HECK is on fire!

January is almost over, but HECK is still aflame with last minute class ideas and turn ins.  If you think you can squeeze one more assignment in, and need help finding a place for it - don't be shy about playing a round of Stump the HeckMistriss.

The last day of January also means many students are wondering what February will bring!  Class descriptions go up tomorrow, and when they do, we'll have a group class challenge.  In the meantime, let's Share the Love in February... including our Hufflepets.

If the monthly theme just doesn't work for you, we have alternate and House Pride ideas.  Last but not least, we'll have new spreadsheets and other tools to help you succeed in class as well.

So here's to a craft filled February - craft what you LOVE!

Sunday Staff

Welcome to Sunday Staff - the blog post where we introduce you to one of the helpful Hufflepuff House staff members!

Today, we're going to meet Lea67000. Lea is one of the heads of the Asian Badger cete and also a quiddich assistant!
What shall we call you?
My real name is Lea. My Ravelry username is Lea67000. My undercover name for the Order of the Phoenix is Narcissa Pigwidgeon. My friends call me “La Tricoteuse” (which means “The Knitter” in French). I think Crazy Knitter would be the most appropriate.
What you do in muggle world?
I have a very interesting job as a project manager at the local art museum, and of course I love to spend my free time knitting!
What’s your craft?
I mostly knit, but sometimes crochet for afghan squares or when I have a crush on a toy pattern.
What project are you most proud of?
My Straight to St Mungo blanket is my largest achievement, but my Strawberry Badger is my favorite project: I’ve found it so cute I’ve decided to keep and pet it.

Tell us something interesting about yourself.
I’d love to have my own sheep but I don’t think it’s going to happen soon.
We’re all going out to eat, but it’s up to you to decide where. So, where are we going?
To a sushi restaurant, I love the food and find eating with chopsticks a lot of fun.
What one thing would you like to see happen this term?
A 3rd Quidditch Cup!!!

Activities Summary: Week 4

Lots of chatter around the activities thread this week. Here's what you might have missed:

Spinners: Silk! Using a Navajo Spindle! Lots of Pretty Colors!

Library: The Giver. Amazon as a reviews resource. A long discussion of Required reading for school

Swedish Chef: Whoopie Pies and bread baking.

Cleaners: Earburn reminder for cleaners! Let Travelista know if you'd like to be earburned too.
Garden planning! A Yahoo group with e-mail reminders

Sock-along: Jane Austen Knits. How to make socks that stay up? Silver’s Sock Class is great help for beginners

Pets: Healthy thoughts for an ill puppy

Class Highlights: Potions

Potions class required emergency crafting, which encouraged a lot of our HECK raisers to submit quick and easy washcloths or blanket squares. But we also had a bunch of unique submissions, like these:
Myrtle2911's slippers!

Sdhsmc86's frilly scarf!

These earrings by Shagma are stunning!


Don't forget to go check out all the amazing easy recipes that were submitted as well!
For example:
Kikipotamus' Fake Out Toffee
Lanismom's Parmesan-Blue Cheese Toasts
Solfjader's Potatoe and leek soup
and grafovna's Baked Eggs

BBBBRRRRNNNNGGGGGG!

The alarm clock's ringing because there's only one week left to submit homework assignments for January.  Take those photos, update those project pages, and be sure to post it in class.

If you haven't completed your one project requirement this month, we have lots of quick ideas in HECK including ways to fit washcloths/squares into class prompts.

If you've already done your required homework, why not do a quick washcloth for another class?  It will be a great way to pass the time more while we're waiting for February classes.

If you are a busy badger and have crafted All The Things... you're in charge of setting up the party in the Uncommon Room! 

Missions (to be) Accomplished

I think that we all know about the "secret" society, Order of the Phoenix. For those that don't know, they are the Special Forces of the Wizarding World, stepping on the front lines and taking on the most dangerous missions. This term, I am proud to announce that we have many Hufflepuff members taking on BROOM Missions. This list is secret, so please be certain to keep this information to under wraps.

