More Travels

Whew! Last week's travels left my breathless. Over the weekend I decided to travel across the great expanse of ocean again because I simply had to speak with that ghost, Cyprian Youdle, who was cursed During the Quidditch match in 1857 - the very first Quiddtch game. One of the teams had a lovely blue jersey (the same color as my dress) and a silver arrow. Absolutely gorgeous!

Unfortunately, he was uNavailable as he was attending a ghost convention on another continent. I decided to hang around in this town - what is the name of this town? (I swear, never ask my directions anywhere. I'd get you lost in a heartbeaT!) Unfortunately, there are no pubs or shops whatsoever here! I suppose I won't be staying very long then.

Shuntbumps Round 2 Patterns

Here are the patterns for Round 2 of Shuntbumps:

Round 2 Crochet Pattern
Round 2 Knit Pattern

Good luck everyone, we look forward to seeing pictures of your finished items in the Shuntbumps Arena. 

May the best players win, and may the losers not be too bruised by the fall from their broomsticks.

Shuntbumps Crochet League Round 2

The pairings for Round 2 in the Shuntbumps Crochet League are as follows:

Albatross Harbinger, aka ItsYourNickle86, will play against Celeena Cree, aka SwitchCleo


Helena Lovegood, aka LoverofallEmo, will play against Intarsia Bindoff, aka mutz

Emma Gorodok, aka Selana, will play against Hermione Bagnold, aka smileynetta

Andromeda Finch-Fletchley, aka GirlyWithATwist, is unopposed in Round 2 yet must complete the Round 2 project within six days of the pattern release in order to progress to Round 3.

I am heading off with Mr. Wigworthy and the little Wigworthys to visit Granny and Grandad Wigworthy today. Therefore my sister, Lizzie Wychwood, will post a link to the Round 2 pattern alongside a pattern link for the Knitting League at this blog later today at 6pm BST. That is 1pm EDT, 12 noon CDT, 11am MDT 10am PDT, and 7pm CEST. I will return soon after this to monitor match progress in the Shuntbumps Arena (Ravelry thread). Good Luck to all!

Shuntbumps Knit League - Round 2 Matches

The pairings for Round 2 of the Shuntbumps Knit League are as follows:

Olive Bumblebirch (Montrose Magpies) v Ambyr Phoenixfire (Pride of Portree)
Celestina Pettigrew (Montrose Magpies) v Ginny Lockheart (Appleby Arrows)
Perenelle Tejedora (Wigtown Wanderers) v Waverley Trimble (Appleby Arrows)
Antonio dela Weasley (Appleby Arrows) v Winifred Hornswaggle (Pride of Portree)
Minerva Lovegood (Wigtown Wanderers) v Enna Kirts (Montrose Magpies)

We have an odd number going through to this round, and so Rowena Bladvak will be unopposed given that she was first to complete in Round 1. To qualify for Round 3 however, she must complete the project assigned and post a picture of it in the Shuntbumps Arena (in an unedited post), within the deadline noted below for the paired matches.

The pattern will be released tomorrow 24th October at 6pm BST (1pm EDT, 12pm CDT, 11am MDT, 10am PDT). The deadline for posting of pictures in order to win your match and progress to Round 3 is exactly 6 days from the pattern release time.

To Miss Cree... : )

Have a happy, happy birthday, Cel'eena!


You can have your hat cake and eat it, too! ; )

Missing in Action

I must apologize for being missing in action over the weekend and for missing the first round of Shuntbumping. Muggle technology seemed to fail and I tried every spell and potion known in the Wizarding World to correct it. Unfortunately nothing worked. I so don't understand all the wires and connections needed to say in touch with my teammates.

A Wirlwind of Flight

Hello, dearies!!

This week I have two stops to make. Unfortunately, my planning Cap was not on very tight. I can't seem to remember the exact locations that I will be flying to. Maybe a little Spring air will help me to be a little more organized, so my first stop wiLl be to where it is now Spring, though it is Fall here. I'm very, very excited that my first stop will have lots and lots of sheep! I heard they have some heavenly Alpaca for the most excellent Roving. I am also looking forward to spending a little time in the city that is near a castle. What was that city called again? I will have to check my itinerary again.

Siobhan was telling me how she absolutely must have some true maple syrup! I thought to myself, "maple syrup . . . maple syrup. Where Could I find true maple syrup that tasted extra yummy?" WouLdn't you know that it will take me far from my first stop of the week? There is a quaint little factory that makes it fresh in the town that is situated on a lake that is on the border of Quebec. Again I can't seem to remember the name of this one either. I think it used to be three towns that combined into one. Does anyone elSe know? Where did that itinerary go anyway? (Miss Wartbobble wanders off as she distractedly looks for her intinerary amongst the many papers she must take with her on her trip.)

