From the Desk of the Head of House: Pre-Term Edition

There has been a lot of excitement over the past few weeks with the changeover of our House leadership.  Before that, we were all busily trying to win one more for the PickleCake team (Which we successfully did!  And we won the Quidditch Cup as well!).

I suggest that this term we take an opportunity to take care of ourselves. Whether this be by challenging yourself to actually get all of the holiday crafting done before December (this is my goal, and honestly is a loftier goal for me than 1000 points), to focus on turning in only one or two classes to leave additional time to enjoy the changing weather, or continuing to challenge yourself, I'd like to encourage everyone to take a chance to stop and breathe and rest a bit.

To that end, throughout this term I will be sharing some resources related to self-care in this blog segment.  I'll be expanding on the previously (years ago) posted Diadem Days because we all deserve a chance to take a moment for ourselves.  

I will also be doing a showcase of various projects similar to the Pickle Awards, with a twist that will be revealed in a couple weeks or so ;)

As always, there is an excellent variety of posts being shared to the blog this term, so I suggest checking back often to see what new things our Blog team have shared :)

Soar!

Advanced Studies Update -- NEWTling Edition, part 2!

Now for the second half of our NEWT proposal showcase!  As before, click on each student’s name to see the proposal.

Soprano1 leads off this half of our NEWTlings.  Soprano will be combining Ancient Runes and Muggle Studies in her study of the Mediwitch Paris Geller as depicted in the documentary series Gilmore Girls.  She will  create a set of colorwork accessories (scarf, hat, mittens, fingerless mitts) with the use of charts.  They look to be a lovely set; I’m looking forward to seeing them competed!

Greenheron is up next.  As befitting one of her species, she will be hatching a clutch of eggs, combining Care of Magical Creatures and Potions for her NEWT. Her study of the endangered Occamy, Norwegian Ridgeback, and Fwooper will consist of a shawl and two sweaters.  Can’t wait to see these magical creatures interpreted in fiber!

Astronomy and Transfiguration will be the foci of cjsquiggle’s NEWT.  She will be studying three nebulae, interpreting them through the creation of two twin sized afghans and a hat,  vanishing over 5200 yards of yarn in the process. Even for crochet, that is an amazing undertaking!  The crazypants is strong in this one!

Arithmancy (a very Ravenclaw subject!) features in our next NEWTlings proposal.  knittingIma with be combining it with Muggle Studies as she researches the unknown Muggle who created the decimal system.  To represent this base 10 system, she will be knitting 10 items, i.e. 5 pairs of socks. Which exact patterns she will be knitting is still a bit of a mystery, as 4 of them are from the Tour de Sock and one is yet to be released.  What an adventure!  I’m sure the results will be amazing!

Xamonster is studying MS as well, but in her NEWT, it will be combined with Charms.  She will be studying the applications of the spells Leviosa and Alohomora  in the Muggle world.  Two lace shawls and a mosaic work hat will reflect her studies. I am very curious to see what she can discover about the use of these Charms in Muggle society.

Ancient Runes and Defence Against the Dark Arts are the subjects of deetyblue’s proposal.  She will be spinning yarn for and knitting a Henslowe shawl for the Cruciatus part, and knitting a Danse Macabre shawl for the intricately charted pattern part.  It sounds like a challenge, but I am sure both shawls will be worth the effort!

Alethea is our final Ravenclaw NEWTling for fall term.  She will be studying AR as well, but she will be combining it with Arithmancy.  Her studies will produce five pairs of intricately charted socks in a variety of gorgeous colors.  I’m not a sock knitter myself, but I love to see others’ beautifully hand-knit socks.  I’m looking forward to these!

There you have it, our 14 Ravenclaw NEWTlings for fall 2017.  Good luck to all!  We will be cheering you on in your endeavors!

Advanced Studies Update -- NEWTling Edition, Part 1!

The term has not even started yet, and we have an amazing FOURTEEN NEWTlings busy crafting away at their projects!  A few are still pending approval at this writing, but I am sure they will all come through in the end. There are so many, I am going to divide them into two posts so they each get the attention they deserve!

For all projects, click on the student’s name to see the proposal.

First off is Frithuswith,  who is combining Ancient Runes and Herbology in her study of Bunolagus Boscamagicus,  (the rare and elusive jungle bunny) and its habitat. Her study will consist of two sweaters, a shawl, and three woven tea towels.  Good luck on your expedition, frithsuwith!

