House Cup Happenings November 25

Hello, House Cuppers! It's the day late, not a dollar short edition of House Cup Happenings with your everpresent Deputy Headmistress, Needlesnswiffers reporting.

It was a busy week with Quidditch wrapping up, which also meant that MOVIE 7, PART 1 WAS RELEASED!! Many of you have already seen the movie and many are plotting ways to get to the theater still. I am unfortunately in the second category but as a Hufflepuff I think we all know that I'll get there eventually even if it takes eleventy years to walk there uphill in the snow. In completely unrelated news, I need a babysitter and I can pay in yarn...

Check out the gear!!

Hufflepuff Coribug (on the left):



Gryffindors CaffeinatedKatie and NaturallyKnitty:



Slytherin DevonC brought her Luna Lovegood A-game:



It appears that Slytherin Polcamilla had a run-in with the Sorting Hat:



Slytherin Linuxchic styled as Bellatrix Lestrange:



Ravenclaw Nightrae styled as Bellatrix Lestrange:



LOVE the Dark Mark!!! Uhhh, I mean, um....... no, no I love it.

If you want to talk movie gear, check out this thread.


Back on the homefront, Gryffindor CommaSplice put a lot of effort into her story for Defense Against the Dark Arts in studying Fiendfyre this month:

One of the first recorded instances of FiendFyre was in 1666, when a careless curse caused large portions of the city of London to be destroyed by FiendFyre. Even the Muggles of the time knew this was no ordinary fire. As the famous Muggle diarist, Samuel Pepys, wrote, the fire was “a most horrid malicious bloody flame, not like the fine flame of an ordinary fire.” The FiendFyre burned for four days, and while Muggles attributed the end of the fire to calmed winds and firebreaks, it is reported in the book “The Cursed Fyre of Londonne” by the wizard Phineas Goyle (published in 1671) that several witches and wizards worked a powerful containment spell to stop the FiendFyre. As Goyle wrote, “That cursed Fyre wouldst burn still had those Brave Wizyrds and Witches not stopped its Fiendish Flames. Alice hast ordered mutton for dinner.”

Also in DADA, Gryffindor Starknits made a heat-repelling hat shown in action:



Over in the Headmistress Challenge, Slytherin Rockinsticks magically expanded her party handbag with holiday survival supplies:

A - Handbag magically charmed to hold as much as needed - thank you to Hermione Granger for teaching me this spell.
B - Bottle of scotch in a handknit Jack Skellington “festive” wrap to enable hours with teetotaler family to fly by.
C - Zip lock bag in which to spit whatever beast they have incendioed all moisture from.
D - Earplugs - to raise my endurance for the self important ramblings of my cousin.
E - Yarn - of course.
F - Raw Onion - a little rubbed under the arms and across the tounge will make most conversations blissfully short.
G - Extra long knitting needles - when held just right will prevent anyone from sitting too close and provide elbow room.

In Transfiguration, Slytherin Vox8 made mittens and reducioed them so much that now they are only fit for practicing safe texting.



Also in Transfiguration, Slytherin DrusillaWormwood shrunk an entire cauldron of An Elixir to Induce Euphoria after a day so harrowing as to induce sympathetic protests from this witch.



Ravenclaw Oneneedleknitting discovered that fellow Ravenclaw Brineydeep may or may not have spun a sweater's worth of yarn twenty minutes ago.

Also in the OWLs, Ravenclaw Deedlit had to apply special filters to her camera so that we could see her invisibility cloak in action.





The voting on NEWT badges has ended, and the victor decided! Check out the winning badge design here by Ravenclaw Deedlit.

A very tired looking owl has brought me a note - congratulations to Gryffindor Sobeknofret on successfully defending her PhD thesis on October 29!

I'm celebrating Thanksgiving in my neck of the woods today, and I just want to say that writing this column has been a great way to connect with my favorite parts of the House Cup and I'm thankful for the opportunity to see and highlight the creativity and talent in our group.

And thus ends the longest blog post ever. Remember, if you run across anything good, better, or awesome, please let me, Needlesnswiffers, know!

House Cup Happenings November 17

Gooooooooooooooooooooooood day, House Cuppers! Deputy Headmistress Needlesnswiffers here with the weekly House Cup Happenings report!