Shuntbumps Crochet League Pattern

I am delighted to announce full details of the Round 1 pattern for the Shuntbumps Crochet League. The main Ravelry pattern page can be found by following the linked pattern name below. Once there please follow the 'available for free' link above the general pattern notes. Good luck to everyone!

A Very Simple Skateboarder Beanie

Shuntbumps Knit League Pattern

It is with great pleasure that I release this pattern for the inaugural HSKS Shuntbumps match.  Good luck everyone - I look forward to seeing your pictures over in the Shuntbumps Arena!

Wizardly Incognito Hat

Please note that you need to be logged into Ravelry to retrieve the pattern which is a pdf download.  You can download Adobe Reader free here.

Shuntbumps Crochet League

Hopefully you are all by now limbering up ready for when the whistle blows tomorrow to signal the commencement of the Round 1 Shuntbump matches. These will be in pairs as detailed below. The first person in each pair to post a photo of their completed picture in the Shuntbumps Arena will win and progress to Round 2. Details of photo requirements and how to embed photos in posts to Ravelry forum threads can be found here (you must first of all sign in to Ravelry to view this link). Please also ensure that you are cognisant of the Shuntbumps Rules before the tournament commences.

Match pairs:

Poppy Pluot (kauraqt on Ravelry) plays against Hermione Bagnold (smileynetta)

Celeena Cree (SwitchCleo) plays against Maisy MuddleStixs (vaL70)

Violet Starfire (gidgetgirl82) plays against Albatross Harbinger (ItsYourNickle86)

Intarsia Bindoff (mutz) plays against Prendolyn the Weird (archerpren)

Siobhan Mooney (CelticMommy) plays against Andromeda Finch-Fletchley (GirlyWithATwist)

Clara Clovenhoof (ajkane) plays against Emma Gorodok (Selana)

Helena Lovegood (LoverofallEmo) is unopposed this round. Nevertheless she must complete the Round 1 project by the given deadline in order to progress to Round 2 (as per the Shunhtbumps Rules).

The pattern for Round 1 will be released tomorrow via a post here on the main HSKS9 blog and via a post to the Shuntbumps Arena in the HSKS Ravelry forum. You may prefer to view the post there as it will contain links to the Ravelry pattern pages for the project. Pattern release times are as follows:

11.00pm BST (10pm GMT) on Saturday 17th October.
= 3pm PDT, 4pm MDT, 5pm CDT, 6pm EDT, 12 midnight CEST, 8.30am Sunday ACDT

The same times will apply for the completion deadline exactly six days later.

To find which is your time zone please click on the appropriate section of the small greyed map which appears under the title ‘Regional Maps’ above the large world map on this page.

Pattern information:

Round 1:

Yarn = worsted/aran weight (10ply), 100 - 150 yards. Wool or other warm fibre.Can use two colours - a main colour and a small amount of a contrasting/complimentary colour.
Suggested hook = US H/5.00mm
Sizing = one size that fits most adults.

Round 2: 

Yarn = DK  for small child size given in the main pattern. Other yarn weights may be used and other sizes made following the guidance given in the pattern notes, although I will not permit anything thicker than worsted. Yardage should not exceed 200 yards for any option. I recommend a warm fibre type for this project.
Suggested hook = US E/3.5mm
Sizing = customizable

Round 3:

Yarn = 150 yards worsted weight. Wool or cotton blends would both work for this project.
Suggested hook = US H/5.00mm
Sizing = Ladies medium to large


Round 4:

Yarn = 200 - 225 yards of a warm DK yarn. I can adapt the pattern to worsted if you really need me to.
Suggested hook = US H/5.00mm
Sizing = one size fits all ladies.

The projects for rounds 3 and 4 require some buttons - two buttons each. I recommend buttons of about one to one and a half inches in diameter for the round 3 project, and buttons of one half to one inch diameter for the round 4 project. The buttons will be visible on the projects so select pretty/interesting buttons that will contrast nicely with the yarns you use. Both these projects look particularly good in two complimentary yarns, a main yarn and a small amount of either a contrasting colour or darker/lighter shade of the same colour according to your preference.

Shuntbumps Knit League

The knit league sign-ups are now closed, and pairs have been selected for Round 1.  The first person in each pair to post a photo of their completed picture in the Shuntbumps Arena will win and progress to Round 2. Details of photo requirements and how to embed photos in posts to Ravelry forum threads can be found here (you must first of all sign in to Ravelry to view this link). Please also ensure that you are cognisant of the Shuntbumps Rules before the tournament commences.