LeahandtheDragon is our next intrepid NEWTling.  She will be studying the subjects of Care of Magical Creatures and Potions for her NEWT.  Using only her collection of spindles (check out the link; she has a LOT of spindles!) Leah plans to hatch a number of magical eggs and ply the resulting yarn using a variety of techniques.  I can’t wait to see all the finished yarns!

bchapman1017 is also studying Potions for her NEWT, but she will be pairing it with Defence against the Dark Arts.  Her exploration of the Cruciatus curse will consist of a 4-color intarsia blanket using 2500 - 2800 yards of yarn.  I hope this one does not do you in, bchapman!

Our next NEWTling is kvaustin, who will be hatching some eggs for CoMC by vanishing over 3000 yards of yarn for Transfiguration.   She will be knitting a lace dress in light fingering and and a gorgeous knee-length swing vest (that I have added to my favorites!)  A lovely set of projects; I’m sure they will be spectacular!

Intallcotton is next in the line up. She will be studying COMC as well, but in this case, it will be combined with the History of Magic. In her examination of the interactions between humans and magical creatures, cotton will be creating three dimensional representations of two of the creatures as well as crafting some socks, mitts, and shawls representing the creatures and the humans who interacted with them.  With such a well researched beginning, I am sure she will very successful in her studies!

You would think our new Head Girl would be too busy to NEWT, but that is not stopping gwenschweitzer!  Her NEWT will be combining Astronomy and Potions through the study of the constellation Cassiopeia and a pair of mythological women.  Her two wraps should be a fitting representation of what she has learned for this, her very first NEWT.

Last for today is fricknfrack, who will be studying Ancient Runes and Charms. She will be knitting from patterns that use 31 unique symbols over 92 charts (!!) to create 6 lace scarves.  I’ve knitted several sampler scarves, and I am floored by this proposal.  It sounds like a huge challenge, but tremendous fun at the same time.  Looking forward to seeing them all!

That’s the first half of our Ravenclaw NEWT proposals.  Be sure to check back tomorrow to see the other half!

What's Happening This Week -- August 28 - September 3

Sorting -- NLT 8/31

House Cup Break Month Activities -- Through 8/31

              The Bunkhouse

              The Lodge

              Postcard Swap

Gryffindor HP 7 Read Along -- Through 8/31

Fall Term Theme

September Classes

Order of the Phoenix

OWLs -- Proposals accepted through 9/22

NEWTs -- 50% due by 9/30

Prefects’ Challenge

Quidditch

        

        

        

Last Week in the Common Room: The Queue of Immortality

Ariel was on to something. 

Someone went to Hogsmeade!

Prjonfesta is upon us!

Many of us were so delighted by the solar eclipse we are planning exotic (and not) trips for the next one. 

Harry Potter jammies!!

We always love recommending needles!

Have you heard of the Queue of Immortality?

From the Desk of the Spreadsheet Sorceresses: A Look Back at Spring 2017

NEWTs are on the move and OWL swatching is in full swing-- but let's take a moment, shall we, to reflect on Spring 2017:
Ravenclaw's astonishing victory in honor of our outgoing Head of House and Head Girl, PickleMommy and CathyCake...

Double Cups For the PickleCake!!

We earned about 58% of our 81,840 points in classes, with over quarter of the total earned through Advanced Studies, and the remainder from Quidditch and the HMC.

We've proven time and again that class participation and Advanced Studies are good for points; I am personally very proud of the effort we put forth in winning the Quidditch Cup this term-- can we do it again?  We look forward to more Quidditch glory under the new leadership of HoH Bacs and HG Gwenschweitzer!

Spring '17 Quidditch Update -- RAVENCLAW WINS QUIDDITCH CUP

Ravenclaw Chasers rocked and socked the pitch in Spring Term 2017 and we soared our way to our first Quidditch victory since Fall Term 2015!

The first match honored Helga Hufflepuff and the Quaffle, and we were thrilled to come in first.  What a great way to start the season!  Then the second match, starring Salazar Slytherin and the Bludger, was a real nail-biter. Slytherin won first place for their Founder and we barely edged Hufflepuff for second place by a two point margin.

In the third match, featuring Godric Gryffindor and the Snitch, it was our turn to roar with a strong first place finish.  The fourth match celebrated our own Founder Rowena Ravenclaw and her marvelous invention of the Quidditch Hoops.  We did Rowena proud and blitzed the pitch to finish way out front in first place.

The fifth match showcased all four Founders.  We really poured it on, and while we finished in second, we were well ahead of third place this time.

The other Houses were very worthy opponents, and we salute all the Chasers of Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin.  Well played all!!

