Harry Potter - The Obsession...

I know the Harry Potter books can be controversial. I am in serious denial of the annoucement that Dumbledore is gay. But this series of books have given me some wonderful fictional entertainment and are probably the single reason my DS is a reader today.

We went on a driving vacation just about the time my DS was the same age as Harry Potter in the 1st book. I read a couple of chapters out loud to the kids, DH, and my mama. Not a lot of interest. I had heard a lot about the book and thought my DS might like it. I loved it and finished it on the trip. My DS got bored one day on the trip and asked where the book was and THAT was all it took! He has read all the books several times (like 20 or 30!!!) and we have been at the local wally-world at midnight just so he could get the next book immediately. He then does nothing but read and eat a little until he finishes it, usually by the next afternoon.

Soooo, it follows that I would express some facination of JK Rowlings world in my craft endeavors as well. Here are the Dobby Socks I made from the book, Charmed Knits.
They are Harry's socks that Harry gave 1 of to Dobby in one of the books. I am sure DS could tell you which book!
I have only made 1 pair of WW socks and 1 Magic Loop Sock (solo) so this is my first pair of “real” socks in sock-weight yarn and Magic Loop and Short Row heels and toe. I used Fleece Artist sock yarn in the "Yarntopia" colors. I love how they look like a box of cherry chocolates with a blue ribbon (or is that just my sweet tooth talking...).
The are pretty slouchy so I may felt them a little. They are shorter than a normal trouser sock on an adult. I am ok with that but others might want to lengthen the ankle part.

I have worn them already a lot. I love to make something and then actually wear it and love it. I tried out the 2 circular method with the second sock and LOVE IT. I will never use just plain magic loop unless I have to. It was soooo much faster and not as much "SOCK WRESTLING" as I like to call it. I also wanted to mention that the 2nd circulars that I used were the new Addi Turbo Lace, can't say enough nice things about these. Not as slick and they have gold points - perfect for 2 circular knitting, one side in regular Addis that are silver and one side in Lace Addis that are gold. PERFECT!


I also made a quick washcloth/dishcloth in yellow Peaches and Cream cotton of the Golden Snitch. Too fun. The Golden Snitch is chased in the game of Quidditch in the Harry Potter books. Harry plays a Seeker in the Gryffindor Quidditch team and his job is to catch the Golden Snitch to win the game.


Just in case this hasn't been enough Harry Potter for you...I am including a link to a quiz where you can see which Harry Potter character you are. Harry Potter Character Quiz

PS - I am Herminione of course....LOL

Here's to 2008!

Well, I have been fiendishly busy trying to get all my crafts finished for Christmas as well as work, so my blogging suffered. I gave a lot of hand-made items for Christmas this year:

1. One Skein Scarf for my cousin Sherry - funny story, I rolled it up in lace and put a candle on top to make it look like a cupcake...and that's what she thought she got, a weird yarn cupcake...guess I need to put a description of my feeble creative efforts for presentation!

2. Crocheted Short N Sweet Bolero in white for my mom.

3. Crocheted Spiderweb Cardigan in dusty rose for my DMIL.

4. Knitted Minimalist Cardigan in cornflower/dutch blue for my DSIL (alas, this one is still being seamed, just couldn't get it all done by Christmas - see below for excuses...)

5. Knitted Ribbed Wrist Warmers in Cocoa brown for my DD.

6. Crocheted Glove/Wrist Warmers in Red/Berry Malabrigo for my Niece #2.

7. Custom knitted socks in "former" school colors for my Niece #1.

8. Knitted BeSpoke Pillow for DS in his favorite Celtic Soccer team colors for his dorm room to match his afghan.

Asa's pillow was knitted in Plymouth Encore Worsted from the Interweave Knits Holiday Issue and I changed the middle initial to lower case as that is how he signs his first name. I think he really liked it and didn't think it was too geeky (since almost all crafts to my kids are geeky!)

I will post on some of these in more depth later.


As for my Christmas, it was really great, with the exception listed below. I got a ton of things I really wanted and evidently I was a VERY GOOD GIRL! I registared a Wish List at my LYS Yarntopia and my DH, are you ready??, got me everything on it!!! I was so thrilled. Wow! I got:

1. 3 skeins of spring green Baby Grand Alpaca, which I plan to make a Persephone Purse from Karen's Pattern

2. 2 skeins of Panda Silk sock yarn from which I hope to make YarnHarlot's Earl Grey socks

3. 2 skeins of red variegated Plymouth Happy Feet sock yarn that I haven't picked a pattern for yet.

4. 2 Addi Turbo circulars - I am currently learning how to do Magic Loop with 2 Circulars - more on that in a later post.

5. Bully Woolies Hat Kit so I can learn intarsia and dream of future grandbabies.

6. Louisa Harding's Venezia book where I hope to make LUNA soon.

7. Southern Goose's silk and window project bag in burgandy (not pictured) that I already have a sock project in.

Did he do good or what??!!?? When I showed my DD what I got she said "Oh MY Gosh, It's a NERD SURVIVAL KIT!!" Here is my little smart mouth with my DS and DSIL.



Another reason that my DSIL's sweater is not quite finished is my DH's Dad had to have a double amputation. He previously had heart surgery in May and had a pacemaker put in but complications from Diabetes had him in constant pain and fragile health. The surgeons tried every method to avoid the surgery but a week before Christmas decided to go ahead. We made a quick drive (lol - about 10 hours) with DS (here in Houston to spend a week with us on his college break), our black lab, and a zillion presents. We looked like the Beverly Hillbillies with everything stuffed in our car, including 3 laptops for work and school. The real blessing of the season is that my DFIL is doing fabulous and is so happy not to be in pain the loss of his feet and lower legs don't seem to be a big factor.
See him here with all the grandkids, my DSIL and my DMIL. He was supposed to be in the ReHab hospital for 4 weeks but is getting out this Thursday another blessing from all the prayers said for him.

Here's to a calmer and more healthy New Year!

PS - DH and I are ridiculously ill with some kind of virus. The doctor says it's "unreasonable" for me to expect to be well before 7 to 14 days or even consider going to work! I have been sick for 5 days and DH 6. I wonder what planet she is from and if I can vacation there???