Round 1 Pairs:
Fleur Sweeting v Olive Bumblebirch
Celestina Pettigrew v Gryphon the Great
Ambyr Phoenixfire v Megaera Black
Ginny Lockheart v Selena Starfire
Intarsia Bindoff v Perenelle Tejedora
Wisteria Lovegood v Waverley Trimble
Antonio dela Weasley  v Minerva Wood
Winifred Hornswaggle v Arriana Stylos
Quietus v Minerva Lovegood
Rowena Bladvak v Cassandra Crimsonchin
Maisy Muddlestixs v Enna Kirts

Round 1 Pattern Release Advice
The pattern for Round 1 will be released tomorrow via a post here on the main HSKS9 blog and via a post to the Shuntbumps Arena in the HSKS Ravelry forum. You may prefer to view the post there as it will contain links to the Ravelry pattern pages for the project. Pattern release date/time is as follows:

Saturday 17th October
1pm BST (12pm GMT) = 5am PDT, 6am MDT, 7am CDT, 8am EDT, 2pm CEST, 10.30pm ACDT

The same times will apply for the completion deadline exactly six days later.

To find which is your time zone please click on the appropriate section of the small greyed map which appears under the title ‘Regional Maps’ above the large world map on this page.

Pattern Information for All Rounds:

Round 1:  This pattern is suitable for Child to Adult, Male or Female.  It requires 80 -180 yards of worsted weight yarn for a 2 colour design with a main colour and small amount of either a contrasting colour or darker/lighter shade of the same colour according to your preference.  It is knit in the round on 4.5mm needles - either dpns, 2x 24” circulars, or one long (say 40”) circular for magic loop if you are familiar with that technique.

Round 2:  This pattern is suitable for Child to Adult, Male or Female. It requires up to 120 yards of worsted weight yarn in a single colour.  It is knit in the round on 4.5mm needles - either dpns, 2x 24” circulars, or one long (say 40”) circular for magic loop.

Round 3:  This pattern is suitable for a Woman.  It requires 225 - 450 yards (the latter being for Madame Maxime sized ladies) in worsted weight yarn for a 2 colour design with a main colour and small amount of either a contrasting colour or darker/lighter shade of the same colour according to your preference.  Most of it is knit in the round on a 16" 4.0mm circular needle.  The pattern also requires 3.75mm dpns.

Round 4:  This pattern is suitable for a Woman.  It requires: 130 - 150 yards of a single colour in worsted weight yarn.  It is knit in the round on a 16" 5.0mm circular needle, and also calls for a 16" 4.5mm circular needle.

Round 5:  This pattern is suitable for a Woman or Girl (approx age 7 up).  It requires 190 - 220 yards of worsted weight yarn in a single colour, and 3 buttons (size not stated, but around an inch in diameter should work).  It is knit in rows back and forth, and calls for 2.75mm straights and dpns.

Shuntsbumps Rules & Regulations

Competitors in the Shuntbumping please take note of the following rules. These may be updated as required, and will be linked from the Shuntbumps Arena (in the Ravelry group forum).

Shuntbumps Rules

1. Time Allowed
In each round a deadline will be set by which time all qualifying competitors must have finished and posted pictures of their completed project in the shuntbumps arena. Players who do not meet this deadline will not progress to the next round.

2. Participation
All qualifying competitors must complete the project, whether or not they are paired with an actual opponent (i.e. in rounds where there is an odd number of competitors).

3. Safety First
No running with scissors. Check your bed for needles or hook hazards before going to sleep. Also, if you have a habit of keeping your dpns or cable needle in your décolletage please make sure to check there too.

4. Cheating
Competitors must leave posts containing photos of their completed projects unedited. If they contain typos, spelling errors and/or poor grammar, live with it! This is to prevent cheating. :0)

(Acknowledgement for rule 3 goes to the Ravelry Designers’ forum.)

My Adventure Begins

Hello, students and athletes!

Please forgive me! I'd meant to get this letter off to you on Monday of this week, but the preparations for my departure were rather difficult and cumbersome. I had an unfortunate run in with the department head of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes. Horrendous!! He accused me of improperly teaching some young wizards how to apparate! I believe he loudly screamed the number of wizards involved in the catastrophe. Something like 75 wizards had splinched themselves!! How could he accuse me of such a thing??? You would think that Department wizards would be trained on a better bed side manner than he!!! All is well, however. The wizards were properly put back together and won't be causing any mischief anytime soon.



