Last Week in the Common Room: Goals for 2018!

Very Ravenclaw Christmas carols

Having to move houses stinks but there are some nomadic 'Claws!

 

Pets vs Christmas trees

How do you organize your circulars? And needle recommendations

Christmas in the Tower with some non traditional tree decorations!

Decluttering goals and other goals for 2018

Relatives giving less than desirable yarn and how to use it up

The danger of scissors and some scissor superstitions

Is yarn a consumable? Is fiber?

Cold 'Claws = Coffee loving 'Claws

watercolors, kuspuks and shelf stable/instant bacon

Some people missed sorting!!!

Gaming disorder possibly being added to the mental health list.

Would freezing fiber make it better or worse to work with?

Nail polish stash and “swatching it”

Star Trek 'Claws!

Non hexi or scrap blanket pattern recommendations for mini skeins

Rituals or good luck charms for the next year!

New Year's/New Year's Eve weddings

Last Week in the Common Room: #cookiepocalypse2017

How many cookies will be in the cookie apocalypse this year?

A following on twitter #cookiepocalypse2017 
 

Efficiently dropping “be”s in English?

What is the correct number of people to be called y'all?

Sick 'Claws :-(

Places to find lard in the store

Testing recipes and profanity while cooking

preterm party

Handmade swimsuits

It's always time for books

What to do with leftover condensed milk

Trouble shooting allergy friendly holiday cooking

abridged books

Learning languages

Places that celebrate more on Christmas Eve than Christmas

Last Week in the Common Room: Pineapples!

What is your WIP level?

Feast!!!

Tower history

Exploring an oil camp

To sort or not to sort and how OWLs play into the mix.

To give things away or not

A surprisingly believable additional chapter to a HP book … generated by a predictive keyboard

Boring or drilling in English

It's cold, bring on the blanket forts!

Getting used to wife/husband after 10+ years

Pickle ornaments!

Library punk

Hot spots in pets

Numerology

The history of pineapples as symbols of welcome

Fun with regional dialects

Firstie Friday: Fall 2017 Final Update

It's time for the final Firstie Friday update for the Fall 2017 term. We have some final stats and accomplishments to share for the outgoing Firstie class.

Class Participation

Here's a few charts showing overall class participation per month and turn-ins by class per month.

These turn-ins included 5Bobbins submitting something for all 8 classes and Detention in September, and KauaiD turning in 8 classes in November. 

We also had one Firstie turn in something for every single class this term including Detention all three months. A resounding way to go to qtinki for this outstanding and difficult accomplishment!

Recognition

We had a few Firsties who had some pretty outstanding accomplishments for their first term.

Completionist - There were four Firsties who earned the much sought-after and difficult to accomplish Completionist badge. Congrats to Lynn4MK, mooseloon, Mootzee and qtinki for this achievement.

Trophy Nominations - Lynn4MK and 5Bobbins received nominations for September class work, Lynn4MK received a second nomination in October and Mootzee was nominated for her work in November.

Mad Science Nominations - A special recognition in the Tower, Mad Scientist awards go to those 'Claws who have shown an inquisitive, experimenting nature. Two Firsties received nominations from fellow 'Claws for outstanding work; 5Bobbins for the gorgeous baby blanket she graphed herself and crocheted for her son and Mootzee for her beautiful crocheted scarf showing her Ravenclaw pride.

Our phenomenal Fall 2017 Firsties have worked hard this term, accomplished some amazing things and done themselves and The Tower proud. We have loved having them and look forward to many more terms of their participation in the House.

End of Term Stats

I had hoped to do a more complete set of stats for you, dearest Ravenclaws, but end-of-term madness comes on us all! Your intrepid stats reporter is moving on to another staff position and facing some exciting but energy-consuming things in her Muggle life. But I couldn't leave you all hanging!

So, we've been following stats by dorm all term, and of course we have to see where this all ended up!