We thank the Cup Quidditch Referees for their interesting, creative, and very educational prompts.  I know we all learned a lot about the history of Quidditch.

Deep thanks to the Ravenclaw House Quidditch staff, and the the PickleCake, for all the love and support.  

Most of all, we thank the many Ravenclaw chasers who played this term!

WE DID IT!

Thank you greenheron and freemiki for this wrap up of our winning Quidditch season!

What's Happening This Week -- August 21 - 27

SORTING --  Open through NOON POT 8/25

Big Eagle Application -- Open through midnight POT 8/27

Spring Term Feedback Survey

House Cup Break Month Activities --

              The Bunkhouse

              The Lodge

              Postcard Swap

Gryffindor HP 7 Read Along

        

Last Week in the Common Room: Who Needs Sleep?

So many beautiful Ravenclaw trophy nominations!

Awesome new eclipse stamps. And fiber. 

Body shapes and why jeans don't fit. Also tall boots. And knickers. 

Sleeping issues. Who hexed us?

The FINAL Pickle Badges!!!

All good things must come to an end, and alas, this will be the final round of Pickle Badges!  Ever.

(Or at least maybe.  I suppose I could come back some time and do some honorary Pickle Badges or something.)

But in any case, it is indeed the end of my time as your Head of House, and this is the final round of Pickle Badges of my tenure.

It was a truly incredible Spring Term, culminating in another amazing win for Ravenclaw, and the best send-off ever for your Head of House and Head Girl team.  Thank you all for the amazing efforts you put forth this term, some of which I am about to share!

When I started as the Head of House, I wanted to honor the efforts of our 'Claws around the House Cup.  Sure, we all get nice bonus points for things and maybe even a trophy nomination once in a while, but we don't often get to see what our housemates are creating unless we go hunting through all the class threads to look.  I thought it would be nice to show off some of that work, since often people are too shy or modest to show it off themselves.  And so my second term as Head of House saw the birth of the Pickle Badges.  At first, it was just a Golden Pickle (the Muria Aurea badge), but over the course of that term and since, I have found other reasons for new Pickle Badges.  And there has been a variety of Golden Pickles awarded over the past two years!

I do hope this has been fun for people over the past six terms, because I have definitely enjoyed doing it.  It's just simply awesome to see what people create, how creative or funny their posts can be, and how unbelievable some people's efforts are!

So without further ado, I would like to award the final collection of Golden Pickle Awards, given to the projects that simply stand out!

Mamaloftin crocheted a fantastic leafy hat for Arithmancy:

morningwynd spun a marvelous skein of yarn for Arithmancy:

Isilsartari wove a wonderful strap in Ravenclaw colors for Arithmancy:

Momtoaaandm turned in two of her Persian Dreams hexagons for Arithmancy, but here is the final spectacular baby blanket, which she turned in for Detention:

WillowGlade once again has woven several amazing tea towels for Arithmancy, Astronomy, Family and Consumer Science, and Potions:

3trees sewed herself a fabulous dress for Astronomy:

Twillow knit an exquisite beaded lace shawl for Astronomy:

KnotMagick sewed an awesome starry dress for Astronomy:

PurplePigwidgeon made a delightful wooden Penske truck (which brought back memories of my own drive across the country in a very similar truck years ago) for Astronomy:

suzannemm made an intricate lace doily for Astronomy, a lovely lace-edged shawl for DADA, and a charming kraken for Potions:

HelpfulKitten wove a gorgeous wrap for Charms and dyed some gorgeous fiber in house colors for Quidditch:

LateClematis knit a wonderful little bird for Charms:

Bijou3owl knit a fantastic shawl for Charms:

Chrissyteenychan made a splendid quilt for DADA:

S2five crocheted a marvelous shawl for DADA:

wendebular spun a beautiful skein of yarn for DADA and knit a magnificent pair of socks (with a matching minisock!) for History of Magic:

Lookout sewed a delightful pair of aprons for DADA:

knitsNhikes crocheted and felted a cute owl trivet for History of Magic:

CathyCake made an awesome double knit name tag (which says something different on each side!) for History of Magic:

SaskiaBr knit a lovely shawl from her dorm's miniskein swap for History of Magic and also made a wonderful pincushion for Quidditch:

neetsey knit a fabulous patterned scarf for History of Magic:

roocmc knit a spectacular lace shawl for History of Magic:

kvaustin knit a beautiful lace shawl for History of Magic:

winemakerssister has once again spun stunning yarn for History of Magic and for Quidditch:

knittingIma knit a fantastic pair of colorwork socks for History of Magic:

