An Update!

I have now completed 35% of my OWL - that's almost 4 of the 10 hats needed!

I've decided to see how quickly I can knit up something for Divination and Arithmancy. For Divination, I'm going to be doing a dishcloth with the Cancer symbol on it. The pattern can be found here - the author of the pattern has one for all 12 signs! And for Arithmancy, I'll be making yet another pair of Fetching and a simple garter scarf for my cousin. When I get around to finishing what I originally wanted to do for Arithmany, I'll have a glove/scarf set for me and a hat/scarf set for my cousin. All in the same blue.

There's only a week left of October and I've still got a lot of knitting on my plate! I ended up with so much inspiration for projects this month and no time to knit it all because I had to focus on my OWL to get the 50 points for my 33%. If I don't get a chance to finish many of my WIPs before December, that's what I'll focus on.

2 Hats in 2 Days!

I'm proud of myself! Today I finished another hat for my OWL. My OWL change was also approved so that puts me at 25% of being done. 33% will soon be in sight! I'd like to at least get 40% done. Thats four hats. All of which have been started. After these are done, I'm planning on making my niece a butterfly hat in purple since I don't have any pink and don't want to go out and buy more. I'm sticking to just Red Heart for my OWL to use up some of what I have, so I don't want to have to go get more. I only knit with pink for special people because I'm really not a fan of it. Red is so much better..

My OWL progress:

I'm not sure I'll make the 33% by thr 15th like I'd wanted, but I'm close enough that I feel like I can do it before the end of the month. I just need to work on one of my OWL hats a little bit everyday. Other than that, I can knit my classes, starting with Transfiguration.

Fall OWL Changes

I finished the first hat of my OWL today! But it was when I went to start another that I found a problem. A couple of the patterns are on the lionbrand site. And I've had problems with their patterns before. For my OWL I went through and found lionbrand patterns because it was the fastest way I knew of to get hat patterns. Unfortunately, one of the ones I picked for my OWL was another of those messed up patterns. Also, I'd been thinking about changing a couple of the hat patterns to fit my holiday knitting a little bit better. So tonight, when I realized I would have to change my OWL patterns since I simply can't do the messed up lionbrand patterns, I decided to change the patterns to where I'm happy with them. Here are my new OWL patterns:

Ellen's Knit Hat x1
Slouched Tuva Hat x2
Rosalie x1
Hermione's Cable and Eyelet hat x1
Windy City Hat x2
Butterfly Hat x1
and a hat of my own pattern x2

A bunch of these will probably end up being for me, but at least two of them will be presents so it counts as holiday knitting! XD

Partial Fingers?

I want to find a pair of fingerless gloves to knit for myself before NaNo so when I type and I'm cold, most of my fingers will still stay warm. After searching the Rav database I found.. one pair that looks like I could do it. It can be found here. I'm not so sure I'll get it done before NaNo but thats okay. I still have a few pairs of gloves (to which I just realized I've only used two patterns for fingerless gloves. XD) that I can wear.

Omg.. no way!!

http://www.kniittiing.com/index.html

I wonder if this is really true.. If it is, omg! That'll be so cool! And make me get off my ass and get a Wii faster. Knitting on a Wii? How awesome will that be!

*spazzes*

Presents!

For all my talk about getting presents done early, it hasn't happened. I've gotten a few started, but none of them actually finished. In September, I started five projects and only finished four. Out of the four, I made two pairs of house gloves (Ravenclaw and Slytherin), a lace headband, and a pair of fetching. The headband and Ravenclaw gloves were mine. But the Slytherin gloves and fetching gloves were supposed to go to a couple of friends. I now want to keep the fetchings for me and I'm pretty sure the Slytherin gloves are too small..

So that takes me back to square one with no presents done. And its already October. I'm going to end up doing so many hats this month and next month for my OWL.. The 10 for my OWL, one for mom, one for my brother, one for Transfiguration and another for my Arithmancy hat/scarf set. I also have two scarves that are supposed to be presents but neither of them have really fit into my class schedule. Ugh.

The farthest I've gotten is halfway done with the presents for Mom and Ash. I really need to get off my lazy ass and focus on presents. But I'm such a greedy knitter and like knitting for me way better..

But seriously? Most people are going to get to pick a hat out of a basket because I'm not going to want to make anything else/have time to.

Gold Star!

I was awarded a gold star from my HoH (Head of House) for my Fetching III! She gives them out for special projects or things she thinks deserves a gold star. I'm so happy I got one!

My October Classes

Arithmancy: Hat and Scarf set
Divination: Scorpio Scarf
Transfiguration: Jayne Hat

I also want to do a pair of socks. I'm not sure they'd fit as Libra socks even though the colors of Libra are blue and green which is the colorway I'll be using. I don't want to make myself do them so if I get them done, I'll put them in detention. (Detention = anything you knit that isn't for a class/quidditch/your OWL I think)

Most of this month and November will be spent focusing on my OWL. I'm not sure I'll complete it but I'd like to at least get the 50 points for 33% at the end of October.