Central Command

Jenn2291, MsOyster, acwmaiden, and mshuffles will also be taking on the #12 Grimmauld Place Mission. They will be running central command with projects that start at the center.

Kokopelli99, PatriciaO, tinfu, nwheatley, tannina, rubypearl, Marushka, costumer47, finasc, and sdhsmc86 are Secret Keepers. Our thoughts are with them as they attempt to craft in the dark where no eyes can see their work.

Security Operations

Solfjader, Acemom, Grafovna, briezee, minsue, bryshamom, peanutzmom, littlefit, smbennett, lleavid, CanaryBlue, hydra-star, fluttervale, KnitForBrains, hawthorn, and travelista will be patrolling the halls of Hogwarts and disguising themselves as OWLS students to keep the young wizards safe.

kerryespins, hudfamsix, and knittingsheeple will be setting up fortifications around the perimeter of the Forbidden Forest.

Recruitment

We have some wizards working on recruiting allied creatures: Lea67000 will work on recruiting nifflers. Thaurisil will work on recruiting unicorns. Timeless1 will recruit Gryphons. Nargles are craftyshanna's specialty. Kazpatch will work on building relations with the Centaurs.

We also have wizards working on recruiting foreign wizards: lanismom, billingbear, KristiRose, senkatnovo, JMN, and stitchbot will be taking on this important task.

Undercover Operations

High-Risk Spell Casting involves dangerous and complicated spells, and sometimes creating your own spells. I am proud to see that Hufflepuff has so many qualified operatives working on this mission: sleepydaisy, Hale, WomblingStar, Shawn, bellymonster, JMN, bewilderbeast, and toadyjoe.

We also have undercover operatives working at Gringotts. Good luck infiltrating, MediaPeruana, ScarletFever, and cariboustar.

I know that we are all really excited to see the progress made on these missions from our brave operatives! Good luck to all the Hufflepuff Order members. I can't wait to see your BROOMS!

Sunday Staff

Welcome to Sunday Staff - the blog post where we introduce you to one of the helpful Hufflepuff House staff members!

Today, we're going to meet Jen2291, the HECKmistress!

What shall we call you? Jen. Hey you, whatsername! works too.
What you do in muggle world? I work for a financial advisor, which is boring BUT I get to telecommute

from home, which is great. (And why I’m online all day!)
What’s your craft? I crochet. I crochet like a madwoman.
What project are you most proud of? The one that makes people smile and feel loved. I love my big projects… but it’s the silly hats that pay it forward.

Tell us something interesting about yourself. What an open ended question, how much time do we have? Here’s one: I am also a ‘woo-woo’ medium/angel reader and energy healer, and have been since childhood.
We’re all going out to eat, but it’s up to you to decide where. So, where are we going? The park for a picnic. Hopefully near the swings. (Because of multiple severe food allergies I can’t eat at restaurants.)
What one thing would you like to see happen this term? I want everyone to have FUN! (Of course if we continue our domination on the quidditch pitch, I wouldn’t be upset.)

Activities Summary: Week 3

Spinners:The spinners have been quite chatty during their “SPIN DOWN UNDER” event. Heck stopped by with some ideas for spinning for class. Softnshiny has a tardis spinning wheel! An overplying solution.
and lots of pretty spinning photos!

Library: Super hero Librarians

Swedish Chef: macarons!

Cleaners: Piles! Vertical versus Horizontal organizing. Watching TV while cleaning.

Sock-along: A new and improved heel technique for the short-row heel. BADGES!

Pets: Ponies.

Proud to Bee a Puff!

Hufflepuffs are taking Arithmancy by swarm... with 35 projects to date. 

The option to craft something related to bees fits right in with the yellow and black. 

If you haven't met your one class requirement for the month, consider joining us in HECK and be Proud to Bee a Puff!

littlefit got us started with this cute little buzzy bee.

stitchbot cleaned up with a beehive dishcloth, as did mshuffles.







