A Confession

I'm a geek. A dork. Some might even say I'm a nerd. How can I classify myself so? Well not only do I knit and spin (in public) I'm gearing up for my third term in the Ravelry group Harry Potter Knit Crochet House Cup (HPKCHP). I'm a Ravenclaw (see, I told you, nerd all the way!).

The general idea is that during each three month long term you will complete at least one of the eight classes offered each month by knitting, crocheting, or spinning something that fits the class prompt. Each project must be completed start to finish in the month that class is offered. Classes such a Herbology, Defence against the Dark Arts (DADA for short) and Care of Magical Creatures are common each term and the "homework" usually follows what you might expect to find if you actually were attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. They stay pretty vague to leave room for interpretation and imaginative explanations for how your projects fit the prompt are encouraged. For example in March the class Muggle Studies was offered and the topic was illness (very interesting to Wizards who don't often get ill). The homework assignment was to craft an item that would prevent, treat or comfort someone who is ill.

You can even earn an O.W.L. by submitting a proposal for and completing a larger project over the full three months of the term. Something like an adult sweater or blanket or maybe a circular shawl.

Despite the total dorkyness I really enjoy it. I get excited to see what new classes will be posted at the beginning of the month, and I really like figuring out how the things in my Que will work with the prompt. It also gives me a great excuse to look for new knitting patterns or spinning projects that I might want to start. It's helped me to become more confident in my knitting as well. I busted out two shawlettes and a shrug in March! I never would have thought that possible six months ago. I'm getting faster and I'm trying harder patterns.
Pattern; 198 yds of Heaven by Christy Verity Yarn; Patons Classic Wool hand dyed with Wiltons food dye.

I'm so pleased with the results of joining this group that I'm considering joining the Tour de Fleece group this summer to give my spinning a boost!

So What motivates you to improve your craft?