'Knitting Olympics' knitalong

[Tamantha]

This knitalong is based on a challenge laid down by that most entertaining of knitters, Stephanie Pearl-McPhee (http://www.yarnharlot.com), and this thread on the Crafter board- (http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=74267.0).

Your challenge, should you choose to accept it, is as follows-

The 2006 Knitting Olympics

Eligibility: Any knitter who, embracing the "Citius, Alitius Fortius" ideal, would like to challenge themselves while embracing the Olympic spirit, and is just whacked enough to play along with me.

Concept: You must cast on a project during the Opening Ceremonies of the Winter Olympics (Feb 10)- and finish before the Olympic flame goes out (Feb 26). That's 16 days.

Rules:
1. The project must be a challenge for you to complete in 16 days.
2. There are no rules about what a challenge would be. Like the real Olympics, there are many areas to compete in. If you are a new knitter, then a garter stitch baby sweater might do...If you are experienced, well. I've already considered Torino. Use your own conscience.
3. While this is intended to be somewhat difficult (like the Olympics) it is not intended to ruin your life. Don't set yourself up for failure. (Olympic athletes may cry, but they do not whine pitifully, sob and threaten members of their family with pointed sticks because they haven't slept in five days. ) This is intended to (like the Olympics) require some measure of sacrifice, and be difficult, but it should be possible to attain.
4. No casting on before the flame is lit.
5. Finish before the flame goes out.
6. You may swatch before the games. (I consider this "training.")

Medals?
The Knitting Olympics has only a gold medal. (There is only do- or do not.) Finishers get a gold medal button for their blog, their name entered into a draw for a chance at a prize from me, and the joy of knowing that they are an Olympic level knitter, no matter how experienced they are. You are only competing against yourself. (Well. And the Olympic schedule.)

-Stephanie Pearl-McPhee

That's right, folks. Make anything you want. But make it challenging!

Before the games begin, this is your chance to sign on and tell everyone what you'll be making. I'll be making Rogue (http://girlfromauntie.com/patterns/shop/rogue/detail.php).

Let the (knitting) Games begin!

(Note: If you want to get the button for your blog, you'll have to go to the Yarn Harlot website and leave a comment there.)

[loisgriffinwannabe]

Oh, I can't wait! So much fun, I love knitalongs. I am trying to decide what yarn to use, the pattern calls for alpaca, but I am a very warm person and I want to knit it in a cotton blend yarn, dk weight, hopefully, it will work out. Has anyone subbed cotton/acrylic blend yarn for a wool or alpaca before? I am knitting this:


Let the games begin!

Emms

[mayerlove]

i really want to join, but first i have to look for a pattern!

either a pair of gloves, or some creatures from knitty. i think gloves.

[mayerlove]

maybe these:

http://yarndemon.typepad.com/demonic_progress/2004/10/gansey_gloves_p.html

[Lulu Clyde]

I'm making my daughter a sweater out of some rowan yarn I just bought from ebay. The sweater is a free pattern leaflet from the Caron company. I'll try to scan a copy so everyone can see.

[javastain]

Total noob here. What would be a good challenge for someone who doesn't even consider themselves a knitter? I can knit a square and manipulate it into a scarf, or a bag, or even drop a few stitches as I go and make a seamed hat, but what do you all suggest as a good Olympic event for someone like me? I have many years of yarn experience, but none in this category... THanks!

[BlondieKate]

Total noob here. What would be a good challenge for someone who doesn't even consider themselves a knitter? I can knit a square and manipulate it into a scarf, or a bag, or even drop a few stitches as I go and make a seamed hat, but what do you all suggest as a good Olympic event for someone like me? I have many years of yarn experience, but none in this category... THanks!

You don't have to be an expert (I certainly am NOT), just do something that's challenging for YOU.  You may want to try out a baby blanket, or a shawl.  That might be challenging enough for you.

I'm in.  Just need to decide what I want to knit.  I'm going to be in TX for most of that time, so I need to find something that travels well.

[bijou_raoul]

I know I posted a reply on here last night but for some reason it's not there today.  I'm thinking of doing a lace scarf.  I've never done anything in lace before, and I think 16 days would be enough time for me to get it done with a little bit of discipline.  Usually it takes me really long to knit anything because I prefer simple designs and they're always so boring (stockinette or ribbing throughout the whole thing) that I get distracted easily.  I think lace will be a good project and will hold my interest for long enough to finish it, because I prefer to be challenged.

I'm also going back to school next week, so hopefully by Feb 10th I'll be settled into my class schedule enough to be able to put aside a little bit of time every night to do this.  Sounds like fun!
 

Oh and Lois, I have been wanting to make that sweater for quite some time now.  I don't have my pattern handy right now, it's packed away in a box somewhere because I'm in the process of moving, but what weight is the yarn supposed to be?  I think I remember it saying DK but I'm not sure.  That might be another project for me, after I do the lace scarf thing.

[nicolethegeek]

I'm in... I'm doing a version of the Booga bag for mine.

[BlondieKate]

I'm in... I'm doing a version of the Booga bag for mine.

Are you going to use the Noro for it?  I'm considering that, too.  That should travel well, don't you think?