I’ve mentioned that I joined the Harry Potter Knit/Crochet House Cup on Ravelry.
It’s a fun group of crafters, divided into the Harry Potter houses (I am a Hufflepuff), engaged in friendly competition with each other for the House Cup.
“Students” receive points for monthly “class” assignments. The prompts are posted at the beginning of each month, and there is enough leeway in a crafter’s interpretation to be able to fit almost any project into one of many prompts.
This has been a great way for me to “meet” other crafters who share my passion. We also share other common interests and concerns that range from cooking (Hufflepuffs are known for our mad baking skills) to reading to parenting.
I love that the projects and the competition give me a “reason” to knit, and I’ve tried several patterns I would never have considered just to fit them into various prompts.
One of the activities we can choose to participate in (everything is volunteer) is the OWL project where we propose a long-term project, post progress reports, and complete it by a certain due date. There are a LOT of points awarded for OWLs.
This has been my first official term as a “student,” and I just completed my first OWL!
I’m proud to show you my Assante Opaleye Shawl, so named because the Opaleye is a mythical creature in the Harry Potter series that has the same coloring as the shawl you see displayed below…
The pattern isn’t free, but the cost is minor compared to what you get back in a simple pattern and a designer who’s quick to answer questions. The designer helped me adjust the pattern so I wouldn’t run out of yarn.
I used yarn in my stash (yay!). The pink is called Tutu and is Cascade Heritage. The green is called Wash and is Madelinetosh Tosh Sock. Both yarns were divine to knit with…nothing but the best for my dainty hands. heehee
I used size 4 needles to help conserve yarn.
It’s a different shawl for me…no lace patterning…but lovely all the same. I’m pleasantly surprised by the result.
AuburnChick's Adventures 
Just beautifiul.
It’s lovely – the colors look great together.