For the love of Harry Potter

 While back in England over Christmas, we took a trip to the Harry Potter Studios, just north of London. This is something I had been really looking forward to. I love Harry Potter, and in my dream world, I would have a career making costumes for theater and film. I really enjoyed all of the studio tour, but especially seeing the costumes and talking to one of the staff about inspiration behind Luna Lovegood's costumes.

Hufflepuff Uniforms

Slytherin Uniforms

Hermione's and Krum's Yule Ball Costumes

Some of Luna's costumes.

 I came home determined to make house scarfs for my two oldest birthdays. I've been meaning to make them for ages, but always put them off for some other project. So here are my Slytherin and my Ravenclaw. The pattern is from Charmed Knits. Now I just need a Hufflepuff scarf, and my youngest needs a Gryffindor. My other half is a muggle, or just doesn't wear scarfs.

Socks and a scarf.

 My husband had surgery last week. While waited for him I took the opportunity to work on these socks. His surgery was a lot longer than either of us expected, so I got a lot done. I think I started them in November. The pattern is called Jaywalker and is available here for free. I used Knit Picks Felici sock yarn in Minty. They are kind of hard to get on and off, but they are really warm and comfy and I love they way they look.

 This scarf was for my neighbors 18th birthday. She said she loves bright pink and bright green. This is just a  simple single rib knit scarf. It's made out of Vickie Howell Sheep(ish).

While I was knitting away last Friday, CNN was on in the waiting room. I watched in horror as the news unfolded of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut. I feel a great sadness over this incident. Two of my children attend our local elementary school in our quiet commuter town. I feel like it could have been us, and wish there was something I could do to make a difference for those who survived. While listening to the radio I heard about this request from the Sandy Hook PTA. It's for snowflakes, to turn the school into a winter wonderland for the students. I'm sure they hope it will help with the healing, as they return to school after the Christmas break. I plan on making some with my kids over the break and I hope you will too.
Happy Christmas to you all.

What's in a name!

 I love names, names of paint colours, car names, mine and my kids names, and the names of colours of yarns. I was thinking for a while I needed to make a scarf for my S.I.L. Mrs. V 40th birthday. I came across Lion Brands Amazing in the colourway 'Joshua Tree'. After my husband I think she might be one of the biggest U2 fans I know. It seemed like it was meant to be. This beautiful patten is called Argosy and is found at http://www.kitty.com/. 

I really love the way the colour changing yarn knit up. It took me two or three tries to get it started, but once I got the lace pattern memorised there was no stopping me. I thought about blocking it, but last time I tried to to wet block something it didn't really work. I figured it was because it was 100% wool and neither is the Amazing yarn. I decided to try ironing it on the lowest setting with just a touch of steam. I did half at a time and just let it cool off on my ironing board. It worked really well, so I will probably be using this method again.

Happy Birthday Mrs. V.