chatty group, especially our youngest member Gryphon the Great who is a ball of excitement and the most awesome 13 year old you'd ever want to meet.

To start out our summer we are doing a camp activity in each cabin called:

3 Lies And A Truth!

Here are 4 things about me (not about my HP character Antonio, but 4 things about Vince). Three of those things are the truth and one of them is a lie. My cabin-mates have to guess which one is the lie.

1. I am living in the house that I grew up in.
2. I have never traveled outside of the United States.
3. My job in the printing field had me working on Books 1-6 of the Harry Potter series.
4. I have two brothers, an older brother and a younger brother.

The members of the Manticore Cabin should all respond to this post with their guess as to which is the lie.

Spoiled By Belladonna Boomslang Moody

2009-05-08T21:07:00.005-04:00

I arrived home today to find this Muggle Post package hung on my door. I had received an owl from my spoiler Belladonna Boomslang Moody earlier this week, stating that she needed to send my package by Muggle Post because she could not find an owl large enough to carry it.
The package was stuffed full, as you can see from the copious amounts of Muggle Spello-tape that was needed to secure the package.
Once I had opened the package it was filled near bursting, with all sorts of goodies! First was this totally awesome felted shoulder satchel. I'm sure to be all the envy at next week's Knitting Guild meeting. Uncle Vincenzio and I will also be attending the Wizard's Spring Knitting Retreat next weekend, so this will come in handy to carry my projects. Uncle Vincenzio has been eyeing the bag and I'm sure I heard him say soemthing about transfiguring the tag from an "A" to a "V".
The satchel was just filled with yarn, needles and loads of other goodies.
There was also a black cloth project bag holding sock yarn as well as worsted weight yarn so I can make myself a hat to match my Hufflepuff house scarf.
KnitPicks Harmony circulars, my favorites; a pocket knife; mini book light, initial book mark; sock shaped point protectors, Hufflepuff mini calculator, Puff Picture Frame.
I'm not one for "dangly stitch markers" so she sent be a bag of black rubber O-Rings! O-Rings FTW!!!
A whole bunch of patterns: 3 sock patterns and 2 hat patterns.
A coffee lovers favorite... there's nothing like that 459th cup of coffee in the morning!
And since she had to include at least one dangly stitch marker; a potion bottle filled with a powdered potion from Professor Slughorn (who knows what it might do... luck potion, poison antidote, powdered unicorn horn?)
Again, thank you Bella for being an awesome spoiler! I'm going to clean out my knitting bag to put it all in my new satchel!

Dyeing With Uncle Vincenzio

2009-05-02T22:33:00.005-04:00

It's been a busy couple of weeks, dyeing lots of sock yarn for Uncle Vincenzio's shop. There was a 2 day Fiber Festival organized by Erinesstra Von-Hootenburg, who runs the Enchanted Ewe Woolery.

This afternoon all of the participating shops gathered at the town square for a party and fiber market. Erinesstra invited Uncle Vincenzio to participate, so he needed plenty of dyed sock yarn for the ladies to peruse.
For the last 2 weeks we were dyeing non-stop, which then followed with the required winding and skeining of the finishes yarns.

The party was great fun and everyone was admiring our works. We also sold a good deal, which was also good.
A good number of the ladies are interested in taking Uncle Vincenzio's class on Fiber Color Transfiguration, that he will be teaching at Erinesstra's shop this summer.

QUIDDITCH! -Round 3

2009-04-15T10:45:00.005-04:00

Work In Progress... will finish this later

1. This “Harry Potter” character’s first name comes from Roman mythology. The mythological character’s twin brother is named Romulus. What is the Harry Potter character last name?
b. Lupin

2. Which “Harry Potter” character’s first name is the Roman equivalent of the Greed Goddess Athena?
c. McGonagall

3. In ‘Harry Potter’ World, this wizard has created the Philosopher’s Stone (called the Sorcerer Stone in the US). The historical figure from the 14th and 15th centuries was a scribe and a manuscript-seller who became famous as an alchemist. Who is this individual?
Nicholas Flamel

4. What is the first name of a character whose last name is the name of a Bulgarian leader from early 9th century who doubled the country’s territory?
c. Viktor

5. Which character’s name is the name of goddess in Indian mythology?
b. Patil

6. “Where the Wild Things Are” tells the story of Max, a young boy sent to bed without his supper for his wild antics. Who created this winner of the Caldecott Medal?
a. Maurice Sendak

7. What was NOT one of the unexpected defense mechanisms that Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Griphook encountered in their attempt to rob Gringotts?
d. The Geminio Curse

8. What was Snape aiming at when he cut off George’s ear?
c. Another Death Eater’s wand hand

9. How much older than James was Lily? (Referring to Harry’s parents, not children).
d. 2 months

10. Food is one of the five exceptions to what magical law?
b. Gamp’s Law of Elemental Transfiguration

Picture Hunt

George

McGonagall

Patil

Where the Wild Things Are

Hufflepuff Homework

2009-04-09T19:22:00.004-04:00

Who gave Harry an enchanted mirror?
Sirius Black

Who said, “Imagine if something went wrong and we were stuck as specky, scrawny gits forever.”
Fred Weasley

Who said, “Are you planning to follow a career in Magical Law, Miss Granger?”
Minister of Magic Rufus Scrimgeour

What is Ron’s middle name and what was he given in the Will?
Billibus, Dumbledore's Deluminator

What does Hermione want to talk Mr Lovegood about and what is his first name?
His name was Xenophilius; she wanted to talk to him about the symbol in the book she was given, which he wore around his neck to Bill and Fleur's wedding

What is the name origin and what does it mean.
Derived from the word “xenophile,” denoting a person attracted to that which is foreign or alien, and derived from the Greek root forms “xeno,” meaning alien, strange or guest, and “philia,” meaning friendship, fondness, affection.

Hufflepuff House Quiz

2009-04-03T20:39:00.002-04:00

1. James Potter and his friends have nicknames for each other - give three names and who they belong to.
Prongs: James
Padfoot: Sirius
Wormtail: Peter
Mooney: Remus

2. What are the three Deathly Hallows?
Resurrection Stone
Elder Wand
Invisibility Cloak

3. What are the four items that belong to the founders of the houses at Hogwarts?
Sword of Godric Gryffindor
Cup of Helga Hufflepuff
Locket of Salazar Slytherin
Diadem of Rowena Ravenclaw

4. What is the Hogwarts Motto?
Never Tickle A Sleeping Dragon

5. What is the Hogwarts school song (Book 1)?
Hogwarts, Hogwarts, hoggy warty Hogwarts,
Teach us something please,
Whether we be old and bald,
Or young with scabby knees,
Our heads could do with filling,
With some interesting stuff,
For now they're bare and full of air,
Dead flies and bits of fluff,
So teach us things worth knowing,
Bring back what we've forgot,
Just do your best, we'll do the rest,
And learn until our brains all rot.

6. What does O.W.L. stand for?
Ordinary Wizarding Levels

7. What exams do Hogwarts students take at the end of their 7th year?
N.E.W.T.s: Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests

8. What form does Snape's Patronus take?
Silver Doe

9. Who takes over teaching divination after Trelawney is sacked by Delores Umbridge (Book 6)?
Firenze the Centaur

10. Who is Elanor Cadogan's boyfriend? What is his brother's name?
Sam and Dean

R.A.O.K. it to me!

2009-03-27T17:57:00.002-04:00

As I stated in my previous post, my uncle had passed away last Friday night. His funeral was held on Thursday morning. After spending the day with family and friends, I came home to find Minerva Wodd's owl waiting for me with a package.

It definitely brightened up a sad rainy day. Inside was a skein of Regia Cotton sock yarn in a very Weasley inspired color-way. There was also the pattern for The Weasley's Homestead socks.Topping it off were 3 Paint-By-Numbers kits, which I had originally thought were egg coloring kits. It took me a moment before I remembered Hermione B and I chatting about how much we loved Paint-by-Numbers kits!

Many thanks to Minerva for giving a happy ending to the day.

OCC Update

2009-03-22T18:35:00.002-04:00

I'm stepping out of the character of Antonio to let you all know what has happened and why you might not see me in the coming week.

On Friday night my father's younger brother suffered a major heart attack, which he did not survive. It's come as a shock to the family as he was in fairly good health. The wake is on Wednesday and the funeral on Thursday, so I can't say for sure how much I will be online in the coming week.

I didn't want to just disappear without a word, so I wanted you all to know what had happened. I may pop in during the week, but once thigns have settled down I am sure I will be back.

