Ok Friends, we finished out ‘test run’ of the returned HPC. What did you guys think of it? Did you find yourself participating more, with the easier Header, and not having to have a prompt? Or did you find yourself participating less, or the same as before? Would you like us to continue? Or have you guys moved over to other -alongs?
I’m looking for as much info as you can give me here. I want us to collaborate on this if the HPC is to continue! Please don’t respond with ‘It was great! Thanks for hosing!’
Personally, (and surprisingly) I felt like I participated either the same, or slightly less often. And oddly, I forgot numerous things I had crafted over the Term, as I hadn’t kept track of them with Hermione’s Homework Planner, as I had in the past. I ended up doing a few posts over the Term, then a few giant project dumps as I racked my brains trying to remember all the stuff I had made all term. When I’ve used the Homework Planner before, it helped me remember not only to post HERE, but also to make full project posts on the site for my work.
I honestly felt a bit adrift here on LC, as I attempted to participate in other -alongs, but didn’t fully engage (in most of them) there either. I had numerous projects I could have posted in the Stitchalong, but just kept forgetting to do. I did manage to follow the conversation and continue to post quilt projects in the Quiltalong, and posted a few things in the Christmas Craftalong as that deadline drew closer. But I think I missed having this Craftalong to post EVERYTHING in. I do so many different crafts, and most of the other -alongs focus on one medium, so only some of my work counts there. This is the one I feel like everything I make works for. But having said that, I will admit to still feeling a bit burned out over the HPC, even as I miss it.
On a positive note, it was easier to do House Points, without having to scroll back and forth across the spreadsheet to find various categories. But it wasn’t so dramatically easier that I wouldn’t consider going back to project prompts again, if that’s what people wish for. Now that Ada’s a toddler, and not nursing, it is a little easier to carve out time to do point tallying on my desktop with two monitors, which makes it easiest.
I do know that I did NOT appreciate ending the -along at New Year’s. Back when pinkleo & I originally divided the year into quarters, we specifically chose to have our Term end at the end of January, so that folks could get through their holiday burnout, and have time to get those Christmas crafts posted, without feeling so rushed. I think if I do this -along again, I will go back to ending the Winter Term at the end of January again.
Finally, I do still love the magic of the world of Harry Potter, even as I find myself fatigued and at a loss for what to do with our -along. I started listening to the audiobook for Sorcerer’s Stone while quilting over the last few days. When I do a re-read of the books (which I used to do annually, but haven’t now in a few years), I usually skip the first book, and jump into the second or even the third. I forgot how truly magical, and how foundational the first story is. Here’s to hoping I rekindle the magic in my heart this year.
End of Term Feast 
Ravenclaw: 2 students, 60 points , for an average of 30 points per student.
Hufflepuff: 4 students, 540 points , for an average of 135 points per student.
Slytherin: 2 students, 570 points , for an average of 285 points per student.
Gryffindor: 1 students, 590 points , for an average of 590 points per student.