A bit of House Cup history was made this week when Gryffindor Mauri completed the very first NEWT! As you may know, NEWTS are the big sibling of the OWLs in the House Cup, consisting of two OWLs worth of work plus the fact that the work must encompass two subjects and link them. NEWT students have four months to complete their task and midterm and final points add up to 350 points for their house.

Mauri made seven pairs of mittens.

Congratulations, Mauri! Job well done!

Speaking of NEWTs, the voting on badges was too close to call! There will be a run-off vote on the top contenders posted soon.

In Care of Magical Creatures, Ravenclaw Slightlyfoxed put together a hilarious turn-in post. Check it out!

In Herbology, NQFY Knidancer made this very cool "Have a Pint" hat

Remember that a yardage experiment is going on in three classes this month - Astronomy, Herbology, and History of Magic. If you have any questions about estimating your yardage, please ask your professors or housemates! And remember... all will be revealed in due time......

In Astronomy, Gryffindor Naturallyknitty spun up some Aurora Borealis.

In History of Magic, Slytherin CraftyGryphon made this example of goblin craftsgoblinship.

Our intrepid secretary has posted a new staff meeting report. Go read about the glowing pigeon cozies!

Finally, this week our Charms Co-professor Cattiekins welcomed her Babykins into the world! Congratulations, Cattiekins!

Remember, if you like this feature leave a comment so I know to keep it up! And if you see anything fun, funny, fantastic, or flabbergasting around the House Cup, earburn or PM me, Needlesnswiffers, on Ravelry! See you next time!

Unofficial October Points Update!

Good news, everyone! It's your Deputy Headmistress here with the unofficial points tally for October!

Gryffindor 6,676 points bringing their Fall term total to 14,580!

Hufflepuff 5,960 points bringing their Fall term total to 13,526!!

Ravenclaw 6,880 points bringing their Fall term total to 14,758!!!

Slytherin 4,615 points bringing their Fall term total to 11,561!!!!

It's still anybody's game. How much awesome stuff can you make in November?

House Cup Happenings November 10

Hi there, Deputy Headmistress Needlesnswiffers here sliding in a little late with the November 10 edition of House Cup Happenings! I know it's the 11th, but what can I say... like many of you I suspect, I've chained myself to my OWL in the race to finish before the end of term on November 30. At the moment, I'm dealing with the sleeves that go on and on yet never seem to get longer. I'm assured by the internet crafting wise ones that at some point the sleeves will suddenly be magically done. One can only hope.



A little over 14 inches.... only eleventy billion more inches to go!

So what's been going on lately? In Quidditch, Gryffindor's House Pride Exhibition was last weekend and you can see it starting here.

Over in Care of Magical Creatures, Professor DevonC has practically issued a challenge to make a sock from spaghetti. Having tried to knit with spaghetti once, I can confirm that this is harder than it seems...

Also in Care of Magical Creatures, Happychica2, kelbel, and nwfairy ponder the collective noun for Yeti. Family, pod, gaggle, herd, flock, murder, colony, drove, troupe, and gang have all been put forth, as has the possibility that like sheep, Yeti is both singular and plural. What do you think?

In Transfiguration, NQFY Paulinaknits whipped up this very cute llama sweater. It gets better though, because when I asked how to pronounce Llambardo the Llama's name she replied:

My daughter, who named Llambardo, pronounces it like “Lombardo”. He must be from Italy (Lombardy), as he keeps asking me (through Kate) to make him pasta for supper.

In an effort to fulfill the Headmistress Challenge, Gryffindor Mauri built a mini-shrine in her bathroom.



In Potions, Gryffindor Kelbel brewed up an Elixir to Induce Euphoria (it's the blue one on the bottom right) to top off a cauldron of hats made this year and donated to charity. Wow!



In Transfiguration, Slytherin Rockinsticks (also a member of our mighty blog team) was the subject of a scathing letter from Severus Snape, Potions Master Emeritus here at Hogwarts. It seems that she was attempting to Vanish his frock coat and shrunk it well beyond a useful size.