Vince (Antonio)

QUIDDITCH! -Round 2

2009-03-16T20:27:00.002-04:00

1. On which day did the Order of the Phoenix come to get Harry?
c. Saturday

2. During all this chaos with voldemort and the Death Eaters, people still had lives to live and Ron's oldest brother, Bill decided to marry Fleur Delacour? Who were the uninvited guests at Bill and Fleur's wedding?
b. Death Eaters

3. Voldemort had seven Horcruxes hidden in different places. Six of them were hidden at the Gaunt shack, Hogwarts, a cave, inside Harry, inside his snake, Nagini and Tom Riddles Diary. Did Voldemort hide the last Horcrux inside the Malfoy's vault at Gringotts?
b. No

4. Why did the Dumbledore's move to Godric's Hollow?
c. The father went to Azkaban

5. Harry and Hermione read a part of "Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore," written by Rita Skeeter. Then they met Dumbledore's brother Abeforth and he told them the same story, just with a few details changed. Which of the following did Aberforth and Rita Skeeter agree on about Dumbdore's past?
b. That Dumbledore was friends with Grindelwald for a while.

6. When Harry and Hermione visit Godric's Hollow, they visit the graveyard to see Harry's parent's graves. Harry walks by a tombstone that we later learn belong to tone of "The Three Brother's. The brother buried there once owned what?
b. The cloak

7. The Trio finds out that Luna had been kidnapped by the Death Eaters , and that they won't give her back until they got Harry Potter. Why did they kidnap Luna?
a. Her father sided with Harry and Dumbledore

8. After Voldemort killed Snape, he left the room and Harry came out from under the cloak. Snape gave Harry some of his memories all the way from when he was a child to just months before. Harry dived into the Pensieve and which of the following did he not see?
c. Snape and Lily having fun in a potions class

9. On the search of the Lost Diadem, Harry finally gets to talk to the Gray Lady. Who was the Gray Lady when she was alive?
c. Helena Ravenclaw.

10. Which of these is not one of Harry or Ron's children?
d. Victoria

PICTURE SCAVENGER HUNT

Lily

Ron

Snape

Luna

Godric's Hollow

Hufflepuff Homework (day late, sickle short...)

2009-03-09T22:34:00.003-04:00

Well no one said it had to be done on time now did they?

1. Who likes TeaPots and cat toys? Chrysta The Cursed
2. Who wants Polyjuice so they can have Cullen Eyes? Cliodna Trelawney
3. Who wants postcards and a hardcover book? Eladora Madley
4. Who wants silky terrier? It is not a type of wool but a dog. Winifred Wartbobble
5. Who would like a wicked necklace and bloody stupid jonhsan hat? Felly Pinkstone
6. Who never had anything made for her? Violet Starfire
7. Who learned how to knit with Maya and Soren? Kaae
8. Who is Pretty as a Peacock Pattern? Lily Clearwater
9. Who does Fair Isle mittens and Tea for Toe up socks? Mafalda Grubbly-Plank
10. Who likes Cinnamon flavored coffee? That would be me!
11. Who likes clever storage systems and mysteries? Mantacora Crimson
12. Who wants World Peace and Wool Wash? Violette Black
13. Whose Ancient Runes notebook holds the secret of Moonstone earrings? Mona Ravenscroft
14. Whose dog is on a low protein diet? Selena Starfire
15. Who does not have much of a ‘stash’ and favorite scent is Pine trees? Sian Doge
16. When you go to her wish list, you find yourself surfing the net? Suzie Weasley
17. Who really, REALLY misses Hawkins Cheezies, Big Turk chocolate bars? Ursula Longbottom
18. Who likes pencilthings and rosewood? Elanor Cadogan
19. Russian nesting dolls and cute stationary are on this list. Winifred Hornswaggle
20. Who likes the Seven Dwarves and the Evil Stepmother? Bernadette Hobsworth

Hogsmeade

2009-02-28T22:11:00.004-05:00

What a week this has been. This is the first chance I've even gotten to write about last weekend in Hogmeade. As things turned out I didn't get to spend much time hanging out with friends while there. Uncle Vincenzio was expecting a very busy weekend and had asked me to help out. It turned out to be even busier than he had expected and I wound up spending the entire weekend working in the shoppe.

While I was bummed out about that at first, Uncle Vincenzio made it up to me. What's happened is cousins Ron and Hermione have developed a lot of wizard technology by combining magic with muggle technology. They've combined the Wizard Wireless Network with something called a DVD player, which you can play these things that the muggles call "disks." Mum and Dad gave me one this past Christmas, so Uncle Vincenzio gave me this whole collection of the American Muggle television show called "Smallville."

It is quite an exciting program, about this bloke who lives in the states, but came from another planet as a little boy. Because he's from another planet he can do things that the muggles can't. But he's not a wizard or anything like that. He doesn't use magic, spells or potions.

My house mates are enjoying it immensely. We've been watching episodes every evening. Although Professor Sprout has warned that none of the Hufflepuffs had better let their school work suffer. So we all get started on homework right after dinner, then we watch an episode.

It's a great gift. Uncle Vincenzio is the best!

Dueling Round 1

2009-02-19T19:09:00.003-05:00

I won the first round of dueling! It was pretty darn close too. I was up against Patonga Pinkstone of Ravenclaw and I knew she had finished her mitts before I was done with mine. Fortunately the Owl Post had already closed for the day and she could not send it out to me until morning. I was up until 2:00 am finishing the pair I made for her. Which I think came out pretty nice. She was pleased with them and said they fit great.

Here is the pair that Patonga sent me. Pretty cool in Puff house colors.
Next round I'm up against Lily of Flitwick from Slytherin. She'll be a tough one to go up against, but I hear those snakes can't handle Broadway show tunes and 80's music.

QUIDDITCH! -Round 1

2009-02-18T22:54:00.003-05:00

1. What momentous event was the reason that the members of the Order of the Phoenix felt it necessary to move Harry out of the Dursley’s house?
d. Harry’s upcoming birthday

2. Who revealed the actual date of Harry’s transfer to Voldemort, despite the misinformation the Order had been spreading around that the move would occur on the eve of his actual birthday?
b. Snape

3. With the use of Polyjuice Potion (and to confuse any possible attack by Death Eaters), six member of the Order were disguised as Harry and escorted out of Privet Drive, along with the real Harry. Which member of the order did not survive that night?
a. Mad-Eye Moody

4. Who informed Harry, Ron and Hermione of the bequests left to them in Dumbledore’s will?
d. Rufus Scimgeour

5. During the wedding celebration for Bill and Fleur, Kingley Shacklebolt sent a Patronus to tell the guests that the Ministry had fallen, Scrimgeour (the Minister) was dead and the wedding celebration was about to be attacked by Death Eaters. What form did the Patronus take?
a. A lynx

6. Escaping from the wedding to London, our three friends found themselves confronted by a pair of Death Eaters, disguised as workmen. This close brush impressed on them the need to find someplace to hide. Where did they decide to go?
b. Sirius Black’s house

7. Kreacher’s animosity towards Harry, Ron and especially Hermione (a Mudblood) was well documented in book five, “The Order of the Phoenix.” His initial interaction with them showed that his attitude had not changed. How did they win him over?
d. By giving him Regulus Black’s old locket

8. Who did they eventually find was in possession of the locket/Horcrux?
d. Dolores Umbridge

9. What did Harry find embedded in the door of Umbrdige’s office?
a. Moody’s magical eye

10. After retrieving the Horcrux, they tried to return to their safe place but they were pursued (actually Yaxley tagged along when they disapparated). This meant that the Death Eaters knew their hiding place and they had to go somewhere else. Where did Hermione take them?
d. To the site of the Quidditch World Cup

Picture Scavenger Hunt
Mad-Eye Moody

Nymphadora Tonks

George Weasley

The Dursley's House

Kreacher

Hufflepuff Quiz #2

2009-02-10T22:32:00.005-05:00

1. Do you knit or crochet? How long have you been at your craft?
I've been a knitter for almost 25 years.

2. Do you spin? What type of spinning do you do?
I have a drop spindle from the program we did with our knitting guild. I haven't picked it up since. I know I would get addicted to it and would wind up getting a wheel, so I've been avoiding it.

3. Are there any other crafts that you participate in?
I'm an Indie Yarn Dyer

4. What are your favorite yarns/fibers?
Wool, Merino, Alpaca, Silk
I'm an equal opportunity knitter.

5. What are your LEAST favorite yarns/fibers?
Mohair irritates my throat, feels like the fiber is in the back of my throat (ewww). When I can avoid eyelash, fun-fur type yarns I do.

6. Are there any types/brands of yarn that you are dying to work with but haven't gotten a chance?
I'm up for trying any kind of sock yarn. An awesome color-way is always lots of fun. Trekking, TOFUtsies, Tencel, Noro Sock Yarn. Would also like to try those dyed sock flats.

7. What are you currently working on?
Baby Blanket
2 pair Felted Slippers
Turtleneck Pullover
Baby Sweater that needs to be seamed

8. Are their any knitting/crochet techniques that you would like to learn?
Nothing I can think of right at this minute.

9. Do you have a yarn winder and/or a swift?
I'm on my 2nd Yarn Winder, still have the same swift from 20 years ago.

10. Where/how to you keep you needles/hooks?
All over the place. One day my needles will be sorted and organized. Don't know when that will be.