After all the stats this term, I am not surprised at our leaders. The sevenths may be our smallest dorm, but they sure make up for it in dedication! The fourths have been switching off with them for first place all term, and it's no surprise they have taken a strong second place. They are both strong outliers in a field of students who all hang around the same average.

For our final chart, I would like to note that all the stats I have been using come from an unofficial spreadsheet, not the ones that provide out final Feast numbers, and due to human error the numbers don't always match up perfectly, so you may note that the final total for the house doesn't quite match the one we were awarded. This is the best source I have access to, though, and I trust that it is relatively accurate!

We had a great term, everyone! We may not have won, but we sure managed a great overall score, anyway.

And now it's time for this stats reporter to sign off. I trust that the Aerie will be in good hands next term!

Last Week in the Common Room: Movie watching ... in an aquarium??

Detention OWL/ OWL contemplation

Hot chocolate vs cocoa

a change in plans

movie watching and aquarium?

Sorting with the people you joined the cup with or by the number of terms you completed

Guinea pigs and cold temperature acclimation

Running in handmade or wool socks and the properties of wool socks

The stubbornness of old yarn to disappear and techniques that use up yarn

Different sock soles

What to do with leftover jam and all the baking

Seventeenth century silk stocking reconstruction project

Busy 'Claws and holiday plans

Snow in the south and windy CA and delayed relatives

Last minute crafting!!!

From the Desk of the Head of House: Shiny Things! Term-long Edition

If you ever have extra time on your hands and want to see the awesome that is created throughout the House Cup, open up all of the threads for a term and look at the projects that have been turned in.

When thinking about what to showcase as a sort of showcase of projects from the whole term, a few things came to mind.  I made a couple blankets this term, should I feature those?  Well, I featured blanket *squares* earlier this term so maybe not.  What about shawls?  I love shawls, and I also made one of those myself this term.  Or socks?  I have always wanted to be a sock knitter but I get distracted after the first sock (and learned this term that knitting two at a time is definitely not the solution for me).

Then one of my kids mentioned that it seems like winter is taking forever to actually arrive.  We've had a lot of yo-yo weather here lately, and I couldn't help but agree.  And something that I think of around this time of year is sweaters.  With a sweater, you can often wear it over something else so that if you get too warm you can remove the sweater and then put it back on if you get chilly again.  So that's what I'm featuring this time for Shiny Things!

I did not pull from Detention, and I did not include partials simply because in both cases the item wasn't entirely made in the time period chosen.  There are also a couple missing from the video because the pictures include children.

Without further ado, here is the video showcase of all of the sweaters done for classes, Advanced Studies, and Quidditch this term!

Projects included from: aknittingstory, amylin, anisa, bandbabe, barnowl, bigsnakes, caranam, cathycake. chrissyteenychan, feoragruadh, gojenn, helpfulkitten, hopesclan, hreow, k8macq, kadiddly, knittingima, kvaustin, ladylou, lateclematis, lindseyluz, lindzabeth, missjanejetson, mooseloon, obliviathefirst, rachelolo, rondaletts, s2five, sadielou, scrappinrobyn, secrettrail, shanbonan, toolizzforyou, twillow, wendebular, winemakerssister, zisch304; Cyprienne and knotnknit also turned in sweaters, but their turn-ins had their younglings in them.

You may have noticed that a couple of them are not what most people would consider a "sweater."  There's a couple vests and ponchos in there, and I felt like since they are involved in keeping the upper body warm they can count as sweaters for this.

Do you have any sweaters planned for next term?  Or even during Break Month?  I made my first adult sweater (and sleeveless sweater) in the Spring 2017 term and I am considering making another one next term.  We'll see what has grabbed my attention come January ;)

As always, take care,

Last Week in the Common Room: Meerkats for Christmas!

Ideas for knitting kits

Taking knitting needles through airports

Partials and the quickly approaching end of term!

Sickness runs rampant in the Tower

Italy

Biggest malls in the US

Meerkats for Christmas!