October classes!

The classes for October are up! I'm really excited about all of them, especially Divination. I LOVE Astrology. It's going to be hard to not knit something for each of the 12 signs.

Charms: Create two objects, one normal sized and one either engorgio’d or reducio’d, include an object for scale in both pictures.

Divination: Knit, spin, or crochet something inspired by at least one of the twelve astrological signs.

Arithmancy: a) Something that can be used as two things. For example, a wrist warmer can also serve as a mug cozy.
b) Two items that complement each other or make a set. For example, matching gloves and scarf. Or a scarf and a hat. (Note: a pair of gloves counts as just one item). Make them as a set. Please explain why you would wear them together. They don’t HAVE to be the same color but they have to match in some way.
c) A reversible item.
d) Construct a garment made of two pieces that have to be sewn up together. Please post pictures of items pre and post sewing if you choose this option.

Transfiguration: a) Taking a knitting pattern and converting it to crochet, or vice versa. Obviously, some changes and modifications are allowed, but it must remain fairly close to the original design. Retaining some elements of the original design, such as a crochet trim, are to be expected from beginning students with this advanced magic and will not result in points deduction. You must link to the original pattern in your post!
b) Taking an object or image from real life and Transfigure it with fiber. This can be done in any way you choose - e.g. spinning yarn to represent the colors of fall, making a knitted version of your cat, making a hat just like one seen on tv (Jayne Hat, anyone?). You are welcome to use a pattern, but you MUST post a picture of the object that inspired you, what you are Transfiguring, along with your completed assignment. (NB - Hogwarts rule: Spinners must work a swatch or small item to receive full credit)
c) Knit or crochet a model of your Animagus either as a 3-d toy or a colorwork design.

DADA: This month’s assignment, make something that is inspired by: 1) an historical figure that is now deceased 2) an undead creature (zombie, vampire, skeleton, ghost, etc.), or 3) both (now would be the time to make that Zombie Abe Lincoln) Bonus points, as always, for house colors or making me laugh.

Herbology: This month’s project revolves around the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Garden Pests (and helpers). A garden does not exist in a vacuum and a good herbologist has learned how to keep unwanted visitors away from their precious gurdyroot, puffapods, and screechsnap. KNOW YOUR ENEMY!!! Your task is to create something that identifies a garden pest, demonstrates a way to prevent pests, or aid you in getting rid of said pests. Your post should contain what pest/helper you’re after, why it’s a pest/helper, and how your project relates to it. And of course - PICS!

Defense Against the Dark Arts: On hiatus

I didn't finish Defense Against the Dark Arts, or DADA, this month because I ran out of time. However, I will be finishing these mittens before Christmas since they are a Christmas present. When I get a chance in the next couple months, I'll work on then. Until then, they'll be sitting in project hiatus.

Potions: complete!

I'm sliding at the very last second, but I have completed my Potions homework. The picture is kind of crappy because I can't get my camera to upload to my computer and have to use Mom's. And its 3am so thats not happening tonight. I'll update this post later with a better picture. The same goes for my Transfiguration post of me wearing the headband.

Pattern: HP House Gloves by therealkarity
Yarn: Knit Picks Comfy Worsted in Silver Sage and Jalapeno
Needles: Size US 8 needles
Mods: 28 sts (it started out as 30, I swear!) and size US 8 needles
Comments: They're too small for me so the friend I made them for won't be able to wear them. >_< I really need to work on swatching before knitting. Maybe then things would fit right.

Transfiguration: complete!

I've finished my third class! This time its Transfiguration in which we were to learn the art of blocking. I knitted myself a lace headband and steam blocked it. It was my first time really blocking anything besides a small swatch. I think it came out pretty well.

Post-blocking:

Wearing headband:

During blocking:

Pre-blocking

2 days left!

There's only two days left to finish up any of my HPKCHC classes that I can before the end of the month. I should be able to finish four, but not the 5 I'd planned on. If I can only get this much done without NaNo, how am I ever going to get anything done in November?

Charms: turned in
Herbology: turned in
Transfiguration: ends need weaving in and then pictures
Potions: 30% and going to try hard to finish
DADA: Sitting at the 30% mark. Won't finish this month.

Still.. I did get a lot done compared to how slow I normally knit. Haha.

The thing about knitting for others

I think I've figured out why sometimes I have such a hard time knitting for others. Its only really one big reason.

Fitting. I can measure what I'm making all I want against my own arm/head/foot/etc. but it does no good when I'm not exactly sure how much bigger to make it for whoever I'm making it for. If I'm making it for me, I don't mind taking forever to keep redoing it until it fits. But if its someone else, how am I supposed to know when its just right for them? I have no way of knowing. All I can do is guess and hope I'm right.

