02.07.06
In the end, I couldn’t resist.
This will provoke interest in absolutely no one, but I’ve at last given myself permission to join the select group of 3000 knitters taking part in the Knitting Olympics. I have been dying to do so since the first day the Yarn Harlot proposed it on her blog and as I watched blogfriend after blogfriend commit to the challenge. I knew I wouldn’t finish the RRS in time for the cast-on, though, and it just seemed wrong to make my mom wait an additional two weeks for her birthday gift (now 8 days overdue and counting).
When my mom and I were having lunch after the yarn sale last weekend, I was enthusiastically describing the Knitting Olympics and saying what a fun idea I thought it all was. When she asked why I wasn’t doing it, I reminded her of my unwavering commitment to the RRS. Appalled that that was the only thing holding me back, she insisted that I set the shawl aside and take up the Olympic challenge. Never one to disobey my mother, I didn’t need to be told twice. I will be knitting Tubey alongside knitting athletes the world over. Hooray!
This is why I’m hoping that my monthly luck ration was not completely depleted by my good fortune in the LYS this past weekend. I’m going to need a bit. While I’m confident that the skills required for the pattern are completely within my reach, I believe I will be challenged by a) the time limit (I’m really not all that fast and I’m always pretty busy), and b) the fact that it actually has to fit me. Flatteringly. I’ve swatched, I’ve planned, I’ve warned Matt that I will see him on Valentine’s Day and that’s it during the 16-day Olympic period, and of course I’ve joined the appropriate teams.
Team Knittyboard just because I spend a bit of time there (though obviously not enough, because I have to confess that I don’t know who Maude is); Team Tubey because, well, obviousy; and Team Wales because they crack me up. If you haven’t already, you should check out their requirements for joining.
And, of course, a special team just for me:
I expect to be at least 85 percent finished with the RRS shawl by the opening cermonies of the Knitting Olympics, and I will return to it promptly once I’m wearing Tubey and my coveted gold medal (I figure I should go into this thing with confidence). In the meantime, Citius, Altius, Fortius! With emphasis on the citius, please.
Mary Ann said,
February 7, 2006 at 1:57 pm
I love your own special team. Good luck, break a leg, or whatever one says to an athlete before the competition begins.
Mintyfresh said,
February 7, 2006 at 2:48 pm
I think if I could figure out a pattern that was worthy of the Olympics idea, I would probably join, and would definitely want to use your “sheep” button!
Wait, maybe I have the inkling of an idea. I may well be asking you if I can join your personal team!
Rachel said,
February 7, 2006 at 2:52 pm
I would be thrilled to have you on my team, Minty. Come on, you know you want to do it! Baaaa!
Emily said,
February 7, 2006 at 3:00 pm
Yaaaay, knitlete! It’s all about that little gold medal button.
Amy said,
February 7, 2006 at 3:01 pm
I love team “baaa”! I’m rooting for you Rachel!!
Amy
Theresa said,
February 7, 2006 at 3:37 pm
Glad you found Team College Hill and my blog! Glad you’re doing the Knitting Olympics! We’d be happy to have you as an honorary (or non-honorary) member. Either way. I keep meaning to use this as the opportunity to learn how to make those jazzy little buttons, but haven’t quite gotten to it yet.
We’re having a Thai food and knitting Opening Ceremonies on Friday. Email me if you’re interested.
Laura said,
February 7, 2006 at 5:08 pm
Shouldn’t those be lemmings and not sheep? ;)
Carry said,
February 7, 2006 at 8:38 pm
I wanna’ be a sheep! (oh wait, I already am, aren’t I?) Can I be on your team???
Knew we’d get to you eventually…
Alex said,
February 8, 2006 at 12:57 pm
Hooray! I’m on Team Colorado but I’ll be posting all my updates at the team blog instead of on my own blog, since my project (a vest, in that blueberry wool) is a surprise birthday present for my mom. :) I LOVE the colors you picked out for Tubey and I’m sure it’ll be gorgeous.