Sunday, January 27, 2013

Charity Crafting - Part 2

More charities looking for your donation (just like we're looking for those Quidditch bonus points!)
 

"Are You Warm Enough?"
Ravelry Group: "Are You Warm Enough?"
Items Accepted: Black or White Sweaters, vests, or cardigans sizes small to extra-large for children grades 5-8
"Are You Warm Enough?" Provides uniform sweaters to students at Carmen Arace Middle School in Bloomfield, CT. The schools has the highest percentage of foster children in the state and over 70% of students are on free or reduced lunch. They have a uniform policy requiring a black or white sweater, vest, or cardigan in colder months and the donated handmade clothing is given to the discipline office who deals with uniform policy. If a student does not have a sweater and it is determined they can't afford one a sweater is given to the student at no cost to them.

Hearts for Warmth
Ravelry Group: Hearts for Warmth
Blog: Hearts for Warmth
Items accepted: Varies by current campaigns but accepts many different items.
Hearts for Warmth works to bring hope and help through knitted and crocheted items. They work with different organizations and churches to aid this mission. They have different campaigns that can be found n their Ravelry page. Currently they have campaigns for hats to go to children in Lesotho and an orphanage in Pinetown and for baby items in South Africa.

Knit Your Bit
Ravelry Group: Knit Your Bit
Website: Knit Your Bit
Items Accepted: Scarves
Knit Your Bit was created by the National WWII Museum in New Orleans to provide scarves to veterans in Veteran's Centers and Hospitals around to the US. They have plenty of patterns on their website but accept other scarves as well.

Hat Box Foundation
Website: Hat Box Foundation
Items Accepted: Hats
The Hat Box Foundation provides handmade hats to cancer patients and others in need. All donated hats are individually packaged in small hat boxes when delivered. As they serve many climates all types of yarn are accepted.


Blanket Squares for Orphan Homes
Ravelry Thread: Blanket Squares for Orphan Homes
Items Accepted: 8"x8" blanket squares
Our own Hufflepuff brighteyesjessy is collecting blanket squares for several orphan homes in India (and one in Africa). Each home has many little girls rescued from orphanages and put in group homes with a widowed woman of the community to serve as their mother. The thread linked above includes pictures of the girls brighteyesjessy is currently sponsoring. PM her for mailing instructions.


Snuggles Project
Ravelry Group: Snuggles Project
Website: Snuggles Project
Items Accepted: Crocheted, knit, sewn, or quilted blankets
The Snuggles Project provides snuggles to shelter animals by giving them blankets to cuddle with while they wait for their forever home. The website lists guidelines for different sizes for animals as well as shelters who accept snuggles for their animals. Snuggles can be mailed to these shelters or you can find one in your area to drop them off.

Project Linus
Ravelry Group: Project Linus
Website:  Project Linus
Items Accepted: Blankets
Project Linus provides blankets to children who are ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need. Chapters are localized and you can check the website for drop off points in your area.

Wool-Aid
Ravelry Group: Wool-Aid
Website: Wool-Aid
Items Accepted: Socks, sweaters, vests, mittens, hats, and blankets for children (greatest need is ages 8-16) made of yarn that is at least 80% wool
Wool-Aid sends wool, handmade items to children in a variety of countries including Tibet, Mongolia, Afghanistan, Bulgaria, and Canada to name a few. In 2013 their goals are item-based instead of country or campaign based so they can help out as many children as possible. Be sure to read their guidelines for clothing and blankets.

If you are looking for more charities you can also try the Charity Knitting group on Ravelry where people can post a need for handmade items. Different groups are looking for different items so whatever you like to make you can find someone in need who would love one!


Happy (Charity) Crafting!

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Badgers, Fruitcake, and Unicorn Poo!


Good Morning, Badgers!

We are still in the lead - as of this post, here are the unofficial numbers:

Hufflepuff - 51
Slytherin - 45
Gryffindor - 42
Ravenclaw - 25

What a great match!!!  It has been a hoot to see how the Hufflepuffs are interpreting fruitcake!


