The Shrieking Shack

::The wind slams the door open and Yarnpiggy drops onto the floor, slightly disoriented::
::Beyby lowers her wand back onto her lap:: Ah a lovely, Ravenclaw. Are you hurt? No? Good! Take a seat please. We are busy, busy and I am must hurry ::A snarl comes from behind the wall of the next room:: SHUTUP!

::Yarnpiggy jumps::

Beyby: Oh not you dear! Sit please. ::waves to a crooked chair::

::Yarnpiggy gets up and makes her way to the chair across from Beyby, which now only has three legs::

Beyby: Please tell me there is something interesting about you.

Yarnpiggy: My real name is Hilary. I live in a tiny basement studio in North Vancouver, BC, where I grew up, but I've been fortunate to live and travel in many other places, too.

My professional background is in magazine publishing, where I've worked as a writer and editor. I'm currently unemployed, save for a bit of freelance editing, and am going through a bit of a mid-life crisis (although I'm far too young for one, really, LOL!) and thinking about changing career paths. I've been thinking about training to be a vet tech, but at this point, who knows?

 Beyby: I say change careers. I’ll be doing it this September. You seem pretty clean … any juicy addictions I can exploit…er understand … to get to know you on a more personal level? ::Beyby ready’s her pen and paper::

Yarnpiggy: Hmmm...addictions? Well, chocolate would have to top the list. Avocados would be pretty high up there, too. :-)

::Beyby lowers her pen and sighs. A loud thump, followed by a whine comes from behind the wall. Beyby turns around::  NO! NO MORE CHOCOLATE FOR YOU! NOT AFTER THE LAST FIASCO! ::She turns back::  Next! Hobbies?

::Yarnpiggy looks in the direction of the noise, but decides not to ask:: I've recently become very interested in natural dyeing. So far I've dyed wool using coffee, turmeric and black bean juice, and I've currently got two dyes brewing: avocado pits an avocado skins. Unfortunately my wee apartment has absolutely no garden space; I'd love to grow my own dye plants (and veggies!). I' like to get an allotment at a community garden someday; unfortunately, the waiting lists are quite long.

::Beyby sighs at the thought of perfectly good coffee going to waste on yarn instead of in her cup, but then imagines that sitting under a coffee colored blanket, sipping coffee might just be a little fabulous::

 Yarnpiggy: As for non-fibre-related hobbies, my favourite thing to do is to travel. If I ever won the lottery, I'd pack up and travel the world for years! My favourite destination so far has been India; I've been twice and would love to return. But there are plenty of places I want to see for the first time, too, especially New Zealand, Peru, Egypt, Botswana, Italy...I could go on forever!

I also love to cook and bake, and make jams and chutneys. I rather enjoy my food! I should probably enjoy somewhat less food, in fact! 

Beyby: Never! You’re allowed to enjoy it as much as you want! Traveling is the best. My next goal is New Zealand actually. So how long have you been knitting anyway?

Yarnpiggy: I guess I've been knitting for almost four years, now, although I'm still really a beginner. I did knit for about half an hour when I was about 12 or so, but my mother gave up on teaching me, as I was a grumpy, impatient student and was rather impossible to teach, LOL. So when I finally picked up the needles again, I started to teach myself from the Internet (knittinghelp.com), and by getting help from my friend's mother (my mother now lives in another town, much to her relief, I'm sure! LOL).

Beyby: Yes well I like to think that those who are the hardest to teach can be the greatest when they learn. I may have a purpose for you yet. ::She quickly jots something down:: Just because we knit, doesn’t mean we can’t be bad … ever knit anywhere you shouldn’t have?

Yarnpiggy:   I probably shouldn't admit to this, but I suppose it would have to be a storeroom at my old office  …. when I wasn't on an official break.  

::Beyby nods and grins:: Excellent! I love naughty knitting! Any project you have been afraid to try and would maybe like a push from house members?