Professor Snape, as Deputy Headmistress I assure you that Rockinsticks will be dealt with swiftly and certainly not congratulated on fueling the fantasies of many of our students and faculty. Ahem.

Advanced Studies Mistress Fricknfrack wishes to remind everyone that voting is currently being held for N.E.W.T. badges here. Remember to use the educational button this time for voting, and we are asked to only vote for one!

Well folks, I'm back to the sleeves on that OWL sweater of mine, so if you like this feature and want to help me keep it going, please alert me, Needlesnswiffers, by earburn or PM to anything funny, interesting, or just plain super cool going on in the House Cup! Cable on... I mean, carry on!

House Cup Happenings November 3

Hello, Deputy Headmistress Needlesnswiffers here for this week's installment of House Cup Happenings!

Since our last chat we wrapped up the goings on of October and ushered in November, the last month of our Fall 2010 term. This is it, guys - our last month of classes in 2010! ACK!

Remember - the Quidditch deadline is the end of the day, November 16th!

Also, don't miss the Headmistress Challenge! If you want to knit or crochet for any holiday that occurs in the last two months of the year, there can be quite a few points in it for you. Sfcorgi asks that someone please knit mini-socks for their Thanksgiving turkey.

Wrapping up October, there were quite a few fun projects handed in. In Muggle Studies, Peanutzmom studied The Brady Bunch and creatively talked some squares in as her assignment.



In Transfiguration, Ravenclaw Kethrim made a costume not likely to be forgotten.



Also in Transfiguration, Gryffindor Fuzziekit made a ferret into an owl. I know.



And one more from Transfiguration (!!), Gryffindor Mindysue made a hat for a little witch.



Ravenclaw Greenheron talked a dishcloth into DADA with its zombie-defeating properties.



Gryffindor Lisakbye made a severed finger chap stick cozy. Ew!



We've had another Behind the Scenes report from the House Cup Secretary, Dnatheory, which brought us much information on dogs and kitty pictures and surgeries and squeezed in there somewhere was relevant information about the innermost thoughts of the Sorting Hat, among other things. Personally, I miss mini-socks.

In November classes, Dnatheory pointed out that PrincessOnica yelled, "Fire!" in the DADA classroom. Want to make something sparkley? Go to History of Magic or Astronomy. Got gifts to make? Go to Potions or Herbology. Charms is all about remembering and Transfiguration is about vanishing. Care of Magical Creatures already made students happy by focusing on socks/foot coverings or things made from fingering weight yarn, and then Professor Anna92 announced that single socks would be accepted. Oh my!

Caretaker Oriocookie completed her NEWT in lion reproduction - congratulations!

Remember, if you see something funny, a great project, or an announcement that should go into House Cup Happenings please PM or earburn me, needlesnswiffers, on Ravelry!

House Cup Happenings October 27

Happy Wednesday, House Cuppers, and welcome to the second edition of House Cup Happenings with me, Deputy Headmistress Needlesnswiffers!

In Quidditch, last weekend was the House Pride Exhibition for Hufflepuff. They sure were busy and showed us numerous badgertastic expressions of pride, starting here!

OWL progress reports at 50% for 50 points are due at the end of October. If you want to look at images of all the pretty progress, try this image-only link. Hufflepuff Kikipotamus has reported to the OWL thread with a unique request:

Kikipotamus of Hufflepuff requesting permission to take her DADA OWL out into the back yard, cut it up into little tiny pieces, light it on fire and dance around singing “ding dong the witch is dead’. Yes, I hate it that much. I kept going with it even after I decided I hated it, thinking it might get better. It hasn’t. I am still working on (and loving) my potions OWL, which I hope to post pics of soon.
I couldn’t bear to load a pic of the afghan here, but if you really must see it,
link text

It doesn't look that bad, Kiki, but we know how innocent some evil projects can look!

For the students attempting NEWTs this term, remember you must demonstrate 75% completion by the end of October to claim your midterm 100 points.