Advent socks

the continuation of mouse problems

WIP along

It's Study Time! Stashdown, Weaving and Readers

We have a few more Specialist Study threads to visit as part of our tour.

Stashdown Accountability

On a quest to reduce your stash, or just looking for a No-Buy Buddy? This thread is the place for both. Look here for help setting stashdown goals, look for a partner to help keep you accountable and set a plan for checking in. There's plenty of support and encouragement here for any goal you're looking to achieve.

Weaving

Another Ravelry craft represented by it's own thread is Weaving. Current or would-be weavers of all skill levels gather here to discuss their craft. Whether you are looking to get started and are looking for recommendations on looms, need help with a project or pattern, or just want to show off your latest creation, this is your destination in the Tower.

Ravenclaw Readers

For many, crafting and reading go together, and the search for a new book can be as much of a thrill as new yarn. That's where this thread comes in as it's where Tower readers go to look for recommendations for both hard copy and audiobooks and to discuss recently read works. There are even personal book lists and the option for a personal recommendation upon request. Egredietur lectorum!


We're approaching the end of our tour through the Tower Specialist Study threads. Let us know if there are any ones in particular that you would like to learn more about, and stay tuned to this column for a review of the last few in coming weeks.

Firstie Friday: AS Update!

Now that the term has ended, it's time to report on our fantastic Firsties that attempted Advanced Studies their first Sorted term. We had four fearless Firsties submit projects.

Missions Managed!

Taleweaver completed a cozy, comfy Snuggle for her local SPCA. This thick blanket will serve to comfort a dog waiting for their fur-ever home.

Lynn4MK submitted a gorgeous blue partial cowl for her Mission. It's positively beautiful in its' partial state, and will be exquisite when finished.

Outstanding OWLs!

Masschroeder earned her Arithmancy OWL with 4 pairs of gift socks including a charming pair of Hufflepuff striped socks and three pairs of beautifully textured footwear.

Mooseloon completed her Herbology OWL with a gorgeous sweater made from New Zealand wool to match a sweater made for a friend. 

Congratulations to our amazing First Years for their fabulous accomplishments!

What's Happening This Week -- November 27 - December 3

Fall Term Theme

November classes --ALL CLASSES DUE BY MIDNIGHT POT 11/30!  Contact Bacs if you need to be excused.

Tower Staff Application -- Open through 11/29

OWLs -- 100% DUE BY MIDNIGHT POT 11/30

NEWTs -- 100% DUE BY MIDNIGHT POT 11/30

Class Tetris Photo Contest  -- Through 11/30

Prefects’ Challenge

Great Hall Hallows and Horcruxes Challenge -- Through 11/30

Great Hall Badges --  Classes and Detention here;  extracurriculars here through 11/30

House Cup Staff Application -- Through 12/4

House Unity Blanket Fort Activity  -- Ravenclaw Portal

Remembrall Sign ups

        

Break Month Activities --

         The Concierge Carriage

The Library Car

         The Engineer’s Compartment

         The Luxury Spa Car

         Secret Snowflakes -- Sign ups open through 12/15

         Hufflepuff Diagon Alley Party -- The Leaky Cauldron

         Slytherin -- Advent Sock Along

Last Week in the Common Room: Sometimes You Gotta Air Your Toes

Favorite flavors of Snapple and food allergies

Cat sleeping habits and how some are mirrored in their humans (sometimes you gotta air your toes)

Fingerless mitts that group fingers together to increase warmth and comfort

Temptation of video games won't sway these Cuppers!

Recommended gradients

Thanksgiving plans and food

Bags of different sizes and functions

Black Friday in other countries and the negatives it can bring

Firstie Friday: Fall '17 Final Quidditch and HMC Stats

Our fearsome Firsties are finishing the end of the Fall 2017 term as strongly as they started, and have continued their participation in Cup extracurriculars with enthusiasm. Here are some stats for the final 2 matches of Quidditch and the last round of Headmistress Challenge. 

