What's Happening This Week -- June 26 - July 2

Potions Class Blitz -- 6/27

Quidditch Match 3 -- DUE BY MIDNIGHT POT 6/27

June Classes -- Due BY MIDNIGHT POT 6/30

NEWTs -- 75% DUE BY MIDNIGHT 6/30

OWLs -- 50% DUE BY MIDNIGHT 6/30

Break Month Volunteer Signups -- Through 6/30

Class Tetris Photo Contest -- Through 6/30

Headmistress Challenge -- Through  6/30

Remembrall Signup Form

June Great Hall Badges

June Great Hall Activity

Prefects’ Challenge

OotP Missions --  Through 7/23

Mad Science Nominations -- check out the Mad Science Hall of Fame here

Last Week in the Common Room: Feeling Herby

Instructive info on rigid heddle and inkle looms

Summer eclipse planning 

So much CASPN!

Pottery

Keep hydrated in the heat, everyone!

Feed us naan, samosas, and chicken tikka masala. 

Cilantro, basil, and dill

Greetings and salutations to all you quidditch fans!!!

The Ravenclaw Quidditch Team is having an up-and-down term.  We were first place in Match 1, then in Match 2 took second place in a real squeaker, only two points ahead of third place.  Overall, our Quidditch points still look good, thanks to our valiant chasers, but the other teams are starting to breathe down our necks.

Here is Match 3 as of last night:

Congratulations to those who have already scored, and those already hard at work!  For the rest of us, it's time to rally for dear old Ravenclaw.  Soar on over to the pitch and put a quaffle through the hoop!

Match 3 is fun.  We're learning about Godric Gryffindor and his bravery.  He was also a very fair wizard, always welcoming to muggle-born witches and wizards.  He refused to fight muggles with his wand, but always used his sword instead.

There are two big choices to make in choosing your project for Match 3.  First, Ravelry craft or a non-Ravelry craft that uses a needle.  For those of you who love sewing, embroidery, or other needle based activities, take a look at option 2.  You must find a relationship between your project and Godric's fair treatment of both muggles and muggle-born magical folk.  This option earns 10 base points.

For Ravelry crafts, take option 1.  Your project must be a difficult pattern OR a new skill OR something related to Godric.   And then comes the second big choice - go for the yardage bonus, or keep it small.  20 base points here, so small is a very viable choice.  Or, go big and earn the same yardage bonus as you would for a class. Your Quidditch staff loves to help students come up with good stories, so don't hesitate to visit the the Ravenclaw Quidditch thread for ideas.

Awesomeness bonus points are available for all options and prompts.  And always remember to explain how your project fits the prompt.  Give your explanation, and sell, sell, sell it.

Hurrah for Quidditch!!!!  Hope to see you on the pitch!!!!!

Thank you to greenheron and freemiki for this Match 3 update!

What's Happening This Week -- June 19 - 25

June Classes

Detention -- Turn in by midnight POT 6/22 for badge.

Quidditch Match 3 -- Continues through 6/27

Class Tetris Photo Contest -- Through 6/30

Headmistress Challenge -- Through  6/30

NEWTs -- 75% accepted through 6/30

OWLs -- 50% accepted through 6/30

Remembrall Signup Form

June Great Hall Badges

June Great Hall Activity

Prefects’ Challenge

OotP Missions --  Through 7/23

Mad Science Nominations -- check out the Mad Science Hall of Fame here

Last Week in the Common Room: suspended blocking setup?

Options for blocking mats. 

Early morning travel. 

You can use flip flops as slipper soles!!

From the Desk of the Spreadsheet Sorceresses: Mid-term Update!

We are about halfway through the term, and it's shaping up to be another exciting one!  Ravenclaw is off to a great start thanks to all the time and effort each and every Tower-member is putting in to their excellent crafting. 

As usual, 'Claws are pouring it on in Advanced Studies.  It's still early, with just over two weeks to turn in your OWL 50% or NEWT 75%, but the points are already coming in!  And of course, Order Missions are underway, but still shrouded in secrecy.  But the early reports have Ravenclaw with a strong showing.  Still, with Gryffindor claiming the most NEWTs, and Slytherin getting the most NEWTs to 50%, a lot could change by the end of this month!  So keep those submissions coming, 'Claws!

Ravenclaw also rocked May classes, thanks to the Prefects' Raven-clad challenge, class blitzes, Flight of the First, etc.! 

Don't forget that the June class blitz is set for DADA on June 27th -- find a partner for that bonus and get ready!  And there's still time to get that June detention badge in honor of Madeleine Vionnet.  Just get your Detention project turned in by June 22!