Quidditch commentator LNS remarked, "If Hufflepuff manufactured a car, I’d totally buy it. Think about it; hard-working, reliable, loyal, down-to-earth … and the glove-compartment doubles as an Easy-Bake Oven ;-)"

Intrepid Slytherin Moongirlknits created a fun entry for the House Cup NEWT badge contest:



Gryffindor Assistant Quidditch Coach Stuartsmom got a little silly in approving Gryffindor WoolenHorse's projects:

Let’s see now. Socks = garments, so that gets a nod.
Gaiter = garment, so that gets a nod.
You used Bronze and Blue, so nods there, too.

So, don’t worry, you’re good! And thrifty, too, might I add.
Just make sure copies of these photos make their way over to your primary posting page, or possibly there will be a perishing of points.
(Was that enough Ps? Because, I’m happy to add more, y’know. Sale on at Dictionopolis today.)

Stuartsmom also coined the term "Gryffindorosity" so please try to use that one in a sentence

Charmingberry turned in this lovely top in Muggle Studies

Ravenclaw's Fricknfrack whipped up some car mirror mittens for a friend plagued by bluebirds (which are protecting her car from unfriendly spirits) in Defense Against the Dark Arts

Transfiguration is exploring the art of disguise this month - human and animal transfiguration. I'm not sure how much this assignment is appreciated by Slytherin Addreamy's dog Syd:

I'm pleased to report that Hufflepuff Nautilus has achieved her NEWT in Badger Reproduction, and her announcement is here!

Is there a doctor in the house? Yes, yes there is - BrineyDeep is now BrineyDeep, Ph.D.

Remember - all October homeworks, Detention projects, and midterm progress in the Advanced Studies Department (OWLs and NEWTs) are due at the end of October, Headmistress time! Check the clock over on the right side of this page to find out what day and time it is for the Headmistress (hint: Pacific time!). See you in November!

Did you see something silly or interesting or awesome or announcementy around the House Cup lately? PM or earburn me, Needlesnswiffers, on Ravelry and help me keep up!

Tuesday Staff Interview

Jjkawano

Today we talk to our lovely potions mistress Jjkawano who has been brewing up some excellent ideas for upcoming classwork.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself outside the House Cup.

A: In the muggle world, I am a mother of 3 boys (5, 2 and 4 months) and a wife to Jumpei. I DJ at the local radio station, Rainbow FM every Thursday from 11am to 1pm. I'm a qualified Justice of the Peace for Queensland, have a degree in Media Studies and review books when I'm in the mood and have time to do so for Technical Communications. I like to challenge myself with trying to learn new crafts like knitting. But I am a crocheter at heart.

William, Jjkawando and Jumpei

Grant and Miles

Q: Why potions?

A: Why not potions??? My keen interest is Professor Snape, and why shouldn't I want to follow in his footsteps (minus the dying bit because that just sucks big time!). Mixing medium is a great way to experiment within the bounds of our respective crafts. Plus, I look hot in my teachers robe.

Q: Oh...um....sorry I got distracted when you said, "Professor Snape", right, what is your favorite part of being a professor? Least favorite part?

A: Favorite part, looking at all the awesome projects completed and their owner's interpretation of what was asked. Least favorite part has to be grading the work of individuals. Each project has meaning for the creator and is awesome.

Q: What is the best potion you've ever brewed?

A: Not sure yet, I'm still a work in progress, but doing the Seraphina's shawl was a challenge and a highlight for me so far. Producing children is a great brew as well. So far I have only perfected the creation of boys, but hopefully in the near future, I will have managed to perfect a formula for a girl or twins.

Q: If you could have one potion, charm, or magical object that worked in real life what would it be?

A: I think the ability to obtain Professor Snape for my own mischievous purposes, or the Felix Felicis or even Mrs. Scower's All-Purpose Magical Mess Remover cos my house sure could use some of it each day, especially with William in the house and the new baby.

Thank you to Jjkawano for the delightful answers and photos. This reporter suddenly needs to now broom off to the muggle Internet to look for Snape photos. See you next Tuesday.

House Cup Happenings

Hi! This is Needlesnswiffers, Deputy Headmistress, and I'll be writing a new column here on the blog called House Cup Happenings.

So what's going on around Hogwarts? October classes are well underway. Quidditch players are flying high and Slytherin and Ravenclaw have already had their House Pride Exhibition days. Hufflepuff's will be this coming weekend, October 22-25, and Gryffindor's are November 5-8.