11. Do you like sweets? What are your favorites?
I like good dark chocolate. I'm doing Weight Watchers right now, so when I do indulge in chocolate I go with the good stuff.

12. Are you having a birthday during this swap?
My birthday comes after the swap this time

Hufflepuff Quiz #1

2009-02-06T22:13:00.002-05:00

First house quiz of the new term. We were given 2 questions and were supposed to just pick one.

1) When did you first learn to knit. Who taught you, how did you learn, what was your first project?

2) What is your favorite knitting project and why? Was it the yarn your chose? Shaping? What drew you to it?
I would have to say the Felted Clogs by Fiber Trends. It was the first felted project I ever did. I knew a lot of knitters who had made them and I thought they looked really great, plus I always wear warm slippers in the winter. The pattern is pretty intense, you really have to pay attention and follow it closely. This isn't a project that you work on while watching television or bring to your knit night. But the results are great. Of course you knit this enormous slipper that you thin will never fit you, but once you felt them they are perfect!

Start of a new term

2009-02-06T00:35:00.002-05:00

Well HSKS7 is off to a great start. We have several first years who seem very excited to be here and be a part of Hufflepuff, I'm sure they will all do great. We have a new head girl this year. Lavender Ackerly left in what some are alluding to as mysterious circumstances. Although I've also heard that she and Rufus Huffindor ran off to Romania and are raising dragons in the Balkan Mountains... so who really knows what happened.

Another change this term is that I was asked to be a Hufflepuff prefect. Mum and Dad were very pleased to hear when I told them. I also heard from my sister Antonia, she sent her owl Demeter from Beaubatons with a note telling me how happy she was to hear my news. It's still so strange not to have her hear at Hogwarts. We always thought we'd be in school together, but like Dad says... going to Beaubatons was a great opportunity for Toni... but I still miss her lots.

Well it's getting late and I should be getting to bed. Lots to do tomorrow. I still have this week's homework assignment to finish. Wouldn't do to have the new prefect not doing the homeowrk assignments now would it.

Holiday Bookmark Exchange

2008-12-22T22:23:00.004-05:00

On Saturday I was visited by an owl all the way from California, braving the Winter cold of Western New York to deliver a package from Bevin Rae Mooney. It was my Holiday Bookmark Exchange package! Bevin's owl rested for a bit before taking off, it was a good thing he didn't linger as we were hit with a Lake Effect Storm on Sunday. The muggles closed down their airport and highway due to the storm.

Bevin sent me 2 linen bookmarks which she designed, along with some yummy chocolates!

She even made some personalized note cards for Uncle Vincenzio. He sends his thanks to Bevin as well.

Thanks again and I hope everyone has a very happy holiday.

R.A.O.K.! Random Act Of Kaae

2008-11-16T10:41:00.004-05:00

This past week I received an owl all the way from Denmark. I had thought I was receiving my Hufflepuff Cracker Exchange very early, but when I opened it I saw a R.A.O.K. from our favorite Hufflepuff Dane, Kaae.

Inside was a skein of Opal sock yarn, a bag of sweets, a Badger coin purse and her very own design... the Mr. Weasley's Knotty Tie. Thanks again Kaae, it's all pretty awesome.

I'll be passing on a R.A.O.K. of my own, which I've decided to keep in house. So a certain Puff will be getting something once Artimus returns from his delivery to Electra the Enchanting. I wonder who it will be???? Don't you???? ::grins::

Hufflepuff Quiz #7

2008-11-14T22:35:00.002-05:00

Better late than never I always say...

1. If this was your first HSKS, have you enjoyed yourself. If you are alumni, was this term better than other terms (if so how)?
This is my 3rd HSKS. I've honestly enjoyed all of them. I wasn't able to be as active this time, but still enjoyed it

2. Will you be returning for HSKS7?
Depending on the job situation I hope to come back for HSKS7

3. What is your favorite part of HSKS?
I like the character blogging, especially how I've included myself as an adult as a part of my teen aged wizard character's family. It's great to interact with people who also love 2 of the things that I love; Knitting and Harry Potter. My fan-dom friends who don't knit are very jealous of all the fun things we do and receive.

4. If you had the chance to switch houses next term would you? What house would you be in?
I'm a Hufflepuff through and through. Love my house and my house-mates.

5. Are there any problems that you need to talk to the Head Girl or Prefects about?
No

6. Has your Spoiler been in contact with you about your package?
I've already received my package.

7. Have you been in contact with your Spoilee to let them know you are still with us?
I posted to the main blog that my package is on it's way to her.

QUIDDITCH! - Final Round

2008-11-14T22:27:00.002-05:00

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 separtea components

Working with Uncle Vincenzio, part 2

2008-11-08T00:41:00.002-05:00

Thursday evening I went with uncle Vincenzio to the monthly Knitters Guild meeting. They were holding their annual Vendor's Night and Potluck Supper, so his shoppe was invited there as a vendor. We brought all the color transfigured sock yarn that we have been working on. My work was very well received and many of the ladies purchased transfigured sock wool from me.

Uncle Vincenzio and I will be teaching a class on Color Transfiguration in December, so the ladies who have registered for the class were very excited to see what they will be learning. The class is already filled and we will probably be teaching a 2nd class some time in February. Another shoppe owner, who has her shoppe in Hogsmeade, asked if we would come teach our Color Transfiguration class at her shoppe next summer. So we will be looking into doing that.

Not only did we do well in sales, but the dinner was awesome. There was so much food you would think the Hogwarts kitchen elves were there. Uncle Vincenzio joked that the ladies of the guild all bring enough food to each feed an army! I was stuffed! But everything was SO good!

Humperdink Has Landed!

2008-10-30T23:31:00.006-04:00

I was helping out at Uncle Vincenzio's shoppe this afternoon when a grande old owl named Humperdink arrived bearing a package for yours truly from Fiera Firenze. Once I had removed the package that was tied to his legs, Humperdink was smothered with attention by Grammie Weasley. She made sure he was well fed and rested after his long journey. He and my owl Artimus seemed to get on famously. But now for my package!!!!

All the bits and bobs for magical fiber transfiguration. I've never had my hand at the Harmony wands, so I'm looking forward to that. Grammie says you can never have enough magic measuring sticks, she believes that evil fiber faeries disapparate them while we sleep.

Some Hufflepuff pride for my dorm room. And a fibery friend for my owl Artimus.

An awesome collections a Fiber Spells all in one book! No more assortment of parchment scraps to shift through.

A couple of Owl Dish cloths. The yellow and black is Shadow Knitting, which the muggle ladies at Uncle Vincenzio's shoppe call "magical." LOL! You ca nsee it better in the sideways picture.

I'm not real big on the dangly markers and such. So Fiera found some fun buttons and stickers.

I think cousin Ron will be amused by these.

Last, and certainly not least... a magical mug that reveals a secret message when a hot beverage is poured into it.
Many thanks to my spoiler Fiera Firenze for a great kit!

Hufflepuff Quiz #5

2008-10-30T20:42:00.003-04:00

1. Who suprises Snape with a visit?
Bellatrix and Narcissa
2. Who is at Spinster’s End with Snape?
Peter Pettigrew aka Wormtail
3. Name two people beside Dumbledore that die in HBP.
Amelia Bones and Emmilene Vance
4. How many Horcruxes did Voldemort create?
6
5. Why can’t they keep a Proffessor in the DADA position?
Tom Riddle put a curse on the position
6. Who Makes the oak-matured mead?
Madame Rosmerta
7. Do you trust Snape as much as Dumbledore did?
No, he was playing both sides to see which would come out on top. Had Voldemorte not killed him I think he would have sided with the Death Eaters.
8. What year did Lupin start attending Hogwarts?
1972
9. When does McGonagall talk about closing the school?
After Dumbledore's death
10. What does Malfoy use the Room of Requirement for?
To try and fix the second disappearing cabinet which brought the Death Eaters to Hogwarts. (And heavy snogging sessions with Crabbe and Goyle ::grin::)

Hufflepuff Quiz #4 - Part 2

2008-10-26T20:45:00.002-04:00

Professor Remus Lupin was having a terrible morning, and it wasn't even breakfast yet. Someone broke into the Muggle Studies classroom the night before, hid a Boggart in the closet, and set loose 613 doxies. How did he know there were 613 doxies? Because each one took a bite out of his elbow as he tried to capture it, and Madame Pomfrey had to sleep each wound separately. And comment annoyingly about how Professor Horace Slughorn would've had the room cleared out with 2 waves of a wand.

It took forever to get out of the infirmary, and by then Professor Remus Lupin was in a foul mood. Luckily, he knew how to improve it: by finding the culprits and making him, her or them pay. Remus Lupin had overheard some students giggling in the hallways the other day about Antonio dela Weasley's stash of doxy eggs, so he had a good idea of who to interrogate first. Unfortunately for him, but rather fortunately for Antonio dela Weasley, the common room password had recently been changed to Chudley Cannons, so Remus Lupin couldn't enter. The Pink Lady looked up from her portrait and laughed at the cursing, frustrated Professor.