And finally, Quidditch!  This, I believe, is where the excitement is most palpable!  Will this be the term that Ravenclaw reclaims the Quidditch Cup?  It has been many terms since we've hoisted that trophy, and it's very, very close this term!  But this is the most promising start we've had in a while!

All in all, it is a great start for the Tower.  Of course, with about half the term to go and many points still to be awarded, it's anyone's term!  Let's keep on going strong #ForthePickleCake!

Firstie Friday!

Time for another Firstie Friday, Ravenclaws! 

KansasJayHawk (Elle) 

How did you find the Cup and what motivated you to give the Cup a try? I LOVE LOVE LOVE Harry Potter. I don’t remember how I found the Cup but I do remember seeing a thread in Sunshine Yarnies and decided to take a look around.

What, in your own estimation, is your wackiest/most awesome project and why? My wackiest was a “Willy Warmer”. Our family does a crazy White Elephant game at Christmas. Since my mother-in-law runs the rules, the rules often change hourly and mean nothing. So my sister-in-law and I decided to go “no holds barred” from now on. She saw one on Amazon but it was cheap looking. I made this one look like a sweater and everything. Did you know there are a ton of patterns on Ravelry for Willy Warmers??

What characteristics do you love most about the Tower so far? How do these things impact and change or encourage you? I love making new friends. I chose the Tower because I am a retired scientist in RL and noticed that it was by far the most appealing to my meticulous nature (I stole that from a Shawshank Redemption quote). I am encouraged to knit all year, not just in the fall and winter. It feels so good getting so much positive feedback from people. It’s addictive, actually.

What is on your crafting bucket list? A sweater. I have no idea how to make shoulders and arms/armholes.

What is currently on your needles? My OWL - the popular Celestarium star chart shawl.

  

Tanyakins

How did you find the Cup and what motivated you to give the Cup a try? As you may or may not be aware, I am a super duper newbie when it comes to fibercraft, having only started crochet back in November 2016 and knitting in January 2017. I had joined Ravelry sometime last year since my good crocheting friend Kayla was on here, but I never really dabbled with it until I started learning the craft. It was at that point where she told me about HP RP groups, specifically ones that kept you motivated to keep rolling out projects over time. I was very excited! I love the world of Harry Potter, and I always value online communities that tie in with my interests. It was a no-brainer, so I dove right in as a NQFY in the Winter term.

What, in your own estimation, is your wackiest/most awesome project and why? 
Well, I don’t have TOO many projects since I am a beginner… so every project for me is wacky, because in my head, I’m like, “Is it too soon for me to be trying something like this?!” So maybe the project that I felt most out of my depth with, but actually turned out okay, was my first bunny amigurumi. My friend Kayla is big on amigurumi, so she was pleasantly surprised to see I was trying an amigurumi so early into my crochet journey. Needless to say, it was an adventure. Sewing in those facial features was a bit of a nightmare, LOL. But I like the way the bunny turned out. :) He’s now sitting on my bookshelf with other plushies.

What characteristics do you love most about the Tower so far? How do these things impact and change or encourage you? I felt a little lost as a NQFY because I didn’t really have a ‘home’ outside of the NQFY/SOS Lounge, and wandering around all the different Houses made me feel a little uneasy. I was very happy to see I was placed in Ravenclaw, as I really enjoyed the organization and detail that we place in our submissions, having used the Class Tetris prompts to arrange my classes as a NQFY. However, the thing I love the most is the outpouring of support between everyone in the Tower. I place a lot of value in encouragement and comfort between people, and it means a lot to me personally since I still get very flustered with new garments and techniques when crafting. I am starting my First Socks Ever for my BROOM this month, and I wouldn’t have been so brave as to propose it if it weren’t for the wonderful backing I have from my Big Eagle, my Mama and Auntie Eagles, and all of my fellow firsties in our dorm.

What is on your crafting bucket list? There’s not too much in my library and queue right now, but in general, my main target in crafting right now is to learn cables and lace. The sheer quantity of beautiful projects that HPKCHC players churn out is inspiring, and I hope to match the quality of their work one day. :)

What is currently on your needles? Not too much right now; I am mainly working on a crochet baby blanket for a friend, which I am about 18-20 squares out of 49 into so far. I also have my LYS’ KAL Etched Rio Wrap in the works, although it’s going to be a long time before that one is complete. Other than that, I just need to finish off my Astra Gloves, which will undoubtedly be this month’s Detention.

RavenLore -- Cheese!

