Finished. Now let the reading begin.

Finally finished my Gryffindor Bookmark. Now I can begin reading Book 7. Up till midnight last night and messed up. Had to frog back a few times because of mistakes but I finally finished up this morning. It looks like the one given in the pattern. Read first 1-1/2 chapters so far!

World War II Sock Progress

I completed Sock #1 from my World War II Sock Pattern last night. I'm happy to say that it fits perfectly, like a glove (or should I say sock).

9 Foot Surfboard - Progress

I started my 9 foot longboard surfboard today. I did the main spar which consists of 3 - 9 foot lengths of 1/8" Luan plywood glued together. The plywood comes in 8 x 4 sheets, so I had to cut and glue an extra foot piece interspersed between the 8 foot sections. Once the glue dries, and can shape. Then I can start cutting the frame pieces.

It's Here!

Harry Potter Book 7 came today, not by Owl, but by Muggle Mail. I need to get my Gryffindor Bookmark finished before I can open the package tonight. I better get crackin, its almost 7:00 pm EST already!

Sign Up for Hogwarts Sock Swap Two

Sign ups are being held for the second round of Hogwarts Sock Swap Two. Sign ups are open as of July 14, 2007. Don't delay, as its filling up fast.

Hogwarts Sock Swap Questionnaire

Hogwarts Sock Swap Questionnaire

What Hogwarts house have you been sorted into? - Gryffindor

Shoe size? - Mens 11

Foot Length? - 10 3/4"

Foot Circumference? 10"

List your three favorite double-point needle brands, including size and length.
a. Plymouth Bamboo US#5, 8" long. (Working on my first pair of socks).
b. Haven't used anything else, but open to other brands and types.
c. Something thats kitty proof. - My cat likes to chew on my bamboo needles.

Would you like to try a new brand needle? If so, which brand? Size? Length?
- Would like to try a circular pair, suitable for socks. I'm a tight nitter so I usually use 2 sizes up from the pattern requirement.

If you are a RAVENCLAW, do you prefer the colors in the film or the book? Do you have a strong preference? - Not applicable.

Allergies? Do you have any? Will your knitting be exposed to smoke or animals?
- Allergic to molds, tree & grass pollens, and dust. I have a cat.

Are you an international participant (outside US)? Are you willing to have an international Hogwarts Sock Pal? - I live in the US. I am willing to have an international pal.

Current Projects

Two other projects I am working on are Harry Potter "Weasley Sweaters" for my two nephews for christmas. The pattern is provided by http://alison.knitsmiths.us/pattern_weasley.html.
My nephews are named Aidan and Elija and I want to emboss their initials instead of the "H" on the sweaters. My sister suggested Gryffindor colors (Scarlet and Gold) for Aidan, and Ravenclaw colors (Blue and Bronze) for Elijah, however after the buying the yarn and thinking about it, I might ask to switch them around. A gold "A" on a scarlet sweater seems to remind me of the sweater that Alvin wears on "Alvin and the Chipmunks".

I started on the Gryffindor sweater and this is my progress so far. I am making the "24" inch chest size for both toddlers. I am using Cascade 220 color #9404 for the scarlet, and Nature Spun color # 305 Impasse Yellow for the gold. These are both worsted weight yarns.

Current Projects

This is my first journey into knitting socks. For this initial project, I chose a vintage sock knitting pattern. This pattern was published by the Red Cross during World War II, and was used in a support campaign for people at home to knit clothing articles for the servicemen and women who were at battle overseas. I modernized it by using a self striping yarn. I am a tight knitter so the needles I am using are US #5 double pointed, these gave me the correct gauge that was given in the pattern. The pattern is included here: http://www.redcross.org/museum/pdfs/knitting_socks.pdf

I am using Austermann Step color # 05 self striping sock yarn.

Also, for more information about the Red Cross During World War II check out the American Red Cross Museum http://www.redcross.org/museum/exhibits/knits.asp . There are also more knitting patterns provided for sweaters, hats, mufflers and gloves for the servicemen overseas. There are no photos provided with the patterns, so there is an element of surprise on how the finished garment will look. I want to do the Navy Sweater next.

Recently Completed Projects

I recently completed this sweater for this Stuffed Dog. I am debating whether or not to make a hat. It is done in stockinette stitch with standard ribbing on the cuffs. The yarn used here is Plymouth Yarn Encore D.K. colors #0999 and #194.

In the Beginning

I am a 36 year old male from the United States who likes to knit and enjoys anything having to do with the Harry Potter Series. This blog came out of the need to have a posting forum in order to participate in knitting swaps that require a blog. This is also a forum for me to show off my work, talk about my projects, and anything else that may come to mind.