LladyLlama spun a gorgeous skein of yarn for History of Magic:

LASH knit a splendid shawl (which took a lot of complicated figuring due to her left-handed knitting!) for History of Magic:

caranam made a marvelous needle-felted autumn tree for Potions:

LeahandtheDragon spun a magnificent skein of yarn for Potions:

bchapman1017 spun a delightful rainbow skein of yarn for Potions:

elekanahmen also spun a wonderful rainbow skein of yarn (I'm a sucker for rainbows) for Potions:

soprano1 spun two fabulous skeins of yarn (rainbow in a different way!) for Potions:

llim knit a pretty little cardigan for Potions:

hnick knit a fantastic hat from her own handspun for Quidditch:

Alfiriel dyed a gorgeous skein of Ravenclaw blue and bronze yarn for Quidditch:

kneedleart spun a lovely skein of yarn and an awesome story explaining how it fits the prompt for Quidditch:

fricknfrack knit a superb colorwork bag for Quidditch:

It became clear when I started doing these badges that there were always going to be 'Claws who achieved truly unbelievable feats with their crafting.  There is a long-running joke in the Tower about people being chased by the Mallet of Sanity for attempting these kinds of things, and so it seemed appropriate that there should be a badge for those who succeed.  Hence, the creation of the Pickle of Sanity Badge!  This month was no different, and in fact, we had quite a few people do some really incredible things!

kvaustin used an amazing 1365 yards to knit her sweater for Arithmancy:

winemakerssiter spun a lot this month, but notably turned in an incredible 1692 yards of singles to Astronomy and another 1670 yards of singles to Potions:

3secondfish used an unbelievable 1335 yards to crochet her blanket for Astronomy:

celizabethlill used an impressive 1243 yards to knit her cardigan for Charms:

PurplePigwidgeon used a noteworthy 1000 yards (from her dorm's miniskein swap!) to knit her scarf for DADA:

morningwynd spun an astonishing 2007 yards of singles for DADA:

TwistedSticherFGE spun an inconceivable 3064 yards of singles for History of Magic:

megknitficent spun a jaw-dropping 6522 yards of singles (an entire sweater's worth!) for History of Magic:

hnick spun a remarkable 1712 yards of singles for Quidditch:

bigsnakes used a phenomenal 2797 yards to knit five scarves for Quidditch:

wendebular turned in a spectacular 2092 yards to Quidditch, by spinning 1672 of singles, plying them, and then knitting 420 yards of her yarn to make a bunting:

Ravenclaws also are known for their thirst for knowledge, and as I started going through class threads back in the beginning, I saw that many people would demonstrate this with their project turn-ins.  Some would do actual experiments, while others would just find a new or unusual way of completing their projects.  And so I created the Electric Pickle Badge, to honor those project turn-ins that represented Ravenclaw curiosity and cleverness!  There were two 'Claws who fit into this category this month!

FeoragRuadh needed a light-weight spindle, so she cleverly made two, using chopsticks and polymer clay, and then successfully spun some yarn with them for Astronomy:

lindzabeth experimented with different methods of spinning batts for her project for History of Magic:

Sometimes Ravenclaws are just simply funny, and it's delightful to come across a post that gives me the giggles.  I thus very punnily created the Darth Pickle Badge to honor humor and good fun!  This month there were several 'Claws who made me laugh!

GazeboGal had a funny method for using minisocks as eye protection for Astronomy:

craftyshanna similarly created a comical form of eye protection using earrings for Astronomy:

S2five crocheted a very amusing model of a dissected frog (complete with internal organs apparently

in the wrong places) for Charms:

Jayannell decided to hilariously and covertly treat her neighbor, who is really pretty unknown to her other than his name, to a yarnbombing for his very sorry mailbox for Muggle Studies:

But wait, there's just one more!  This badge has only been awarded twice before, but it's time to award it one last time.  The Pickle of Pickles Badge was created to honor a truly unbelievable feat, something that goes above and beyond a Pickle of Sanity Badge.  bigsnakes and cn32 are the only people who have been awarded this badge previously, but this month we have one more person to add to this very elite group...

kneedleart crafted a total of 15,772 yards for classes and Quidditch in July (so this doesn't even count her advanced studies crafting), earning a whopping 467 points for classes alone in July, as well as another 101 points for two Quidditch matches!  Truly AMAZING.

CONGRATULATIONS to all the badge winners and to the entire house on another spectacular House Cup win!  Thank you for seven wonderful terms!!!