Cheese!  There is an awful lot of cheese in the Common Room lately, isn’t there?  Where did all this cheese love come from?

There has always been an undercurrent of cheese love in the Tower.  Head Girl CathyCake’s cheese drawer is legendary! But I believe the genesis of the current cheese-mania can be traced to the Fall 2016 Firstie class.  They were the first to declare their love of cheese right in their header!  

While the love of cheese may have first been officially declared in the fall of 2016, the cheese talk in the CR really exploded in the WInter 2017 term.  A quick search shows 2 pages of posts mentioning cheese in the Fall ‘16 CR; Winter 2017 has 9!  The cheese conversation has died down a bit this term, but our die-hard cheese lovers are still making their presence known.

Do you have to love cheese to be a Ravenclaw?  Of course not!  One of the best things about the Tower is its diversity!  We have Ravenclaws that love cats and Ravenclaws that love dogs; people who love the heat and those who thrive in the cold. There are crocheters and knitters; insectophobes and insectophiles;  people who love words and people who love numbers.  You don’t even have to love spreadsheets!  Ravenclaw is a place where you can find someone to converse about just about anything.  Cheese just happens to be one of the many things some Ravenclaws are passionate about!

Is there a particular Ravenclaw tradition or word you are puzzled by?  Is there some bit of ancient (or not so ancient) Tower history you are curious about? Let us know! You can either reply in the comments or PM omeletsmom or s2five. We'll do our best to answer any questions you have -- or track down someone who can!

What's Happening This Week -- June 12 -18

June Classes

Quidditch Match 3 -- Begins 6/14

Class Tetris Photo Contest -- Through 6/30

Headmistress Challenge -- Through  6/30

NEWTs -- 75% accepted through 6/30

OWLs -- 50% accepted through 6/30

Remembrall Signup Form

June Great Hall Badges

June Great Hall Activity

Prefects’ Challenge

OotP Missions --  Through 7/23

Mad Science Nominations -- check out the Mad Science Hall of Fame here

Last Week in the Common Room: Frosting!

Frosting!

Books we loved when we were 12

Somebody has a new wheel!

It's time for summer reading programs. 

And fair season! Fair season is coming!

Firstie Friday!

Time for another Firstie Friday installment! 

Freqn88 (Pia)

How did you find the Cup and what motivated you to give the Cup a try? I have been sorted by pottermore (into Hufflepuff ;)) which really brought my Everything-Harry-Potter-Mojo back. So, while looking for related patterns on ravelry, I found the house cup and was fascinated by this whole world that was created here. At first glance, it seemed really complicated to me, there were so many rules! I read for hours and then decided I wanted to try as an NQFY.

What, in your own estimation, is your wackiest/most awesome project and why? I guess that would be my Combo Spin sweater right now. When I first discovered Combo Spin, I wanted to give it a try right away and I love, love love the result. The sweater fits me perfectly and I I always wanted one in these colours. Never would have come up with the idea of combining different fibres myself though ;) Now the next combo project is already waiting.

What characteristics do you love most about the Tower so far? How do these things impact and change or encourage you? As this is my first term as a sorted student and only my second in total, I don’t have a lot of experiences about the differences between the houses. But I really liked all the lovely conversations I had in Ravenclaw as an NQFY, so that’s what brought me here. I feel very comfortable with the idea of dorms. It creates a warm and familiar atmosphere where a firstie can settle down unhurriedly and make new friends while exploring all the new things.

What is on your crafting bucket list? Giving my drop spindles more love! We have a little SAL coming up in june in the spinning thread, so if anyone is interested…

What is currently on your needles? All the leftovers! I just started knitting hexipuffs for a blanket, it’s exciting how fast these are done! 

Gwennian (Kristi)

How did you find the Cup and what motivated you to give the Cup a try? Kastlin is a real-life friend and LYS owner. When I was over at her house, she was always telling me about what was going on with the Cup. I just got sucked in!

What, in your own estimation, is your wackiest/most awesome project and why? 
My Less is More. I spun 28 oz and knit it (lengthening the sleeves and body, knitting the, um, “generous” size that I needed) in about 6 weeks. It is a crazy riot of color, that I love to the moon and back. I wear it lots, and have gotten a ton of compliments on it. The oddest was another knitter who remarked how nice it was that it was so neutral. (?) I think she was maybe going for versatile, since it is anything but neutral!

What characteristics do you love most about the Tower so far? How do these things impact and change or encourage you? Friendly, challenging, open, inviting,…I am a naturally competitive person. Not in a “I must be better than you” kind of way, but more a “I can do better than I did last time” with just a little encouragement. I get lots of encouragement here, especially from my Big Eagle, LeahandtheDragon.