Quidditch
Both Match 3 and Match 4 have been completed since our last extracurricular update, and our Firsties had consistent participation with 5 relaxing goals scored in Match 3 and 6 lucky goals in Match 4.

Here's just a few of the beautiful projects turned in over the course of these 2 matches.

Headmistress Challenge

The last round of the HMC saw 5 Firsties focusing on bettering something in their lives, benefiting themselves and the House by earning those extra points.


Final Stats
Congratulations to the intrepid First Years who chose to go the distance and complete all Quidditch matches and rounds of the HMC this term. Five Firstie Quidditch chasers managed to score a goal in all 4 rounds, while four Firsties completed all 4 rounds of the HMC, earning points for each and a bonus for participating in them all.


Our Firsties have had a great term with plenty of lovely projects being completed. It's wonderful to know that they've enjoyed participating in these Cup extracurriculars as it truly makes this game just a little bit more fun.

SOAR on, Little Eagles!

From the Desk of the Head of House: Reflecting and Looking Forward

Can you believe it's already almost the end of term?  Me neither.

Today (well, the day this is posting, not the day I'm writing it) in the United States, we are celebrating Thanksgiving.  For many, this is a holiday for remembering the things we are thankful for and spending time with those we care about.  

I feel like it's an also excellent time for all of us in the Tower to reflect on how this term has gone, and start talking about our plans for next term.  Did you meet your goals for this term?  Were you able to get the majority of your planned projects completed?  Did you get the Completionist Badge like you wanted (deadline for the final Detention turn-in is in a couple days on the 25th!)  Some of this reflection may have to wait until next week, of course, since we do still have a week of the term left and for many of us that means we are still working on finishing up our Advanced Studies projects, but you can also reflect while dealing with tasks like sewing in ends.

I would like to encourage everyone to also take a look back at how you felt during this term.  Were there perhaps times when you were stressed by deadlines or pushing yourself harder physically than you would like?  Were there particular projects that gave you an immense sense of accomplishment that boosted your confidence in your crafting?  Think back on the good and the bad, so that you can perhaps determine if there is something you can do to increase the positive feelings as we move forward into the holidays and the next term.

It is also time for looking forward and beginning to plan things like our Advanced Studies projects for next term.  The Advanced Studies thread for next term is currently focused on NEWT planning since we are just over a week away from their proposal period opening, but feel free to go in there to discuss your next OWL or Order Mission as well.  Next term is Winter, which means that the Detention OWL will be available.  Because there is only a guarantee of a certain number of proposals being accepted (although more often than not, more are accepted), having your proposal ready to go ahead of time is important and the Advanced Studies planning thread is the ideal place to make sure everything is where it needs to be.

Looking ahead to next term, there are already some excellent House-wide ideas going around in the staff room, so there will surely be many exciting things coming with the new year ;)

Speaking of staff, if you wish to volunteer, the link to the application is in the Announcements thread.  The deadline for submission is November 29th.  Is next term the one where you take the leap and join staff?  Think about it, and if you decide now is the time don't forget to fill out the form :)

And as always, take care.

What's Happening This Week -- November 20 -16

Fall Term Theme

November classes  

Quidditch Match 4 -- ALL PROJECTS DUE BY MIDNIGHT POT 11/20!

Patronus Seminar Class Blitz  -- 11/20

Detention -- Turn in by midnight POT 11/25 for badge!

Tower Staff Application -- Open through 11/29

OWLs -- 100% accepted through midnight POT 11/30

NEWTs -- 100% accepted through midnight POT 11/30

Class Tetris Photo Contest  -- Through 11/30

Prefects’ Challenge

Great Hall Hallows and Horcruxes Challenge -- Through 11/30

Great Hall Badges --  Classes and Detention here;  extracurriculars here through 11/30

House Cup Staff Application -- Through 12/4

House Unity Blanket Fort Activity  -- Ravenclaw Portal

Remembrall Sign ups

        

Last Week in the Common Room: Finishing the term!