The old Professor Remus Lupin would have thrown a hissy fit at being taunted by a mere portrait, and blasted the thing all the way into the 6th floor girl's bathroom. The new Professor Remus Lupin went to 14 weeks of Anger Management classes, punched a lot of pillows, and took up Basket Weaving. And started subscribing to the Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes catalogue.

Professor Remus Lupin's first class of the day was Muggle Studies with the 3rd year Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws. It took them 2 hours to clean up after the entire carton of Portable Swamps that went off and clung to their robes, schoolbooks, and any exposed flesh. The students all knew that Antonio dela Weasley was planning to do something in Muggle Studies to get Professor Remus Lupin, so everyone blamed him for the prank and gave him the cold shoulder for 17 days, until Ursula Longbottom blew up the Flying classroom with a misplaced charm and became the new pariah-of-the-hour.

Hufflepuff Quiz #4 - Part 1

2008-10-23T22:29:00.003-04:00

The List of Words...

1. Remus Lupin
2. Muggle Studies
3. 613
4. Horace Slughorn
5. elbow
6. sleep
7. Antonio dela Weasley
8. Chudley Cannons
9. The Pink Lady
10. 6
11. 14
12. Basket Weaving
13. Ravenclaw
14. Portable Swamp
15. Ursula Longbottom
16. Flying

QUIDDITCH! -Round 2

2008-10-16T00:26:00.002-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Professor????

2008-10-12T22:59:00.002-04:00

This past weekend I was helping Uncle Vincenzio in his shoppe on Diagon Alley and there were rumours that a new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor had already been hired to teach next term at Hogwarts. While this isn't all that surprising, given that there has been a new instructor every term, it seems that the thing that everyone was talking about was "who" was hired.

From what the ladies in the knitting circle had heard, the new D.A.D.A. professor will be the younger sister of a former D.A.D.A. professor Dolores Umbridge. Up to now she had been living quietly in the colonies. Now she had returned to Britain and seems even more bent on achieving power and control than her older sister had. It seems that everyone is concerned with what will happen with Sarah Umbridge in a position of authority.

Hufflepuff Quiz #3

2008-10-09T23:31:00.003-04:00

1. On what day does Harry run into Draco and Narcissa in Diagon Alley?
August 3rd

2. How does Harry get detention in DADA?
He tells Snape that he doesn't need to call him Sir

3. How does Ron get his spot on the Gryffindor Quidditch Team?
Hermione uses a Confundus Charm on the competition

4. When is the first Apparition lesson?
February 1st

5. When do Ron and Ginny breakup with Lavender and Dean?
Ron broke up with Dean????? ::grin::
April 21st

6. What Horcrux is hidden in the cave?
The locket of Salazar Slytherin

7. Who does Filch have a romance with?
Madam Pince

8. When is Voldemort’s birthday and birth place?
December 31st; London

9. What is Dumbledor’s favorite flavor of jam?
Raspberry

10. Who is “Mollywobbles” and who uses the name?
Molly Weasley; Arthur calls her that

Picture Search

Snape

Draco

Kreacher

Madam Pince

Rufus Scrimgeour

Hufflepuff Quiz #2

2008-09-30T21:57:00.005-04:00

1 Which is your favorite book in the series (and why)?
The Half Blood Prince; of course because of Dumbledore's claim of loving knitting patterns, Harry's private lessons and learning more about Tom Riddle, Fred and George being successful, proving that there was more to them than just a couple of jokesters, students learning more complicated magic (non-verbal spells).

2 If you were taking Owls, which class would you get an E in? Would you get any Ts?
Potions and Charms, I think I would do well in both of those. History of Magic, not so good. History has never been my strong suit.

3 Who is your favorite character (or characters) in the Harry Potter series?
The Weasley brothers: Ron because I relate to being the side-kick, Fred and George because they would always be a good time

4 If you had to pick 1 character for a roommate, who would you pick and why? Who'd be your least-favorite to have as a roommate?
Ron Weasley, he's a loyal friend. Least favorite would be Draco Malfoy, he seems like the spoiled rich kid who thinks he's better than everyone else.

5 Hufflepuffs are a hardworking bunch, but also a bit mischevious. Which Hogwarts professor would you most like to prank, and how would you do it?
Professor Snape, because I think he was very cruel to his students. I would put a charm on the class room that would cause the song "Disco Inferno" to be played every time someone light a fire under their cauldron.

6 Favorite DADA professor? (from the books, Lucius does NOT count :)
Professor Lupin, he really taught defensive magic.

7 Favorite magical creatures? (Also, if for example you like a certain creature in general, but not how they are represented in the HP canon, feel free to elaborate :)
I don't have a particular favorite magical creature. but I do like how they weren't protrayed as cute and cuddly because they were magic creatures. Many were dangerous, yet beautiful and yet there were fearsome creatures that could be tame and helpful.

8 What is your favorite food in the HP universe? Which food or foods would you like to try in real life? Do you have any recipes to share with us ;)?
chocolate frogs, because I love chocolate and it would be cool for a chocolate to leap like a frog before you could eat it. I used to collect bubblegum cards when I was younger too.

9 Broom, floo powder, portkey, or magic carpet?
While riding a broom would be cool, what do you do with it once you get there? Carry it over your shoulder. A portkey could be any small object that would instantly transport you. I could be something that you keep in your pocket.

10 Since we're Hufflepuffs... Yellow or Black?
I like the combination of the colors, plus variants of them as well such as gold, mustard and grey. Doesn't have to just be Canary Yellow and Coal Black.

An Angel Named Penelope

2008-09-28T01:43:00.004-04:00

During HSKS5 I turned out to have the dreaded "Missing In Action" Owl. My spoiler had dutifully sent her package by Priority Owl, but it never arrived at the destination. I suspect the poor owl had been cunfunded as the Owl Post Information Center reported that owl could not deliver nor return the package. It sounds suspiciously like the work of dark wizards.

When it appeared that it was unlikely that this owl would ever turn up, Deputy Headmistress Wisteria Lovegood made sure that I would receive an Angel Package. Thanks to the lovely Penelope of Flitwick, from the Gryffindor house, I received my package today.

AND LOOK AT ALL I GOT!!!!!!

I see a big yellow satchel!

I'll have to keep my room-mates Draco and Rufus away from all those sweets

The Hufflepuff boy's dormitory will be smelling pretty sweet with the Lavender Reed Diffuser and the Aromatherapy Foam Bath Gels. There's also a set of KnitPicks Harmony DPNs and 2 skeins of Wildefoote sock yarn. I'm going to try out the Fred & George Not-So-Identical sock pattern with that!

Thanks again to Penelope and Wisteria for making sure I was not left out of HSKS5.

Hat Dueling - Round 1

2008-09-28T01:22:00.006-04:00

It was a close battle, but in the end my dueling partner Arriana Stylos came out ahead. Both of our owls delivered today, but according to the Owl Post confirmation her package arrived 1 1/2 hours earlier than mine. We each got a hat that we love and she will be advancing to the next round. I'll be cheering her on, until she faces a fellow Hufflepuff that is.

This is the hat that I made for Arrianna

Close up of the stitches

Like several duelers, my first hat came out too small. I always go down a needle size when working with worsted weight. This came out small enough for a child's hat. It will go to the Knitting Guild's Charity Knitting

Both hats... see the size difference...

The hat I received from Arriana

Uncle Vincenzio Ricardo thinks he looks devilishly handsome in my new hat!

QUIDDITCH! -Round 1

2008-09-24T23:59:00.003-04:00

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

PICTURES

Narcissa

Snape

Bellatrix

Professor Sprout

Professor Dumbledore

Picture Day

2008-09-22T23:58:00.005-04:00

This turned out to be perfect timing as I traveled with Uncle Vincenzio this weekend to the states, New Hampshire to be exact, for the wedding of Fiona and Mijan Fawkes. It was quite the affair and I think I looked quite dapper in my pin-stripe suit. Uncle Vincenzio took this picture of me while I was on the dance floor.

Hufflepuff Quiz #1

2008-09-21T22:41:00.003-04:00

1. Do you knit and/or crochet? Knitter

2. How long have you been at your craft? Over 20 years

3. Do you spin? If yes do you use drop spindle or wheel. The Knitting Guild had a Drop Spindle demo which I participated in. I haven't touched it since then.

4. What is your favorite color? Blue

5. Do you have any other hobbies? Between knitting and Harry Potter who has time???

6. What are your favorite yarns/fibers? Wool, Alpaca, Silk and blends of them.

7. What are your LEAST favorite yarns/fibers? Eyelash yarns and cheap acrylics that feel like plastic

8. Are there any yarns that you’ve been eyeing and wanting to try? I've never met a natural fiber I didn't like

9. What are you currently working on? Socks and a lace shawl

10. What is your favorite Finished Object? (Pictures are welcome.) Fiber Trends Felted Slippers

11. Are their any knitting/crochet techniques that you would like to learn? Combination Knitting, I've heard of it, but never learned it.