The bee on solfjader's yule ball reminds me of finding one on my apple!

nwheatley used honeycomb to make an iTouch cozy... and kirsts used honeycomb to make hexipuffs.

 Lots of options that fit the 'bee related' Arithmancy prompt, so join in and Bee Proud!

Huffle-Class Highlights: COMC

The Care of Magical Creatures prompt for January seems custom picked for our Hufflepuff Sock-a-Long members and many of them have accepted the challenge!

Bryshamom made up a new sock pattern for crocs!
Kaypendragon made baby socks!
Sdhsmc86 made these lovely circle socks!

Sunday Staff!

Welcome to Sunday Staff - the blog post where we introduce you to one of the helpful Hufflepuff House staff members!
Today, we're going to meet NWHEATLEY, the Birthday Badger!

What shall we call you? nwheatley, naomi, nw, badger birthday witch?
What you do in muggle world? I work back office support for a bank. Lots of spreadsheets and reports.
What’s your craft? All things fiber :) but mainly knitting and spinning right now
What project are you most proud of? My Fall 2011 OWL aka the teenager’s red sweater


Tell us something interesting about yourself. This one is hard. My mother was from Japan but I have not been there and I haven’t met any of her side of my family.
We’re all going out to eat, but it’s up to you to decide where. So, where are we going? Yum. How much money do I have? Regular day, we are having Italian. Special day, we are having Sushi :)
What one thing would you like to see happen this term? Besides everybody having loads of fun? Hufflepuff to keep the Quidditch cup for the 3rd term!

Activities Summary: week 2

Here's what you might have missed around the Den this week:

Spinners: Spinning to go and Starting with a drop spindle

Library: Reading while knitting

Swedish Chef: Apple Crisp; Bread not rising well

Cleaners: Where are the hufflecleaners? Family help Mt. Washmore

Sock-along: Cast-on tecnhiques Beginner sock patterns Finished Sock!

Pets: Cats!

Detention Bus

Hi 'Puffs! How many of you caught the Detention Bus yesterday?

I noticed Briezee with her Red dragon Cloth:

and MidwestAliceAnn's fun fur Scarf:Isn't her model adorable?

The day that makes you go HMM...

Hey all you busy badgers... it's time to play

"Stump the HECKMistriss"!

(and the crowd goes wild)

Lots of 'Puffs have mentioned in the PBQ that their goal is to have at least one class assignment crafted, photographed and posted by the 10th of the month.  HECK projects are a great way to meet this goal, because they're relatively small and quick, leaving the rest of the month to craft as you like.

So... today is "The Day That Makes You Go Hmm".  (HMM day!  Hufflepuffs Make Magic day!)

It's the 10th of the month, do you know where your homework is?

If it's not been submitted to a class, today is the day for action.  Take those photos!  Create that project page! 


Can't figure out which class to submit it to?  Post a link to your project page here and I will give you ideas that fit class prompts.  I'd offer a big fantastic prize for stumping me (having no ideas) but I know it's impossible.  :oP

So let's get our House Cup requirements met today... and spend the rest of the month crafting happy. 

Sunday Staff!

Welcome to Sunday Staff - the blog post where we introduce you to one of the helpful Hufflepuff House staff members!
Today, we're going to meet JMN, our Pointsy Prefect!

What shall we call you?
Joannie (as in “loves Chachi”, rhymes with baloney)

What you do in muggle world?
I’m a stay at home mom of 5. Three of them are homeschooled. I basically wander around all day wondering where all this laundry came from. There’s always someone to feed and there’s always someone talking at me.

What’s your craft?
I knit and crochet a lot. I sew when I can. I dabble a little in spinning, weaving, and dying. I’d like more time for the last three so I can get good enough to jump in the conversation but the learning takes thinking and there’s not a lot of thinking time in my day.