Yarnpiggy: I am not a fearless knitter. Quite the opposite, in fact. I am very hesitant to try new things, and thus am still pretty much a beginner even four years on. I think this is mainly because I am a perfectionist, and hate making mistakes. I do know, of course, that you learn by doing, and that it's ok to make mistakes...but I don't always feel that way. So there are many things I've been afraid to try. I am currently attempting to knit three pairs of socks this term for my Transfiguration O.W.L. But I've barely started the first pair, and January is almost over! So I could certainly use a push there!

::Beyby quickly stands up and pushes Yarnpiggy out of her chair:: Knit Claw knit! Destroy that sock yarn!

::Yarnpiggy stares up in shock::

::Beyby gracefully sits back down:: So what has been your favorite thing about the cup so far? Oh! You’re on the floor! Quick! Get up before he smells you!

::Yarnpiggy jumps back into the chair. It tilts over slightly where the missing leg used to be:: … Besides the fun of seeing what my fellow students are knitting and crocheting? What I really like about the cup is that it encourages me to actually knit. That might sound strange, but as much as I love yarn and knitting patterns, and knitting tools, I sometimes need that push to actually knit. That's why I call myself the Queen of the Pre-Process knitters. I've even designed a quiz for others to see if they are pre-process knitters, too. It's on my blog.  

Beyby: Excellent! ::Beyby points her wand at herself:: SONORUS *AHEM* QUIZ FOR STUDENTS TO TAKE .. Quietus .. You’re stranded on a desert island, what needles and yarn would you want?

Yarnpiggy: This is a great question!

Beyby: I know! Isn’t it?

Yarnpiggy: Well, if could have just one of each, I guess I'd choose a 4.5 mm/US 7 needles and Malabrigo Worsted yarn. That would work for hats, scarves, cowls and blankets. Though I suppose I'd need to hope it wasn't too warm a deserted island!

Beyby: Interesting! You wouldn’t happen to know what your Patronus might be?

Yarnpiggy: I certainly do! My patronus is a flying pig.

Beyby: Not a typical answer. I like it! Hmmm … what if I were to open the cupboard with the Boggart in it … what would that be for you?

Yarnpiggy: I hope I don't offend anyone -- different strokes for different folks, as it were -- but my Boggart is a giant skein of Noro Kureyon, complete with huge pieces of very sharp vegetable matter, that likes to attack and eat fingers.

Beyby: Ooooh that’s a little dark. Nice … very nice … so … ::Beyby adds to her notes and then leans in, speaking in a very serious voice:: if immortality were offered to you … would you accept?
Yarnpiggy: No, I don't think I would. I sometimes think I was born too late as it is! I'm not sure how I'd handle never-ending change. LOL.

::Beyby’s face starts to turn shades of red and violently scribbles out everything on the page:: BAH! I think it time for you to leave!

::Yarnpiggy slowly stands looking concerned and leaves the Shrieking Shack …. Beyby fumes in the chair, burning small holes in the door where her eyes were focused. A quiet snarl comes from the back room:: I know! I know! We must be patient ::There is a loud crack and the room is empty::

The Shrieking Shack

::Knock at the door. Beyby waves it open:: Ah, a lovely Gryffidor this time. Please sit. Now Straayerliz, who are you really?

::Straayerliz cautiously looks around before sitting in a beat up chair:: My name is Liz. I am a high school math teacher at a Christian school in Michigan. I am a recent mother of the most wonderful little boy in the world, Xavier William born Nov 24. I also have two other babies, Ike and Merlin, my four year old golden retriever and Daisy dog. I spent the first two years of my life living on a houseboat (unfortunately I don't remember any of it). I am totally addicted to chocolate (but it seems to slightly upset Xavier's tummy, so I have been trying to cut back. I love Starbucks and have my own beverage (Grande Carmel Apple Spice with two pumps Chai, two pumps Cinnamon Dulce, topped with whipped cream, caramel, and cinnamon. - try it - it's amazing!).

Beyby: Congrats on the little one and my, that drink sounds yummy! I must go out this afternoon and get one. ::writes down the items to order. Loud banging rattles the wall and Beyby yells at it:: Yes I’ll get you one too. ::turns back to Liz::  Ignore that! Hobbies away from the yarn?