12. What is you favorite type of book or movie? Comic book Superhero movie; Xmen, Superman... surprisingly I have not seen Dark Knight

13. Who is your favorite person at Hogwarts? Ron Weasley

14. Favorite class and/or subject at Hogwarts? Charms

15. How many family members do you have? Antonio has his Mum, Dad, his grandparents; Grampa and Grammie dela Weasley (Dad's parents), Nonnie and Poppa (Mum's parents), twin sister Antonia and his Uncle Vincenzio Ricardo

16. What is your favorite Fall activity? Nothing really in particular

17. How many projects do you have on your needles/hook? 2 pairs of socks, lace shawl, 2 scarves, stocking cap, cardigan (needs to be assembled)

18. What is your favorite type of footwear? Sneakers

19. What is your favorite beverage of choice? Diet Ginger-Ale

20. What is your favorite park of Half-blood Prince? Dumbledore saying "I do love knitting patterns"

Questionnaire

2008-09-14T23:41:00.004-04:00

Potter Name: Antonio dela Weasley

Rav ID: yarnguy716

I am allergic to: none

Pets that I have: my yarn is my pet :-); no pets

My favorite yarn: I never met a yarn I didn't like. I just bought some Platinum Sock Yarn from Wool2Dye4 and it feels scrumptious. I can't wait to dye it and I am definitely keeping a skein for myself!

If you are a Ravenclaw, do you prefer the film colors or the book colors? N/A I'm a Puff!

My favorite flavor: CHOCOLATE! (trying to stay on program with Weight Watchers, but a little bit never killed anyone, you never know when a Dementor might show up!)

My favorite holiday: Christmas

I would like to receive a: Sock kit

List your favorite brand of needles or hooks, including size and length: Addi Turbo or Inox; US2, 40" cable

Is there a brand that you are dying to try?: Knit Picks Harmony Circulars

I've participated in HSKS: (How many times have you participated in HSKS swaps?) This is my 3rd time

Do you have a birthday during this swap? If so which day? My birthday was at the beginning of last term.

Dumbledore's Army!

2008-08-02T16:06:00.004-04:00

I received my badge for the Dumbledore's Army part of Hogwarts Sock Kit Swap 5. I am considered an Outstanding swapper!

Thanks for all the compliments on the Hufflepuff socks. Haven't worn them yet, it's too hot for wool socks right now. I will wear them to the wedding I'm attending in September for 2 friends who are in the HP fandom. I wound up with about 38 gms of leftover sock yarn. I really think I could have made both socks with just the hand-painted yarn and been able to complete both. I use what is left on another pair of socks.

Badger Paws!

2008-07-25T21:21:00.003-04:00

I finished the socks I was making for myself using the yarn I received for HSKS4. I'm quite pleased with the results.

QUIDDITCH! -Round 3

2008-07-19T00:26:00.004-04:00

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"

Picture Scavenger Hunt

Padma Patil

Hannah Abott

Percy (with Uncle Vincenzio!)

Dumbledore's Army

Cedric Diggory

Artimus Takes Flight

2008-07-13T12:51:00.002-04:00

Our family owl took flight late on Friday carrying a package from my spoilee, Agatha Ackerly. Hopefully it will get there before she leaves for here trip. I spoke with Agatha by electronic owl and she is leaving for the muggle city of Dallas on Tuesday. So I'm hoping Artimus gets there on Monday. If not Agatha will have a surprise waitng when she gets home.

Hufflepuff Quiz #6

2008-07-12T11:10:00.002-04:00

1) What is a Chimaera?
A bloodthirsty creature that has the head of a lion, body of a goat and tail of a dragon.

2) Name 3 of the 4 breeds of Winged Horses.
Thestral, Abraxan and Aethonan

3) What are Yeti afraid of?
Fire

4) How does a wizard rid a farm of a Nogtail?
Chase it off by a pure white dog

5) Why are Fwoopers sold with a silencing charm?
Their song will drive the listener insane

6) Where are Erklings found?
Germany

7) Name the only spell known to repel a Lethifold.
Patronus Charm

Lunch With the Ackerly's

2008-07-05T11:48:00.004-04:00

Yesterday afternoon I had the chance to meet my spoilee Agatha Ackerly for lunch. She was traveling with her mum, Kataleena Ackerly and Agatha's young cousin Lucifer Scrimshaw. We had planned to meet at a pizzeria chain, which was a favorite of Lucifer's, but it was closed due to the Annual Independence Celebration of the Colonies. Fortunately there was a hoagie shoppe nearby that was open, although these American's refer to them as "subs."

Agatha's mum did some shopping with uncle Vincenzio in the muggle plaza while the 3 of us had lunch. We talked about our year at Hogwarts and our swapping experiences, although I couldn't tell her much about this one or it would ruin her surprise! I was also able to show Agatha some of the knitting techniques I've learned from the muggle ladies who visit uncle Vincenzio's shoppe. We both were quite amused that they call something "magic-loop" but it has no magic involved. LOL!

Agatha's cousin Lucifer is a brilliant young bloke who is fascinated by muggle gadgetry. Unlike most wizards though, he understands and can use it all! While Agatha and I were knitting he sat by the windows using his muggle "laptop computer." Before we all left he used what he called a "digital camera" to take a photo of Agatha and I. Agatha sent it to me by electronic owl.

I don't quite understand all this muggle "technology" myself, but it doesn't seem to have worked correctly. Young Lucifer only took a picture of Agatha and I, yet the picture is of Agatha's mum and my uncle Vincenzio. Something is not quite right with that. I'll have to ask the Muggle Studies instructor about this in our next class.

We are hoping to meet up again the next time Agatha comes to town.

Hufflepuff Socks Update

2008-06-29T18:33:00.005-04:00

Just thought I would post an update on the Hufflepuff socks that I'm making with the sock yarn I received from HSKS4. As you can see, the first sock is completed.
I always make sure to cast on the second sock as soon as I finish the first one. It helps insure that a second sock is made.
I just finished the heel of the second sock and have started the gusset. I can't wait to have a finished pair so I can wear them!

A Visit From Agatha

2008-06-27T23:38:00.003-04:00

I just got an owl from Agatha Ackerly, who is the lovely Ravenclaw girl that I've been paired with for HSKS5. She'll be traveling through town for the holiday and we are going to make plans to meet for lunch! Too bad it's a holiday and the ladies of the Knitting Circle at Uncle Vincenzio's shoppe won't be there. I think Aggie would have had a great time meeting them and knitting with them. Though I am sure she and I will have a good time, and do some knitting as well!

QUIDDITCH! -Round 2

2008-06-20T23:37:00.005-04:00

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?
c. Magnolia Crescent

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

Picture Scavenger
Kingsley Shacklebolt

Bellatrix Lestrange

Nymphadora Tonks

Remus Lupin

All About Antonio

2008-06-15T00:53:00.003-04:00

My lovely spoilee, Agatha Ackerly, tagged me to do this meme. I actually learned a lot about her from her answers, so I'm sure my spoiler will appreciate my answers as well.

1. What were you doing 10 years ago?
I was living on the west side of Buffalo. Working at my previous job, where I had been for 10 years and would stay for another 9. We were assigned to a specific team which produced all the prepress work for Scholastic books. I hadn't gotten back into knitting. I had learning in the late 80's, stopped in the early 90's and did not start up again until 2000.

2. Name 5 things on you To-Do List for today?
a. Buy Father's Day card, I have the gift but always wait until the last minute for the card.
b. Wash and hang to dry the yarn I dyed last night.
c. Watch the Tony Awards!!!!!
d. Clean the bathroom.
e. Work on swap kit bag

3. Snacks that you enjoy?
Chocolate, nachos, popcorn

4. What would you do if you were a billionaire?
Pay off all my bills. Make sure my parents, both brothers and my 2 best friends were taken care of. Buy a condo in either Toronto or Chicago for whenever I want to go there. Get a summer home in the south. Invest wisely so my billionaireship lasts. Start a scholarship to mentor college students who study fine arts, graphic arts, etc. Teach them what the real world is like out there and how to prepare to find a job in it. I wish someone had done that for me when I was in college.

5. Name the places you have lived?
Various apartments in different parts of Buffalo, NY. I'm a Buffalo boy, born and bred. I've lived here all my life and have been fortuante enough to be able to find work in my field that I've been able to stay here.

6. What jobs have you held?
Data Entry Clerk
Credit Authorizer for local department store
Grocery Store stock clerk
Contact Proofer
Film Assembler
Mac Operator/Desktop Publisher
Color Technician
Programmer Analyst, Variable Data Printing

7. Who are you tagging?
I think anyone in the swap should do it to let everyone else know more about you.

Hufflepuff Quiz #4

2008-06-13T18:25:00.003-04:00

POST ON YOU BLOG A SPELL OR POTION THAT WILL MAKE THESE NASTY SNAKES DISAPPEAR

During Professor Lockhart's Dueling Club session, Professor Snape used this spell to banish the snake that was ready to attack Justin Finch-Fletchley.