What project are you most proud of?
Definitely the Neville Sweater! It’s my crowning achievement!

I’m pretty proud of my Breezy Cables cardigan because it was challenging, gorgeous, and my first sweater.

Tell us something interesting about yourself.
Other than the 5 kids, I don’t know what would be considered interesting. To the non-muggles out there, my craftiness is interesting. But since everyone here can craft like crazy, I don’t know that I stand out in any way. I’m going to Scotland in May…that’s interesting, right? It’s a second honeymoon for us.

We’re all going out to eat, but it’s up to you to decide where. So, where are we going?
To a Chinese restaurant. I love Chinese food but it’s too hard to make (tasty) at home. Everything I try turns out bland.

What one thing would you like to see happen this term?
You know how at the end of each month and at the end of term everyone’ll start chiming in with their points or how many classes/advanced studies they completed? I’d like for everyone to post that they finished everything they meant to without stressing about it or going overboard.

Activities Summary: Week 1

Here's what you might have missed around the Den this week:

Spinners: Drum Carders and Butterscotch chips
Library: Steampunk books for YA boys and Non-fiction recommendations
Swedish Chef: has New Thread! Breakfast foods! Artisan Bread in 5 minutes a day
Cleaners: Post your goals!
Sock-along: Sock Duels and Sock Swatching help
Pets: Holiday Kitties

Anything catch your fancy? Go join the chatter!

Huffle-Class Highlights: Muggle Studies

It's only the first week of term, but already the 'Puffs are turning in Awesome Projects, like:

Acemom's Tiny Fish Earrings

And

HollyS7282's Cabled Fisherman Sweater-Washcloth

Rock On 'Puffs!

'Puffs Raise a little HECK

Hello and welcome to what looks to be a fantastic Winter 2012 term at the HPKCHC!

This term, I will be your HECKMistriss.  In case you haven't heard about HECK, it is the House Elf Crafting Klatch - otherwise known as "ideas for getting my homework done".  Each month, we'll have ideas for meeting the House Cup's monthly class requirement and hopefully have some fun along the way.

This month, we are crafting washcloths (or blanket squares) along with the Hufflecleaners.  In a epic turn of class prompts, Arithmancy is asking for 'bee' themed projects.  Bees... black and yellow... hel-lo Hufflepuff!  Work your squares in yellow/black yarn or craft one of these other aptly colored bee themed projects  and get them turned into Arithmancy in January.  (If you have questions or need help, you can find me in HECK.)

These 'Puff Pride projects are quick, so it you haven't done one yet, do it soon.  Not only will you meet your one class requirement for the month early (giving you plenty of time to work on what makes you happy the rest of the month), but you can collect this super cool badge!

Huzzah!

jen2291
HECKMistriss

It's started!

So, the classes have only been up for one day and already we've had 'Puffs turn projects in! GO PUFFS! You guys rock!

Check out:

ToadyJoe's DADA scarf

And littlefit's Arithmancy Bee:

Did you know that HECK is having a BEE challenge for Arithmancy? And there's a badge! Go check it out in the HECK thread!

Sunday Staff!

Welcome to Sunday Staff - the blog post where we introduce you to one of the helpful Hufflepuff House staff members!
Today, we're going to meet CJCary, our Cete assistant.

What shall we call you? CJ or CJCary

What you do in muggle world? Pharmacy Tech in a grocery store

What’s your craft? Crochet!

What project are you most proud of? Hard to choose, but probably Birthday Monkey

Tell us something interesting about yourself. There’s nothing interesting to tell. :)

We’re all going out to eat, but it’s up to you to decide where. So, where are we going? Chinese restaurant!

What one thing would you like to see happen this term? I’d love to see a big group project, similar to the giraffe stampede we did in HECK a few terms ago…something to overwhelm a class or two. Whether washcloths or tawashis (I’m thinking small, easy to make projects) or ninjas or something…I think that’s a lot of fun. Maybe something in Puff colors?