It's starting to be the time of year when everyone starts thinking presents. I'm making mine this year and probably every year after this. But I always fear that what I make won't fit.

HPKCHC OWL Proposal

So.. My fellow Ravenclaws convinced me that there's no harm in trying to do an O.W.L., even if I don't think I have time for it. We're natural overachievers so of course I agreed. XD I'm submitting my proposal later in a few minute but I decided I'd also post it here.

therealkarity of Ravenclaw submitting her Arithmancy O.W.L. proposal.

1. Identify the pattern(s) you will be using (original designs encouraged).

Lace Beanie by Lion Brand x2
Rosalie by megi x2*
Hermione's Cable and Eyelet Hat by Jackie Lauseng x1
Watch Cap by Lion Brand x2
Ellen's Knit Hat by Ellen Harpin x1
Kitty Hat by fluffyhelen x1
Slouched Tuva Hat by Turvid x1

*Ravelry link

2. Photograph of the yarn(s)/needles/materials involved.

Yarn:
Needles:
3. Two or three sentences describing the planned crafting sequence and analyzing any areas of potential difficulty or new skills learned.

I am normally a slow knitter. To complete 10 hats in two months will be a great accomplishment for me. Some of the hat patterns have stitches I'm not completely used to yet, like cables. I'm hoping it will help me get used to cabling a bit more.

4. Photograph of your swatch or explanation of why a swatch is not needed. Please note that "I never swatch" will not be accepted as an explanation.

I have swatched for the first hat. My gauge is about half an inch off and I will fit the gauge before I start knitting. If I need to include swatches for the others, let me know.

Thank you so much for considering me!

Charms completed!

I have now completed my September Charms assignment for HPKCHC. For the month of September, the Charms assignment was to make an item using the Water Charm Aguamenti. You can see Harry using this in the HBP movie when he and Dumbledore are in the cave.


Pattern: Fetching
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft Brites in Berry Blue
Needles: US size 6
Mods: 6 sts in waste yarn instead of 7.

Blocking success!

I'm excited! I've been working on my project for transfiguration and since it needs to be blocked, I tried steam blocking a swatch of the same yarn. And it made all the difference! Being able to see the difference in it makes me so happy! I love being able to accomplish new knitting skills. Next on my list is going to be learning how to knit continental.

HPKCHC Fall Classes: Updated!

Potions: Slytherin Gloves - for Nova
Charms: Fetching - for Leslie but I may make myself another pair of the same color later. COMPLETED
Herbology: Ravenclaw Gloves - a test pair to figure out the correct pattern. COMPLETED
DADA: Bella's Mittens - for Ashley
Transfiguration: Lace Headband - for me.

I should have probably posted this awhile ago when I finally decided, officially, on what I'm doing for each class. I also had to drop Care of Magical Creatures because I just won't have enough time to do a sweater for Emmy before the month is over. I'm still going to make it for her before Christmas so she can wear it this winter.

If I can do mostly presents next month too, most of them will be done!

Herbology: Finished!

Its taken me awhile to complete, but I've finished my September herbology assignment for HPKCHC. I've already cast on and made a bit of progress in Charms. For the month of September, the herbology assignment was to use a yarn at least 50% from plant origin (ie. cotton or bamboo). I used Knit Picks Comfy Worsted in Planetarium and Silver Sage. It's 75% cotton, 25% acrylic. I know I've already showed you these gloves when I posted my free pattern, but here they are again so you can see my completed herbology assignment.

Free Pattern: HP House Gloves

I've finished my third pair of gloves in house colors. This time its Ravenclaw. (although in the book its blue and bronze..) I've finally figured out the pattern enough to be able to share it with everyone!

Needles: size US 6 or 7. 7 if you want them a bit loose.
Yarn: Worsted. There's no specific kind of yarn you need. You'll need two different colors.
Other items: Stitch marker, tapestry needle.

Blue & Silver or Blue & Bronze for Ravenclaw
Scarlet & Gold for Gryffindor
Green & Silver for Slytherin
Black & Orange for Hufflepuff

Color A is the darker color, color B is the lighter.

CO 32 sts in color A.
Join round and place marker.

Knit 15 rows in color A
Change to color B and knit 15 rows.
Change back to color A and knit 15 rows.
Change back to color B and knit 15 rows.
Change to color A for the last color change. Knit 7 rows.

Knit with waste yarn for 6 sts. Slip the sts back to the left needle and knit them with the working yarn.
Finish the stripe so it has 15 rows of color A.
Bind off.

Thumb: Remove waste yarn and place live stiches on needles. Knit the stitches on the bottom needle. M2. Then knit the stitches on the top needle. M2.
Knit 4 rows.
Bind off thumb loosely.

Weave in all ends and enjoy!



If you make these gloves, let me know! I'd love to see what you come up with!