Vipera Evanesca

Antonio Has Made A Sock

2008-06-09T00:36:00.004-04:00

I decided to finally use the great sock yarn I received in my HSKS4 package for a pair of socks for myself. I knew the 100 gram skein I received would not be enough, as I need at least 130 grams to cover my canal boats. So I dug through my stash to find some Patons Kroy sock yarn in black. I cast on using that and did 20 rounds of ribbing before switching to the Hufflpuff yarn.

When I got to the heel flap I used the Kroy again, then switched back once I started the gusset. I split the Hufflepuff yarn into 2 50 gram skeins. I work with that until I run out and then switch to the black for the toe shaping.

Hufflepuff Quiz #3 - Care of Magical Creatures

2008-06-07T22:57:00.000-04:00

I think I would definitely want to own a Kneazle as a pet. They are very intelligent creatures and due to their similarity to the average house-cat, unsuspecting muggles would not know they were in fact magical creatures. Kneazles are able to detect suspicious individuals or unsavory types, which would also make them good to have as a pet, especially if they take a liking to the witch or wizard that owns them. They are also very intelligent creatures that can recognize cheating, which they disapprove of.

While kneazles do resemble a cat, they have spotted fur, large ears and a tail like that of a lion. So a kneazles wouldn’t appear to be just your everyday house pet. They do in fact behave very much like a typical cat, which catches spiders, chases garden gnomes and disrupts games of wizard chess by chasing the pieces off of the playing board. So they could cause a bit of trouble with your family’s garden gnomes or games of chess.

A well-known kneazle who resided at Hogwarts was Crookshanks, who was owned by Hermione Granger when she attended Hogwarts. At first Crookshanks was thought to be simply a large ginger cat with a squashed face. It was later learned that he was part kneazle and was able to recognize the Death Eater, Peter Pettigrew when he was disguised as a house rat.

So I think a kneazle, while it would be a bit challenging, would make a brilliant pet.

Working with Uncle Vincenzio

2008-06-04T23:17:00.004-04:00

What a week this has been! In addition to my schoolwork here at Hogwarts I am working with my uncle, Vincenzio Ricardo dela Weasley. Uncle Vincenzio runs a shoppe on Diagon Alley called TipoFilato, a magical fibers shoppe. Not only does he supply specially transfigured fibers to the wizarding community of London and the surrounding areas, but he also is a very popular instructor of muggle ladies who transfigure fiber, or knit as they call it.

Uncle Vincenzio has a group that meets twice every week. They call themselves a "knitting circle," although they remind me of Grammie Weasley's coven ladies. Uncle Vincenzio thought that was pretty funny, but suggested I not tell that to the ladies of the knitting circle... or Grammie Weasley.

Right now we are working in fiber color transfiguration, or what the muggles call "hand-painting." One of the ladies let me use her "digital camera" (though these muggle pictures still don't move, they call those "videos") and I took some pictures of the recent work I did.

Here are 2 "pics" of some Gryffindor colored yarn that I transfigured yesterday and is still hanging to dry. Uncle Vincenzio was very pleased with the results.

We use a type of muggle cauldron called a "crock pot" to heat set the color transfiguration after we paint the wool with colorful potions called "dyes."

Here are a couple versions of Ravenclaw colors that we did tonight. Right now they are cooling. After I'm done journaling I'll set them to wash and then hang to dry.

I'm really enjoying doing this. Not only do I get to work with my favorite uncle in his shoppe, but I'm learning muggle methods of fiber transfiguration as a part of my studies this year. Maybe once I'm done with school I can come work full time for Uncle Vincenzio. He's talked about opening a second shoppe as well in the future.

Well off to wash and rinse my wool, then time for bed. See you all in class!

Antonio

QUIDDITCH! -Round 1

2008-05-30T20:42:00.009-04:00

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

2. Which of the following is NOT one of Albus Dumbledore's middle name
a. Ignatius

3. Which educational decree introduced a High Inquisitor to Hogwarts?
d. 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?
b. Neville Longbottom

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

6. What kind of bush does Harry hide behind to listen to the news?
b. 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?
b. 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?
c. Golden cherubs and pink confetti

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

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

PICTURE SCAVENGER HUNT

Fred and George WeasleyHog's Head InnSirius Black

Mr. Weasley and Harry Potter

Draco Malfoy

QUIDDITCH!

2008-05-26T09:52:00.004-04:00

Quidditch starts on Wednesday!
GO PUFFS for the House Cup!

Hufflepuff Quiz #2

2008-05-21T20:31:00.004-04:00

Potions Ingredients

1. colimamhe: Chamomile

2. hianeaecc: Echinacea

3. lgveoa: Lovage

4. nsaie: Anise

5. itlhhawcez (2 words): Witch Hazel

6. ladeevrn: Lavender

7. oynranlype: Pennyroyal

8. iwelnrepki: Periwinkle

9. aavvakka (2 words): Kava Kava

10. waoalhmlsrm (2 words): Marsh Mallow

11. gseginn: Ginseng

12. uwgtrmo: Mugwort

13. What is your favorite thing to do besides knit and crochet?:
RENN FSEURITT (2 words)

14. Do you collect anything? (yes and no are invalid answers):
EESSA WLEGGARRN (2 words)

15. What is your favorite flower?:
CLILA

Birthday Wishes

2008-05-21T00:16:00.002-04:00

Just want to say thanks to all my fellow Puffs, and anyone else, who stopped by to give birthday wishes. It made a great day even better!

Must remember to work on that 2nd House quiz... so many tests already...

PUFF HOUSE QUIZ - ANSWERS!

2008-05-14T22:28:00.011-04:00

1. Is from a muggle family and the first to attend Hogwarts?
Penelope Willow

2. When knitting socks you use dpn's, 2 circ, 1 circ 1 sock, 1 circ 2 socks?
I love knitting socks with "Magic Loop" using 1 long circular needle.

3. Their owls name is Owlbert?
Eleanor Wigsworthy

4. Beat Agatey Mirrofold in a contest?
Lily May Clearwater

5. Your favorite non 'puff color?
It would have to be blue, I guess that is what made me originally think I was a Ravenclaw. Until my inner Puff came shining through.

6. They learned to knit for a school play?
Emma Kettleburn

7. They got engaged last week?
Selena Starfire

8. One sentence/statement you would use to describe your stash?
Controlled chaos.

9. Their best class is Divination?
Daisy Chang

10. Last term everyone thought you were your sibling?
That would be me! Antonio dela Weasley. Last term I attended as my sister Antonia so that it wouldn't be obvious that I was the only male knitter in HSKS4.

11. When not going to Hogwarts your favorite thing to do is?
Knitting of course! I've recently started hand-painting sock yarn, which I'm having a lot of fun doing.

12. You have read the books, watched the movie or both?
Read all the books, seen all the movies, gone to Harry Potter fan-dom events too. (The Witching Hour, Prophecy, Wrockstock)

13. Your family includes?
Should I be answering this as Antonio or Vince? Oh I guess I'll do both... Antonio has his mum and dad, sister Antonia Marie, paternal Grandparents granpa and grannie Weasley, maternal grandparents pappa and nonni and his favorite uncle, Vincenzio Ricardo!. Vince has his mother and father, an older brother and a younger brother.

14. They have frogs in their room?
Clidonia Acromantula

15. Has a dog named Kluane?
Ursula Longbottom

16. My favorite thing to knit is.
socks!.... no, hats!.... no, sweaters! Okay, I just like to knit. But socks are really cool and I am spoiled with wearing hand-knit socks and hate wearing store bought dress socks.

And my favorite Harry Potter character is Ron Weasley!

2nd Term Starting Soon!

2008-05-11T22:08:00.003-04:00

The next term at Hogwarts will be starting very soon and I am really excited about being able to continue in the magical fiber transfiguration program. My first year in the program was so great and I learned so many new things about it. Though for some reason everyone at school is under the impression that I was my sister Antonia during first year... strange.... ::grin::

I've already been paired with a partner for fiber transfiguration. She is a very nice first year Ravenclaw named Agatha Ackerly. We've owled each other and I learned she lives nearby and her family often comes for stays in my home town. Hopefully she'll be visiting over the holiday break and we can go sight seeing together.

I've also wanted to let everyone know, my uncle Vincenzo Ricardo dela Weasley has a magical fiber shop in Diagon Alley and he is offering a 10% discount to all Hogwarts students who are enrolled in the Magical Fiber Transfiguration program! If you get a chance to stop in before term starts he has some really brilliant selections. He will of course do owl delivery to Hogwarts. Here is the floo to his shop if you'd like to see what he has.

Etsy
Buy Handmade
tipofilato

When you place your order, be sure to let him know that his favorite nephew Antonio sent you. Just so you know who to speak with, here is a picture of Uncle Vincenzio with our distant cousin Percy Weasley when they met at a wizarding conference that was held in Salem, Massachusetts.