What is on your crafting bucket list? Spinning the yarn for something like Mithril Vest or Heere Be Dragone Shawl, preferably from raw fllece, including dyeing it.

What is currently on your needles? I just cast off a hitchhiker for Potions.

Weekly Showcase Wednesday: Finishing Up May!

We already have a month of the term completed!  And wow, so many awesome projects turned in during the last week or so of May!

Starting off as always with the Golden Pickle Award, these are the eye-catching projects I discovered while perusing class threads!

fricknfrack made a very cool felt chess or checkers board with reversible playing pieces (depending on which game you want to play!) for Arithmancy:

Auora made some clever beaded animal keychains for Arithmancy:

Chrissyteenychan wowed with her sewing skills, making a lovely orange wool lined bag for Arithmancy as well as an awesome sewing machine cover for Family and Consumer Science:

elekanahmen spun a spectacular skein of purply blue yarn for Arithmancy:

Alfiriel sewed a wonderful hood for Arithmancy:

WillowGlade showed off her weaving skills, making several beautiful pieces of overshot weaving (I had to look that up!) for Astronomy, Charms, and Muggle Studies:

s2five made a fantastic Tunisian crochet scarf for Astronomy:

Momtoaaandm knit two exquisite lace shawls (one her own design!) for Astronomy and Muggle Studies:

Topfrog knit two gorgeous lace cowls, both of her own design, one new and one previously designed (and yes, I couldn't resist awarding this third one of that design another badge--I love it in that gradient!) for Astronomy and History of Magic:

megknitficent spun a fabulous skein of yarn for Astronomy:

TwistedSticherFGE spun a brilliant skein of yarn for Charms:

winemakerssister once again spun stunning yarn for Charms and Potions:

I saw a lot of photos of birds, flowers, candy, cakes, etc that inspired projects this past month, but I was amazed at how well Risasukka's wonderful skein of yarn represented the bluethroat that inspired it!  She spun this for Charms:

SaskiaBr made an awesome owl clock for Family and Consumer Science:

HelpfulKitten wove some gorgeous fabric that she turned into pillows for Family and Consumer Science, as well as dyeing some beautiful blue and bronze fiber for Quidditch:

knittingIma sewed a lovely set of curtains for Family and Consumer Science:

balletisthebest crocheted a fabulous table runner for Family and Consumer Science:

hnick designed and knit a spectacular pair of cabled socks for History of Magic:

thtr4me knit an adorable monster stuffie for History of Magic:

llim knit a magnificent lacy cardigan for Muggle Studies:

wendebular dip-dyed some yarn into a fantastic purple and blue for Muggle Studies:

electronjam knit a cute frog prince cupcake for Muggle Studies:

neetsey crocheted a marvelous gradient shawl for Potions:

softnshiny spun the squishiest-looking skein of yarn for Potions and also knit from wire a beautiful beaded I-cord bracelet for Quidditch (this combination of projects is so fitting for her Rav name!):

gojenn crocheted a cheerful bright shawl for Potions:

caranam made a pretty beaded bracelet for Quidditch:

bandbabe used wire to knit a wonderful beaded bracelet for Quidditch:

Tanyakins crocheted a fabulous case for her crochet hooks for Quidditch:

greenheron knit a delightful set of miniature robes from silver wire for Quidditch:

It's not the Tower if there aren't at least a few students attempting to outrun the Mallet of Sanity.  The Pickle of Sanity Badge goes to those who succeeded in doing the seemingly impossible!

cjsquiggle knit a baby blanket using an amazing 1117 yards of yarn for Arithmancy!

kvaustin knit a lace shawl using an incredible 1450 yards of yarn for Muggle Studies!

Ravenclaws also like to try new things, and the Electric Pickle Badge is awarded to projects that involve experimentation or just something very unexpected and unique!

wendebular ran a series of experiments with black dye, with very different results for Astronomy:

Jayannell tried dyeing with marigolds on two different yarns for Charms:

FeoragRuadh tried dyeing with birch leaves using two different techniques for Family and Consumer Science:

winemakerssister spun stainless steel yarn (possibly the first stainless steel yarn in all of Ravelry!) for Quidditch:

Finally, there was one post that gave me a good laugh, and thus has received the Darth Pickle Badge!

Pumpahkin had a very amusing story to tell about Cheddar Dog's reactions to her making him a dog bed for Family and Consumer Science:

Congratulations to another week's winners!  Keep those awesome projects coming!  See you in a few weeks!