Here is a list of our 51 goal-scorers:

Twirlymom
lea67000
knitreaver
baxgirl
LarcYarn
texaninalaska
jaygee
LumosKP
jen2291
starrynightsky
Lyonette
brighteyesjessy
littlefit
frimptes
PprmntMochaMama
Timeless1
Womblingstar
JMN
Skrewkat
zillalatte
Marushka
craftyshanna
KristiRose 
Bethsmom
yarnvista
nwheatley
cmajalisa
Jenstc2003
ScarletFever
Sandy62
midwestAliceAnn
kirsts
Shawn
Charityuk
burningpopsicles
DragonflysArts
banklady6
NarcissaM
maineknitter1975
minsue
lucamama
anneknits
Luckynumbers
kandbpurple
nummanumma
kandbpurple
krazykt82000
suseknits
HOLLYGOOD
hudfamsix
VampiraKnits
kayhey



Well done, Badgers - and I know we're going to see a whole bunch more before the whistle blows on the 29th!

Here are some links to reminders about this Game:

Tags 

And don't forget...we may be Huffly and Puffly...but we're also FIERCE!!  Go score a goal for the Badgers! :)

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Charity Crafting - Part 1

This term any Quidditch item donated to charity will receive bonus points. It's a great way to craft for those in need and earn some extra points for Hufflepuff. To help you find places to send these items the Huffleblog staff has done some research and complied a list of some favorite charities of our fellow housemates. The response was overwhelming so this is the first installment of charity knitting groups. Look for more coming next week!

Knitters for Newtown

Website: Knitters for Newtown
Ravelry Group: Knitters for Newtown
Items Accepted: 8"x8" Blanket Squares
Sharon of Three Irish Girls began this charity after the Newtown, CT shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary school. Their goal is to give handmade blankets to the mothers (and other family members if enough squares are collected) of the victims. They hope for these blankets to be sent around Mother's Day. They have a contact who will make sure the blankets get to the correct families and don't languish in a warehouse somewhere. The squares need to be 8"x8" and be delivered to Three Irish Girls by March 31st so they can be assembled in time.
Sharon has also released two exclusive colorways and 20% of the sales price is being donated to the Sandy Hook School Support Fund. They have already donated their goal of $10,000 but the colorways and direct donation options are still on the website so money is still being collected.
 

Bundles of Joy
Ravelry Group: Bundles of Joy
Items Accepted: Baby items including blankets, sweaters, hats, outfits, socks, snug sacks, mittens, and more
Co-founded by msoyster, a Hufflepuff! This charity benefits the OB ward at the Pine Ridge Indian Health Services Hospital in South Dakota. Most babies born at the hospital live in severe poverty and without handmade and store bought items donated would go home in only a diaper. Donations for the OB Ward are taken year round and they also do other collections for different age groups at the Pine Ridge Reservation

Mittens for Akkol

Ravelry Group: Mittens for Akkol
Items Accepted: Socks, vests, sweaters, mittens, scarves, and hats knit in 75% or greater wool or animal fiber for children ages 3 to 16 (especially items size 8 to adult are needed for the older children)
Mittens for Akkol was originally founded to knit mittens for children in the orphanage in Akkol, Kazakhstan and has since expanded into other items. In Akkol snow begins to fall in August and melts in April. Temperatures in the midwinter can reach -40 degrees farenheit. Because of this items must be extremely warm and made with at least 75% animal fibers. Mittens for Akkol also puts together coordinating knit sets for graduates of the orphanage and includes personal notes to the graduates encouraging them in life after the orphanage.

afghans for Afghans

Website: afghans for Afghans
Ravelry Group: Fans of afghans for Afghans
Items Accepted: Blankets (complete, not squares), sweaters, vests, hats, mittens and socks in adult and child sizes. Please use animal fibers.
afghans for Afghans brings comfort and warmth to the adults and children of Afghanistan who suffer from war, oppression, poverty, and sickness. They run many campaigns throughout the year which can be found on their website and their Ravelry group.

Knit-a-Square

Website: Knit-a-Square
Ravelry Group: Knit-a-Square
Items Accepted: 8"x8" blanket squares are the main focus but they also accept hats, sweaters, toys, and more.
Knit-a-Square uses blanket squares to construct blankets for AIDS orphans in South Africa. There are 1.4 million orphans in South Africa and many lost parents to the AIDS epidemic. These blankets bring children warmth and comfort as do many other hand knit items.