Well that is all for now. So much to do before I catch the Hogwarts Express and start the new term. I've barely begun to pack and I don't want to forget anything. Tomorrow will be dedicated to packing and seeing what supplies I will be needing.

Thank You Cassandra Black!

2008-04-22T22:32:00.008-04:00

A very tired Canadian owl arrived at my home today, having traveled all the way from Alberta, Canada with quite a package!

I was very excited to see that my HSKS4 swap package had arrive! What had Cassandra sent me!

The box was just chock full of Hufflepuff themed goodies! I could see beautiful black and yellow sock yarn!

Just look at all of it! Yarn, needles, a Harry Potter notebook and pens, a sock pattern which was written by Cassandra's muggle persona too!

Bag o' knitterly goods! Though I had to admit when I first saw the bag I thought it was a toque (that's Canadian for a knit hat, eh!) We are a border city here in Buffalo, NY.

There was also a skein of Regia cotton sock yarn, for making some summer socks! An Inox circular needle for sock knitting, a personal favorite brand. As well as stitch markers, sock shaped points protectors and a box of tasty orange tea!

Thank you again Cassandra! I can't wait to start working with that gorgeous Hufflepuff sock yarn!

The Great Reveal...

2008-04-20T00:36:00.004-04:00

I'm looking forward to seeing if anyone had figured this out...

Since HSKS4 has ended and my swap partner has already received her package, I thought it was time to tell everyone who Toni dela Weasley was. I'm actually looking forward to the responses!

Yes, Toni dela Weasley is actually YarnGuy716 on Ravelry, the only male member of the HSKS. When character blogs were being started for the swap I thought it would be a lot of fun, but I knew if I created a young wizard character everyone would know who it was and that sort of defeated the secret swap. So I emailed Jenean with my idea of blogging as Toni. A male who knits in public isn't someone who is insecure with their masculinity, so I was ready to do it. So know I want to know... how successful was I? Did anyone suspect?

The swap was fun and I enjoyed being involved and most of the activities we did. Making stitch markers was a challenge for me, so I'm glad that Nelia liked them so much. I'm also looking forward to seeing what she knits up with the sock yarn as it was my first attempt at dying sock yarn. I do have some hand painted yarns at my Etsy store and will be adding more.
tipofilato.etsy.com

I haven't decided if I'll be coming back for HSKS5. It was fun and I was glad the my kit was so well received. May is just a really busy time of year for me. But who knows... Antonio dela Weasley may be attending Hogwarts for Term 5.

Artimus has left

2008-04-11T13:00:00.003-04:00

Well I finally finished packing everything last night. Those muggle post packages are quite interesting to use. I was sure I would need an additional binding charm, but it all seemed to hold with no problems.

I was pleased with everything that came together on the kit. I was able to try a few things for the first time to include. I personally think the bag came out smashing and so wanted to keep it! But it was made as a gift... although I seriously need to make another for myself ::grins::

Now we just wait until Artimus arrives in Minnesota.

My Swap Kit

2008-04-08T01:34:00.002-04:00

It's taken some doing, but my swap kit is nearly completed. I felted the bag today and it really came out nicely. I think my spoilee will like it. I've got a collections of sock patterns, a set of DPNs and my first attempt at stitch markers. I'm also including my first attempt at hand-painted sock yarn, which is hanging to dry. I think it looks pretty smashing.

I still need to get some extra goodies to put in the package. I've gotten some local sweets, which I think she'll enjoy. Just want to get a couple more extra goodies to add to it. By that time the bag and yarn will be dry enough so that I can package it up and send our owl Artimus off to deliver it.

Well, off to bed, another early day of classes....

O.W.L.S.

2008-03-29T19:30:00.002-04:00

If procrastination were a graded subject I would get Outstanding!

What is it about me that keeps me from just finishing up a project. My poor poor swap buddy, who is patiently awaiting their kit I am sure. I just have to finish up the darn bag. The strap and pocket need to be sewn on and then felt the whole thing and it would be done.

I'm the same way about sewing buttons onto sweaters as well. Of course I could be doing that rather than sitting at my computer... but this is filling my weekly post requirement... yes that's the reason...

Hufflepuff Quiz #4

2008-03-22T12:08:00.003-04:00

1.Which 2 Huffles have a Pinkstone as spoilers?
Cliodna Trelawney
Helga Lovegoods

2.Which Huffle went on a vacation to Germany?
Bella the Beautiful

3.Who is in love with Gus Cauldwell?
Petunia Acromantula

4.Which Gryffindor found the snitch during the first round of Quidditch?
Cassandra Grubbly-Plank

5.What is Harry’s class schedule on Mondays is GoF?
Herbology
Break
Care of Magical Creatures
Lunch
Divination - double class
Dinner

6.What day does Voldemort kill Frank Bryce?
Saturday, August 23rd

7.When was Moody kidnapped?
August 31st

8.Who is called on to help Moody?
Arthur Weasley, at the request of Amos Diggory

9.What happens to Hermione during Harry’s duel with Malfory?
A hex hit her in the face causing her front teeth to grow to an enormous size.

10.When is the Yule Ball announce to the Gryffindors?
December 10th

QUIDDITCH! -Round 3

2008-03-14T00:50:00.003-04:00

1. When Rita Skeeter prints a bad articles about Hagrid in the Daily Prophet, which Professor teaches Hagrid's Care of Magical Creatures class while he is away?
c. Professor Grubbly-Plank

2. What was the article Rita Skeeter wrote about Hagrid called?
c. Dumbledore's Giant Mistake

3. When the school champions were being chosen from the Goblet of Fire, whose name came out first?
b. Viktor Krum

4. What is the spell Ludo Bagman says to magically magnify his voice when he commentates?
a. Sonorus

5. What kind of dragon did Cedric have to face in the first task?
b. A Swedish Short-Snout

6. Who raised the trophy after winning the world cup?
b. Troy and Quigley

7. How many bedrooms did Mundungus Fletcher claim to have?
d. 12

8. For what did Moody mistake his birthday gif of a carriage clock?
b. A basilisk egg

9. What did Mr. Ollivander produce for the end of Cedric's wand?
d. Silver smoke rings

10. The dark mark is on Snape's left arm.
a. Yes

Picture Scavenger Hunt
Karkaroff
A Basilisk
Mundungus Fletcher
Amos Diggory
Snape

I Have A New Pal

2008-03-06T19:46:00.003-05:00

Well it seems that my originally assigned swap pal had to drop out, so the headmistress has assigned me someone new. She's already contacted me and she seems like a lovely girl. I'm glad to have someone who will be here to the end. I think I would have been very sad if I wound up not receiving a swap package.

My swap kit is coming along nicely. I sent my assigned girl an owl to let her know I'm still around and haven't forgotten her. The bag is coming along quite nicely. All that is left is the strap. I put together a fun selection of sock patterns. Also have some special colored sock yarn that I will be picking up this weekend. All that is left are the needles and stitch markers, then a few extra giftie items to go with it all.

I don't see the deadline as being a problem. So I'm very pleased with it all so far. Well I think I should get started on the bag strap... and we have a homework assignment of Fleur Delacroix as well that I've not even begun. So much to do, so little time!

Weekly Post

2008-03-01T21:02:00.002-05:00

It's been quite a busy week and I just realized I didn't post this week. I hope I'm on time for the Saturday deadline.

Well my bag for the swap is coming along nicely. I just have to do the edging and the strap then felt it. I printed out a nice collection of sock patterns tat I downloaded and have put them all in a binder, it looks very nice.

I went to a LYS today that is closing and had everything 30% off. Unfortunately there was nothing I could use for the swap, so I'll be going to other stores for those items.

That's all for this week....

QUIDDITCH! -Round 2

2008-02-20T00:59:00.002-05:00

1. With whom does Ginny go to the Yule Ball?
a. Neville

2. When Harry arrives at the Burrow and Mrs. Weasley makes them all dinner the night before they leave for the Quidditch World Cup, what does her wand turn into?
a. rubber mouse

3. Since some of the sixth-year girls didn't have any quills on them, what did they think Krum might sign their hats in?
c. lipstick

4. How old does the Quick Quotes Quill say that Rita Skeeter is?
a. 43

5. What color cloak is wormtail wearing in the Riddle house?
b. Black

6. What color is "Mad Eye" Moody's magical eye?
d. Blue

7. What color are the robes that Rita Skeeter was wearing when Harry meets her at the Weighing of the Wands ceremony?
b. Magenta

8. What does Sirius Black tell Harry, Ron and Hermione to call him when speaking around anyone else?
b. Snuffles

9. Which team beat Wales, disqualifying them from competing for the Quidditch World Cup?
c. Uganda

10. What does Madame Maxime say is the only thing her steeds will drink?
c. single-malt whiskey

Picture Hunt
Goblet of Fire
Madam Maxime
Dragon from first challenge
Viktor Krum
Madam Pomfrey

That Bloody Quiz!