Anyway, I just wanted to get a letter off to let you know that all is well with me and that my travels have begun. I will be writing you soon from my next location, so please do keep a look out for my owls. You can't miss them - literally LOL

Ciao!
Forever Yours,
Miss Wartbobble

Welcome to HSKS9!

On behalf of my co-coordinator Wisteria Lovegood, please let me be the first to officially welcome you to season nine of HSKS!! This season has begun most splendidly and here are a few facts you might be surprised to hear about the players on our Quidditch Teams.

• Players from eight countries
• Players from 24 of the 50 states
• Beaders, Crocheters, Dyers, Knitters, Needle workers, Pattern Designers, Sewers and Spinners!
• Over 10 Birthdays to celebrate
• Quidditch players in their first season (a.k.a HSKS newbies) as well as seasoned players who have been in 6 or more terms/seasons of HSKS.
• Quidditch players born in the 1950's, 1960's, 1970's, 1980's and 1990's.
• Over 1000 completed projects combined!
• Enough yarn combined between us all to circle the earth many many times!

You might be thinking "Wow, really? I didn't know that!" Well, now you get to find out who some of these people are!

Your First Blog Assignment is to get to know your fellow Quidditch Players.

Find the following people among players on your and the other teams. (Each person can only be listed once.)

1. Someone with the same craft as you (either those listed above or another one).
2. Someone who was born in the same month.
3. Someone from a different country.
4. A new HSKS Quidditch player.
5. A player who has been in 3 or more HSKS swaps.
6. A player who has a bigger stash than you! (And if your stash is the biggest, proudly say so!)
7. A player who both knits and crochets.
8. Someone who has the same favorite color as you.

Once you have found these eight people, do one of the following as a way of introducing yourself.

• Comment on one of their blog postings. Say hello and a little tidbit about yourself.
• Comment on one of their finished or "WIPs" projects on Ravelry.

Then, when you are all done, write about your getting-to-know-them adventures on your blog. This will fulfill your blog posting for this week and you have until midnight Pacific Standard Time on Saturday to do so.

Questions? Please feel free to post a comment here so the question can be answered for all to see. We love questions you know, ask away!

I cannot wait to see who shares what with whom! And who knows, maybe we'll have even more nifty statistics to add to the list.
-Siobhan

Oh P.S., More date information and deadlines will be posted tomorrow.

Quidditch Registration

SIGNUPS ARE NOW CLOSED.
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR EXCELLENT APPLICATIONS!

The pic is the portkey to registration.

Please be sure you are clear on the

types of kits and the requirements

prior to signing up!Thank you!
Wisteria Lovegood & Siobhan Mooney, Ministers of Magical Games & Sports

QUIDDITCH KITS

I know everyone is anxious to find out what kind of kits we will be swapping this season. We were wondering what a person would wear to a Quidditch game, either as a player or as a fan. So, without further ado, here are your kit choices:

--Bag
--Cowl/Neckwarmer & Mittens (can be fingerless) - MUST MAKE BOTH
--Hat & Scarf - MUST MAKE BOTH
--Hat & Mittens (can be fingerless) - MUST MAKE BOTH
--Socks

Each person will be asked to pick a minimum of two kit choices on their sign-up sheet. Your spoiler will then (1) make one of your choices as the handmade part of the kit, and (2) include the yarn and pattern for another of your choices as part of the kit. For example, if I were to chose socks and cowl/neckwarmer & mittens as my kit choices, my spoiler could choose to make the cowl/neckwarmer & mittens and include the yarn and pattern for the socks in the kit, or vice versa.

The handmade item and yarn should be in the team colors of the spoilee.

The cost of a kit should be in the range of $25-35. Remember, all those living in the US must purchase delivery confirmation for your kit and provide the number to your team captain/assistant captain.

Therefore, your kit must include the following:

-- HANDMADE ITEM(S)
--YARN
--PATTERN
--2-3 ITEMS FROM SPOILEE'S WISH LIST

Please take the time to read your spoilee's wish list and profile. Check out the projects they have completed. Learn what they like and don't like. PLEASE put together a kit that is appropriate for your spoilee. If (s)he likes bright colors, don't send pastels. If she only crochets, don't send knitting patterns or needles. If she drinks tea, don't send coffee.

We understand that finances are very tight for some and this swap should not add more stress to anyone. Pace yourself and order/buy things throughout the period of the swap; don't wait to the last minute to order items or fill your kit with items your spoilee has no use for. Most importantly, communicate with your spoilee/spoiler. If you aren't sure whether your spoilee would like something, just ask. Our aim this season is for quality kits that stay within the dollar/euro limit.

If anyone has any questions on the kits, please PM either Siobhan (CelticMommy) or Wisteria (Neila). Remember, there are no stupid questions!