600 Monsters Strong
Ravelry Group: 600 Monsters Strong
Items Accepted: Handmade stuffed toys. Please read pattern guidelines on the Ravelry group first
600 Monsters Strong began with the desire to knit or crochet a stuffed animal for each child affected by the Sandy Hook Elementary Shooting and now strives to bring monster friends to any child affected by gun violence and other traumatic events.

Handmade Especially for You

Website: Handmade Especially for You
Ravelry Group: Handmade Especially for You
Items Accepted: Scarves and yarn to make scarves
Handmade Especially For You provides hand made scarves to women who have escaped abuse. Many of the women who receive these scarves have never received a gift, not to mention a hand made one. When they arrive at shelters often all they have is the clothes on their backs and their children. These scarves are often very comforting, and celebrate the women entering a new stage of their lives.

Mother Bear Project
Website: Mother Bear Project
Ravelry Group: Mother Bear Project
Items Accepted: Hand-knit and crocheted bears but you must use one of their patterns
The Mother Bear Project provides handmade bears to children in Africa, primarily ones who have been affected by the AIDS epidemic. You must use a pattern from the Mother Bear Project which are available for $3 on their website or in the Knitting for Peace book. Pictures of children receiving their bears are posted in the website.

There are many other knitting/crochet charities out there. Feel free to keep sending them to baxgirl by PM on Ravelry for the next charity post! Also, don't forget your local charities. Contact maternity wards regarding donations of baby items, shelters regarding warm clothing and accessories, animal shelters regarding pet toys, or anything else you can think of!

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Quidditch!



Good Morning, Quidditch Fans!

Just wanted to remind you all that the Fruitcake Frenzy has started, and we are already off to a great start - two goals, by Twirlymom and lea67000, to Gryffindor's one!  Let's keep up that momentum this week!

When last I wrote, I said I would list the last Hufflepuff goal-scorers in the first challenge...well, here they are: 

starrynightsky
JillinSingapore
cmajalisa
SuperM
Randi88
maineknitter1975
lucamama
carakipp
Nysssa
thestitchinwench
Shawn
RedNu
Marifly
sandy62
VampiraKnits
kimanneberly
suseknits
Luckynumbers
CurlySue
paulinaknits
Lyonette
Ravenluna
pinkpuffy
lleavid
ScarletFever
purlingkitten
KristiRose
NjordGal
hudfamsix
alchemycat
craftyshanna
HOLLYGOOD
msoyster
Dokuro-chan
CJCary
hafknits
anthrogirl17
ChellBelle
kayhey
sbfh
Madeleine
frimptes
Myrtle2911


Well done, Badgers!  Remember - we had 87 Hufflepuff goals in that first challenge - let's see if we can hit 100 this time around!!


Go forth and score goals for Hufflepuff! :)




Thursday, January 10, 2013

Quidditch...just two days left to go!





Good Evening, Sports Fans!

This Quidditch match has been so exciting to watch!  Just when I think we have a solid lead...BOOM!  Those Gryffindors come sweeping in with their goals!  And Ravenclaw and Slytherin are sneaking up on us as well!  Regardless of who wins the Mascot Challenge, I can say that this has been a great match to watch and an honor to be a participant as well!

Picking up with where I left off last, I want to shout out to the Badgers who have scored goals by submitting their suggestions for the new Hogsmeade Quidditch team mascots:

kazpatch
stitchbot
littlefit
fantasium
WomblingStar
midwestAliceAnn
kirsts
Bethsmom
brighteyesjessy
Jenstc2003
rubypearl
softnshiny
Charityuk
zillalatte
slothmuffin
Solfjader
kandbpurple
minsue
LarcYarn
texaninalaska
bellymonster
sandybeach
JMN
Skrewkat

Be sure to click on these links, check out their mascots, and give them some Hufflelove!!!!! :)

Mascot Challenge ends at 11:59 pm, January 12th!  Come on, Badgers - we're not just Huffly and Puffly...we're also FIERCE!!


