2008-02-17T12:10:00.004-05:00

I officially give up! I've tried, I even know the answer to it, but I don't see how you get it. My brain is completely unable to wrap itself around this concept. I don't see how, from what we've been given, anyone has come up with that answer.

Urgh! I'm going to go knit something so I feel better!

Time Flies

2008-02-16T13:10:00.002-05:00

I'm so glad that our student journal's aren't being graded as I would certainly be in danger of receiving a failing grade...lol. It seems like just a day or two ago that I posted an update, but it's really been a week and a half! Just so much to do I guess.

Last weekend was our first trip to Hogsmeade. It was great fun. A group of us went there together and just sort of hung out all day, which was nice. We must have went into every shop there is in the village. Although I have to say Honeydukes was definitely my favorite. There was every type of sweet you could imagine! Dad always said that Honeydukes was the very best sweet shop, and he was right. I bought a few extra sweets that I knew were his favorites and owled a package to him.

Magical Fiber Transformation is still my very favorite of classes. Since so much of the work is done individually, we get to move at our own pace. There are 3 or 4 in the class that professor is allowing to try more advanced lessons. It is great fun and I am loving it.

I finished the baby sweater for my cousin and have sent that off. We've heard she is due any day now, so the timing is perfect. I've just finished a baby blankie as one of my advanced projects. Dad has a co-worker who is expecting, so we are going to give it to her. I like knowing that the baby item I make will go to good homes and be used.

Now that I have this done I need to concentrate on our home work assignment. It's really challenging and I may need to seek out some help on this one. Our first 2 assignments were much easier, but I guess this is how we learn. Well enough ramble, time to head to the library and tackle that assignment.

Weekly Update

2008-02-06T19:51:00.000-05:00

Have I mentioned that I am terrible when it comes to journaling? Well it's true, I am the worst. But it's part of what make me who I am I guess, or at least that is the story I'm going to go with.

I'm having a super time here at Hogwarts. I do have to say that many of the girls in my class are just completely boy-crazy... which explains why we get on so well.

Magical Fibers is my most favorite of classes. I really do love doing it and have several projects in the works for class. I've been dubbed the "multi-tasker" of this year's class because I have so many things going on at the same time.

I received an owl from Nonni last week and the wrist warmers I sent for Poppa were a big hit. He is wearing them whenever he uses his computer.

I've begun work on the bag for my swap partner, it is coming along quite nicely and I think she will really enjoy it. I would like to find something unusual to give her for stitch markers. When we go to Hogmeade this weekend I'm planning to look for something I can use.

Well, I have some homework to finish and I have to start a baby sweater for one of my cousins who will be having a baby. Yes, another knitting project to work on, guess I do deserve that title of multi-tasker!

QUIDDITCH! -Round 1

2008-01-31T23:11:00.000-05:00

1. What was Harry dreaming about the first time he woke up with his scar on fire?
b. Voldemort and Wormtail plotting to kill him

2. What is the problem with leprechaun gold?
a. It vanishes after a few hours

3. Why did Mad-Eye Moody turn Malfoy into a ferret?
c. Malfoy attached Harry when Harry's back was turned

4. Sirius warns Harry to be careful around Karkaroff because he had been a Death Eater. Which one of the professors at Hogwarts, who also used to be a Death Eater, is frequently bothered by Karkaroff?
Snape

5. Voldemort could have used the blood from any foe to make the potion that revived him work, but he held out for Harry's blood. Why?
c. The special protection Harry received from his mother would also pass to Voldemort

6. How old would Frank have been on his next birthday?
d. 77

7. Amos Diggory works for?
b. The Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures

8. Who shared a carriage with the three friends on the way from the train to Hogwarts? Answer: (One Word)
Neville

9. What date in October did the delegates from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang arrive?
a. 30th

10. What color were Percy's dress robes at the Yule Ball?
a. Navy Blue

Mr. Ollivander

Mad-Eye Moody

Cedri c

World Cup Tournament

Dark Mark

Week 2 Quiz

2008-01-25T22:03:00.000-05:00

1. What does Mrs. Weasley do when she is angry?
She yells and screams, usually in all capital letters.

2. Who picks up Harry for his visit to the Burrow?
The Weasleys; Arthur, Fred, George and Ron

3. What did Moody give Neville?
Magical Mediterranean Water Plants

4. When is Hermione’s Birthday?
September 19th

5. Who does Snape have pickling rats brains for detention?
Harry and Ron

6. Are Dobby and Winky at Hogwarts at the beginning of term?
No, in Chapter 21 of GOF: after the first task, Dobby tells Harry that he and Winky have been at Hogwarts for only a week.

7. Where do Harry, Ron and Hermione pick up sock for Dobby?
Gladrags Wizardwear in Hogsmeade

8. Who helps Harry figure out the egg?
Cedric Diggory, who suggests Harry soak in the waters of the Prefects bathroom. Also Moaning Mrytle, who tells Harry to open the egg underwater.

9. Where does Harry have his first meeting with Sirius?
The fire of the Gryffindor Common Room. Sirius' head appears in the flames through the Floo Network.

10. Who interrupts the above mentioned meeting with Sirius?
Ron comes down in his pajamas, having heard voices.

First Week at Hogwarts!

2008-01-23T00:01:00.000-05:00

What a week it has been! Arriving at Hogwarts; meeting my house mates and our prefect; the start of classes and the first test of the term! Whew!

First off I got all settled in dorm room. The Hufflepuff girls are all lovely and have made me feel very welcome. Several of them are hand-knitters like me. We had a knitting night in the common room and were all very excited to start our Fiber Transfiguration Classes. I also did some decorating to make my journal more Hufflepuff!

Fiber Transfiguration is a smashingly good class! It is so different from muggle-knitting, a totally different type of challenge to it. There were several in the class who have never knit before, so they really struggled at first. Our first assignment was to transfigure fiber to a garter stitch square. It was slow going at first, much like the first time grammie taught me to knit. At our next class, those of us who were able to complete a square were given a choice of a beginner fiber transfiguration project to work on. I went with wrist warmers, as they were a project that I was familiar with knitting by hand. They turned out quite nicely and I've sent them to papa so he keeps his wrists and hands warm when he is on his computer.

I've also met my partner for the Sock Kit Exchange. She is a lovely Ravenclaw girl named Fleur Lovegoods. I've been using my Badger detective skills to learn all I can so I give her the best swap kit! I've already got some great ideas that I think she will like. Still lots to work on though. I do have to stop in the Fiber Shoppe on our Hogsmeade trip; need to find sock yarn, needles and fun giftie items to include. I've an idea in my head for stitch markers, just need to find what I need for them.

But this week was not all fun, games and knitting. We had our first test of the term in Hogwarts History. Fortunately it was all on the Hufflepuff house, so I knew lots of it from dad. I think I did rather well. We've another test coming up as well. So there is more studying to be done. I think I'll be spending some time in the library tomorrow.

Hufflepuff Quiz: Week #1

2008-01-18T22:01:00.000-05:00

Antonia Marie della Weasley
Hufflepuff - First Year

1. How many members of Dumbledore’s Army are from Hufflepuff house?

Hannah Abbott
Susan Bones
Justin Finch-Fletchley
Ernie Macmillian
Zacharias Smith

2. Which famous member of Hufflepuff is related to Sirius Black? Bonus points for telling me how.
Nymphadora Tonks, Auror and member of the Order of the Phoenix. Her mother, Andromeda and Sirius are cousins. Tonks' aunts are Bellatrix Lestrange and Narcissa Malfoy.

3. What is the name of the Hufflepuff house member sorted before Harry in PS?
Justin Finch-Fletchley

4. Who shared a recipe for Yule Logs?
Helga Lovegoods

5. List the 3 Hufflepuffs that have listed in their blogs about their wands and what wood they are made of?

Cliodna Trelawney: maple
Bella the Beautiful: apple
Toni della Weasley: (hey, that's me!) mahogany

6. Who was locked out after forgetting the password?
Petunia Acromatula (poor dear)

Here At Hogwarts

2008-01-14T12:07:00.000-05:00

Today is my first day at Hogwarts! I arrived last night and by the time I was settled in and all I was just too exhausted to write anything in my journal. I'm looking forward to meeting the other students who have arrived early as well. Since we have some time before the official start of classes it will give us a chance to get to know each other. Right not I think I'm going to pop in on some of my house-mates and introduce myself.

I'm Off

2008-01-13T11:29:00.000-05:00

Well my robes, cauldron, quills, parchment and of course yarn has all been packed. I don't think I've forgotten anything, but mum has promised to send anything I might have by owl. We'll be leaving for the train station shortly, so I'll be arriving at Hogwarts later today. I can't wait to meet all of my house mates!

Oh! And I checked the Daily Prophet, Weekend Edition and saw that Hufflepuff won the first round of house points with 90% participation! Way to go my fellow Badgers! I know we will easily bump that up to 100% participation and win the house cup!

Time for me to be leaving now. I will see everyone later today!