Defense Against the Dark Arts Co-Professor Addykan will be on sabbatical for a bit. As Caretaker, Oriocookie will be Acting Co-Professor for the foreseeable future (although perhaps if you want a time frame you can study Divination this month).

History of Magic is studying Deathday parties this month, and in the interest of non-procrastination the Professors are offering a chance at special bonus points by turning in homework BEFORE October 27. That means on or before October 26.

So what's caught my eye lately?

Dnatheory, Ravenclaw House, found yet another use for mini-socks.

Alethea, Ravenclaw House, has used a muggle doll toy to disguise toilet paper.

Frimptes, Hufflepuff House, has scored a goal in Quidditch with a project that evokes everything great about the House Cup. Where else, really, could you make a Gryffindor Fascinocto and have people tell you how awesome it is instead of having you hauled off? Seriously. Seriously!

Drake, Ravenclaw House, penned .... typed.... a cheer for the House Pride Exhibition:

Ravenclaw House Pride Weekend!

With apologies to a number of technical schools who I’m sure have similar cheers…

Themistocles, Euripides,
The Peloponnesian War,
X squared, Y squared,
H2SO4.

Astrolabe, Sextant,
Ravenclaw SOAR!

I apologize that my chant-writing was inadequate to allow for the inclusion of the Antikythera mechanism.

In Divination class, 3secondfish, Slytherin House, asked,

Suppose you want to scry in a pool of ink and found that your familiar has knocked over the bottle and is gleefully spreading the contents throughout the house.

Is it acceptable to scry in another dark liquid, such as rum?

New moms Ravenclaw RChrispy and Hufflepuff Luckynumbers have achieved what we like to call NEWTs in Eagle and Badger Reproduction, respectively. See their announcements with pictures here and here!

EDIT!! It's come to my attention that Ravenclaw Hypercycloid also achieved a double NEWT in Eagle Reproduction on October 7th and 8th - yes, that's right, twins with different birthdays. Sorry to have missed you the first time, and congratulations all around!

And that's all for this week! I have an untreated Ravelry addiction but I can't catch everything, so if you see something funny, a great project, or an announcement that should go into House Cup Happenings please PM or earburn me, needlesnswiffers, on Ravelry!

Tuesday Staff Interview

Mightygoodyarn

This week we talk to Mightygoodyarn, Charms mistress who has given us the ability to travel through time this month.

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself outside the House Cup.

A: I'm a fourth-year Ravenclaw. In addition to co-teaching Charms, I am pretty active over in the Tower. One of the things I do is orchestrate the Convocation of Eagles, which is a fun addition to the game based on points earned in the Cup, and I manage the Mad Scientist Award, which recognizes the really nutty things Ravenclaws do during the term. I have also earned myself a bit of a reputation for mischief over there - I have a knack for misfires in the lab. But, y'know, structural integrity is so overrated.

I live with my husband in Austin, Texas. We're pretty typical Austinites in that we have day jobs and about 16 creative professional ventures outside of that. By day, I work in higher education, but at other times I am a freelance writer, playwright, knitwear designer, and small buisness owner. (I'm holding myself back from the self-promo here, lol).

Q: Why Charms?

A: I teach Charms because that's the class I was assigned, but really I was up for anything. I like Charms because in the magical world charms are so widely used that you can get very creative and far-reaching with class assignments.

Q: What is the most charming project you've ever completed?

A: Most charming project...hmmm, let's see. As of October 11, I'm struggling mightily to finish an adult sweater design. The yarn wasn't given to me until late, so if I succeed, this will have been designed and knit up in under a month. I have many words to describe that project, "charmed" being only one of them.

I'm also a fan of my Meryton, which I designed for my first OWL ever. But most charming, literally, are the baby mittens I knit up to look like little fish. The family I gave them to report that strangers are so-so about the kid but nuts about the mittens. :)

Q: What is your favorite part of being a professor? What is your least favorite part?

A: Favorite part: seeing people rise to the task and challenge themselves, either with their craftwork or their photography/storytelling. Even if its a flop, I still feel so happy when I see someone pushing themselves.