Monday, January 7, 2013

Around the Den

We have many events and activities going on around The Den. Here's an update of what's been happening!
 
Quidditch - the Mascot Challenge runs through the 12th at midnight POT. There is a dragon, monster, owl, badger, amigurumi, animal puff-along going on with a badge. Our captain starrynightsky has also announced many badges this term including Bernie Bott's Every Flavor Beans badges, SOOPER DOOPER SEKRIT BERTIE BOTT'S EVERY FLAVORED BEANS BADGES, and many others. In total you can earn 30 Quidditch badges this term. Check out the Quidditch Thread for more info!
 
Spinners and Weavers - They are still spinning and weaving and some new spinners and weavers (including this reporter) are joining in. The challenge this month? Try something new and turn it in for homework!
 
HuffleTainment Center - Feel free to discuss any books, movies, or music here. They'll talk about anything but the theme for January is Tolkein. Get a badge for joining in on some Tolkein chatter and get another badge for turning in a Tolkein related homework project!
 
HECK - Come on in for any help with posting your homework and figuring out where projects fit for classes. This month in HECK there is also Badger Bombing on January 21st. Turn in a Hufflepuff themed project by that day for homework (or Quidditch) and receive a badge! There are tons of suggested patterns in the thread as well in case you're stumped. And speaking of stumped, when you're lost on where to put a project for homework get ready to play "Stump the Headgirl." jen2291 is always willing to help a badger out!
 
Give and Take - Stop by here to see what our Puffs need and what they're giving away! There are a few requests for charity related items and yarn up already!
 
PBQ - What is your personal best? Stop by here to declare your goals for the month or term and get weekly earburns and report on your progress. Goals can range from house cup goals to real life goals. And of course there are badges!
 
Valentine Card Swap - The sign-ups are up for the Valentine's Day card swap. Cards can Valentine related or just fun! Sign-ups go until January 17th. Everybody will receive 5 addresses by the 20th and please mail your cards by February 1st! It's a great way to get something in the mail besides bills.
 
And don't forget to check out what your cete is up to! Some have activities of their own going on (come check out the Asian Badger Cete for some stashdown support or talk gardening in the American Badger Cete) and it's a great place to get to know fellow cuppers!

This post of the Huffleblog brought to you by baxgirl and the letter H.

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Quidditch, Day 4...Hold Onto Your Hats!






And hold onto your glasses, apparently...this Quidditch match is heating up!

The Lions are determined to take the lead from the Badgers...this morning they scored 3 goals, right in a row, tying with us...it was an epic battle...fortunately, our lead was saved by 3 Hufflepuff goals!

I'd like to present a list of those who have scored for our team so far - check out their projects and give them some squishy love and cheering!!!!!

jaygee
lea67000
twirlymom
baxgirl
Timeless1
krazykt82000
kikipotamus
torsparkles
billingbear
LumosKP
PprmntMochaMama
NarcissaM
jen2291
Marushka
pacasha
nwheatley
DragonflysArts
banklady6
knitreaver
yarnvista

Keep up the fantastic goal-scoring...we have until midnight on the 12th to score for Hufflepuff!!!!!

 




















Thursday, January 3, 2013

Quidditch, Day 1, Winter Term!



Good Morning, Badgers!!!  It's that time again...time for QUIDDITCH!

Hufflepuff is off to a fine start...we're in the lead with the very first (and so far, ONLY) goal of Game 1 - way to go, jaygee!  Your Heidi the Hedgehog will definitely be a serious contender in the contest for a Hogsmeade mascot!

Remember...you have until midnight (Pacific time) on January 12th to score a goal for Hufflepuff by showing us your idea for a Hogsmeade mascot!  And bonus points can be earned by tying that submission to Flying class!  Please read these posts for further details - Challenge 1 and Bonus Opportunity!

I am thrilled to be your Keeper and your Quidditch Correspondent...please let me or any of the Quidditch team members know if you have questions!

Quidditch Staff:

Captain - starrynightsky
Keeper - LumosKP
Beaters - Timeless1 and Skrewkat

Seeker - baxgirl
Reserves - knitreaver and jen2291 

Remember...Catch the Snitch for #6!

LumosKP (doing her best to make Lee Jordan proud) :)