Straayerliz: I like to read (that was actually one of my New Year's resolutions - to read one new book a month). Other than that I mostly spend my time enjoying family and friends.

Beyby: A very good resolution!  Mine was to read more as well. So, how long have you been playing with needles and hooks?

Straayerliz: I learned to knit last January and to crochet a couple weeks ago. I taught myself both of them. I decided to learn to knit at a friend's baby shower. Another friend had made the baby, the Baby Sweater of Two Needles (February) and Saartje's Booties and they were so cute that I decided I needed to learn to do that! I learned crochet a couple of weeks ago because I see so many cute patterns and wanted to be able to make them too.

Beyby: That’s so nice! Do you have a project you are particularly proud of?

Straayerliz: I think this is my favorite because I designed it. I really wanted a double breasted sweater for my baby and couldn't find one, so I made this. I would love it if other people would try out the pattern too!

::Beyby pulls out her wand:: Sonorus! ATTENTION! PATTERN TO TRY!! Quietus. What has been your favorite thing about the cup and being a Gryffindor?

Straayerliz: For then cup, the motivation to get things done and try new things. I have always loved school and just finished my Master's degree in December so it's fun to have "homework" again. I actually plan to complete all of the classes this month and have an OWL! ... I'll be honest ... I actually thought of myself as more of a Ravenclaw (I've always been the 'brainy' type) and Gryffindor was my second choice. I am SO happy the sorting hat put me where he did though, because the Gryffs are great! They are a very talkative and friendly bunch and I have had a wonderful time getting to know them in the Common Room, discussing everything from projects to cloth diapers!

Beyby: Yes the sorting hat really does know its stuff. Just a few quick questions then. What is your spell of choice? 

Straayerliz: Not that I want to, but being an upper level math teacher, I think I probably do cast the Confundus charm on  my students from time to time! I would really like to use Scourgify though because I hate cleaning.

Beyby: What imaginary creature would you want to be real? And your Patronus would be a…?

Straayerliz: Phoenix - I love that it's their emotion that brings healing.  And my Patronus - A dolphin. From the time I could talk until I was a senior in high school I wanted to be a marine biologist. Suddenly my path changed, but I still love marine creatures. Dolphins are playful and friendly and understand humans so well.

Beyby: Tell me … If you were given the choice to live forever, what would you say?

Straayerliz: I discussed this with Nicholas Flammel and decided that I would not. I actually don't even want to get too old. I wouldn't be able to handle losing all of the people that I love.

::Beyby curses Flammel under her breath and pulls out a folded piece of paper, unfolds it,  scribbles something and folds it back up, looking disgruntled she returns it to her pocket:: Well than you very much for coming in. Please show yourself out and tell the next student, they should be waiting in The Three Broomsticks. Any last words going out the door?

Straayerliz: ROOOAAAAAAAARRRRRRRR 
GRYFINDOOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!
::Beyby falls out of her chair and the door slams shut::

The Shrieking Shack

::Beyby waves Graceleaf in as she enters the shrieking Shack, and motions for her to sit:: Ah, a Slytherin. I am so glad you could meet with me today Graceleaf. And welcome to the Shrieking Shack. Please do try to ignore the noises. ::glances at the cupboard, which seems to be making knocking noises:: Tell me a bit about yourself.

Graceleaf: ::sits in a dilapidated chair that sways a little:: My name is Beth and I'm really a woodsy kind of girl at heart, though I'm now in Chicago with my husband. I grew up in northern Minnesota with gravel in my knees and still love nothing more than to be in the woods near a lake (playing with yarn on a screened in porch with in the woods near a lake? I might just stay there until I die). I pretty much relate all colors to outside things from growing up. It makes me happy.

Beyby: Fascinating. I think it’s neat you relate colors to the outdoors, sounds very soothing. Makes me wonder what your patronus might be.

Graceleaf: A loon. I think it's because I can be a bit of a loon... but also kind of solitary except for its mate. Plus they're gorgeous and, well, need I say more? ;)

Beyby: Indeed you don’t. If you could use one spell, what would it be and how would you use it?