My least favorite part is hammering out bonus points, because it's actually quite difficult to do in a way that's fair, and as a result these bonus points have for some folks become much heavier than I think they ought to be. Truth is, you can't please everybody, so at the end of the grading, I just brush it off an move on.

Can I insert something here to let me heap praise upon my fellow Charms Staff? Cattiekins, who has many terms of teaching experince, has welcomed me with open arms and really helped me get my footing. Mauri and Cindiknits are both so hardworking and wonderful TAs. Thanks peeps!

Q: If you could have one potion, charm or magical object that worked in real life what would it be?

A: My charm would be, well, yes, a time-turner would be great, but at the moment I'd settle for a magical window or ceiling or something so I could get some daylight in my miserable dungeon of an office. (I'm writing this on my lunch break.) There's also lots of stuff dealing with world peace and global warming that I should probably wish for too.

Thanks, guys! See you around the Cup!

This ends this week's Tuesday Staff Interview. Thank you to Mightygoodyarn for taking the time to answer our questions. Tune in next Tuesday when we talk to.......Doh! I forgot to requsest an interview. This is Rockinsticks signing off and heading to the staff lounge.

Tuesday's Staff Interview

Potion Mistress Frick

Today we sit down with our beloved Potions Mistress Frick who is bringing more beauty to our world with this months homework.

Q. Tell us a little about yourself outside the House Cup.

A. Outside the House Cup, I'm a wife of 11 years to the best husband ever, IME. :) I'm also the mother of a 9 year old boy on the high-functioning end of the autism spectrum and a perfectly typical 7 year old girl. I am active in my county's extension homemakers, and I volunteer at school.

Mostly, I spin, knit, read and take care of the family.

Q. Why potions?

A. Why not potions? ;) Honestly, I TA'd with Professor Coleva for two terms and felt very comfortable in the Potions class. When the headmistress decided to expand the teaching staff, it seemed like a logical move to apply to co-teach. I'm having a lot of fun with it so far! :)

Q. What is the best potion you've ever brewed?

A. The best potion I've ever brewed would have to be the complex, 17 ingredient Potion I brewed for my OWL last term, the Sipalu Bag. I love it, and it always garners compliments.

Q. What is your favorite part of being a professor? What is your least favorite part?

A. My favorite part of being a professor is commenting on all of the projects. As a TA I didn't feel like I had to comment on everything, so I rarely commented. Now I feel like students might wonder if their project was marked if it doesn't get a comment of some sort, so I'm making sure to comment on as many as I can.

My least favorite part has been the rare occasion when a project has to be turned down. Almost anything is acceptable with a properly thought out submission story!

Q. If you could have one potion that would work in real life what would it be?

A. Felix felicis. I would love to be able to take a drop on those days when everything seems to be going wrong so that everything would then turn around and start going right.


This is Rockinsticks signing off. Thank you to Frick for taking time during the simmering of her latest concotion to give us a look into the world of potions education. Tune in next Tuesday to be Charmed by Cattiekins.

Inside Fall Quidditch Information!

::Foxy sneaks out of GG’s faves with something in his mouth::

SuenosdeJmi spots him.”Hey! Foxy, what do you have? Is that the Q7 clipboard?”

She extrapolates. “What were you doing in there?” 
Suspicion mounts. “Were you dropping clues?”

She takes off after Foxy and the clipboard!

::runrunrunrunrun!::

Inside Fall Quidditch Information!

::Small white Arctic Fox runs to blog with clipboard:: 
::Selene nowhere insight::

::scrabbles loose sheet of paper off clipboard, lets it slip off in the blog where it can be clearly seen by passers-by::

::on top, a post it note: 
Jamie - you think we should do this again, considering they’ll need house colors this fall? - Selene

::over which is scrawled - 
S - they can use any house’s colors, right? - J

::and the large piece of paper to which the notes are affixed is written on canary yellow paper in NeedlesNSwiffer’s clear hand:

I started tagging my yarn I’d be willing to trade with qravenclaw. So far it’s all Ravenclaw colors. :D But if another house should crop up, I’ll tag it accordingly… qhufflepuff qslytherin qgryffindor. If anybody else wants to do the same, I bet your Sharing Beater will spot you a butterbeer on the next trip to Hogsmeade…