Food from different places

Finishing big projects before traveling … or taking blocking pictures on hotel beds.

Strategies for finishing the term!

Cold sheep plans and results

reunions

rekindling a love of embroidery

letterboxing

diluting cold brew coffee

Tips on dyeing yarn and preventing it from bleeding

Headmistress Challenge Stats!

This term's Headmistress Challenge fit well into a common thread that we've touched on a lot in Ravenclaw House this term, where we have been talking a lot about taking the time to take care of ourselves. But the HMC went beyond that, and encouraged us both to take care of ourselves and to help others. There were four rounds, each with a theme on a certain sort of "bettering" to do. Together the members of the Cup took on many different tasks to make the world better in so many ways!

This was a really important task, but you know your Stats Reporter well enough by now to see where this might be going. You know I can't resist a good graph! So I decided to first check on what our participation rate was. From the House as a whole 51% of students participated in at least one round. As you can see from my first graph, here, the Seventh Years really went for it, with the First Years on their heels!

But of course there were four rounds of bettering projects to be done, so I decided to calculate how many times each one of these students participated. The House as a whole averaged 2.74 posts for each participant, and as you can see, the Sevenths are once again out front with every single one of their participants doing all four rounds!

As you might suspect by the previous two graphs, that led to the Sevenths charging far into the lead on points per student. They might be our smallest Dorm at only five students, but their powers are mighty! I'm proud every one of the students who went out and tried to make something better, but a special thank you goes out to those 43 of my Housemates who turned something in for every single round. The points are nice, but the bettering that resulted is, well, better!

Firstie Friday

We have another fabulous Firstie to meet today!

5Bobbins (Jenna)

How did you find the Cup and what motivated you to give the Cup a try?: I randomly stumbled onto the Cup after finding badges on another Cupper's profile page, so I looked it up and applied for sorting, not expecting to get in but as luck would have it I was accepted :) I’d tried CALs before and I loved the community encouragement, and motivation for finishing projects, as I notoriously start things but don’t finish. I posted a little story in the Candle thread about other ulterior motives as well :)

What, in your own estimation, is your wackiest/most awesome project and why?, So far the biggest project I’ve ever attempted was Sweet Potato 3’s Cal, but I think the Broom I’ve chosen, making my own charts from a clip art and converting them into a blanket, will be my most challenging yet as I also intend to pair it with some painted canvases of the same theme.

What characteristics do you love most about the Tower so far? How do these things impact and change or encourage you? The first thing I do every morning is hop onto the forums and catch up on any messages or posts in my dorm. It's great knowing that if I do have a question, there is someone there I can ask, not too far away in spirit :)

What is on your crafting bucket list? Must! Do! All! The! Things! I intend to hand in a project for every class and challenge I come across as I’m super excited to be a part of the HPKCHC!

What is currently on your needles/hook? I’m just finishing up a collection of items I intend to submit for the remainder of my classes this term, and I will be working on my Broom. I got myself a copy of the Harry Potter Audio books so I can listen to them while I work on my charts on the computer :)

From the Desk of the Head of House: Shiny Things! Round 4

It's time again for another round of Shiny Things!

This time, I am featuring the Weaving, Spinning, and Dyeing projects that have been turned in so far this month for classes and Advanced Studies.  This time of month doesn't tend to have very many turn-ins for weaving and spinning yet, but that doesn't change how wonderful they are.  

Featured in this video are projects from: lateclematis, laura909, leahandthedragon, mooseloon (two are mooseloon's!), nightgigjo, pumpahkin, softnshiny, stormrage, topfrog, twistedsticherfge

Right now there are many focused on finishing Advanced Studies projects (particularly since the Order of the Phoenix deadline is rapidly approaching) and in the United States we have a major holiday coming up next week.  So the Tower is crazy busy.  Don't forget to take breaks so you do not risk burnout or injury :)

Take Care,