Graceleaf: Scourgify... I'd use it on my apartment. Oh, and my car, and the dishes... the list goes on and on really.

Beyby: How long have you been knitting and how did you learn?

Graceleaf: My grandmother taught me to knit when I was ten. I relearned a couple different times during my childhood because my mother also knows how to knit, but didn't do so regularly. I've been knitting consistently for about the past two and a half years. I had to re-teach myself how to purl, courtesy of Knitting for Dummies.

Beyby: Ah the purl … yes I had to watch videos to remember how to do it when I started again. Where is the weirdest place you have knit?

Graceleaf: If by weird you mean amazing, I knit one of my Quidditch mitts last summer at the Harry Potter Exhibit.

Beyby: That must have been fun. Do you have any other hobbies?

Graceleaf: I like to sew, use my Gocco, make jewelery, needle felt, and most recently spin. I'm mostly a homebody, but knitting is something I can take places with me, which I think is why it stuck.

Beyby: If you were stranded on a desert island, what size and type of needles and yarn would you want?

Graceleaf: I'd want my Knit Picks options size 8 circular needles and Stonehedge Fiber Mill Shepherd's Wool because it's the softest most yummy yarn that I've used to date. I haven't used my Malabrigo Worsted yet, if I had I might have to change my mind...

::A loud shriek pierces the air::

Beyby: Don’t pay it any mind. He’s just jealous I am giving my attention to someone else. ::Changes topic:: I have visited the dungeon on a few occasions and know there are some wonderful people down there … not to mention the hotties … but tell me, what’s the best part about being a Slytherin?

Graceleaf: Snakes are more fun. Rawr! I love the ambition that Slytherins have. It's full of people who are dedicated to their craft and in it to win, but because it's fun. We might be a little competitive, but hey, it's all in good fun.

Beyby: And that's the whole point of all this isn't it? To have fun. I have a test for you.

::Graceleaf says nothing as Beyby motions for her to follow and walks back to the chest that has been rocking in the corner. The doors are flung open and a Boggart flies at Graceleaf. She remains calm and thinks about the frightened people in horror movies about to open the door where the bad guy is (you IDIOT!) and shouts:: Riddikulus ::the people open the door and there stands Rick Astley singing ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ with the Weird Sisters singing backup::

Beyby: Excellent Excellent! ::sings along and claps in laughter as she closes the cupboard doors:: Come sit back down now. Do you have a project that you are most proud of?

Graceleaf: Well. I think my Mikey Ninja Turtle is probably one of my favorites. I have a few others that were more challenging, or that are more my personal taste, but for the small amount of work (and yarn!) that went into it, and for how much my husband loves it, it was absolutely one of my most satisfying. I also knit a Duck Soup for my niece that I LOVE, but never got a picture.

Beyby: It is very cute! Is there a project you have been afraid to try and would maybe like a push/guidance from house or cup members who have done it before?

Graceleaf: ::sigh:: Actually, yes. I'm planning on making EZ's Saddle shoulder aran cardigan. I'm sooo afraid I'll get the math wrong, or just make a really dumb mistake, and the steeeeek! I'm terrified of it. I'll be holding my breath the entire way.

Beyby: Dumb mistakes can be good. I like to think of all mistakes as adventures. Maybe someone who knows what it feels like to attempt something like this for the first time might like to share their experiences and finished project results. So … ::eyes Graceleaf suspiciously:: If you were given the choice to live forever, would you accept?

Graceleaf: Nope. I think I'd get bored... and my knuckles would probably get too arthritic to knit anymore. Besides, stories that have a beginning should also have an end to make them worth reading, and I like to think that we're the same way.

Beyby: Hmm, I see. ::Marks something down in her notebook that she keeps hidden from Graceleaf:: This has been really interesting, but I think it is feeding time. Thank you very much for your time. Before you go is there anything else you would like to say?

Graceleaf: Gooo Snakes!!

::Beyby motions to the door. Graceleaf rises and walks towards it as a terrible shriek comes from within the shack. She pauses, but then decides not to turn around and walks out, closing the door behind her::