Olympic Fever

I have been watching with interest while Olympic Fever has swept the knitblogging world. Jen and La, Vicki, Daphne, Sedie... Aw, hell, go here for a list of the multitudinous bloggers pulled into the vortex of the 2006 Knitting Olympics.

I'm sorely tempted. I like a good challenge. And I looked through my stash, considered patterns, checked the calendar ( I have two Mondays off during the Olympics), thought about how good it would make me feel to complete a project and...thought about how dumb I'd feel if I didn't finish. And then I realized, I failed the Olympic Trials. Here it is, January 19th and I still haven't finished my Christmas knitting. Not one project finished and given to the recipient. Now, I could and probably will finish them all well before the Olympics begin. But tell me, please, would you pick me for the team? I wouldn't.  I am not a monogamus knitter. I don't think I have it in me to stick to one project and one alone for sixteen days straight. And I really disappointed myself with the Christmas knitting.  I don't want to set myself up for something like that again.

Then I read Norma's reaction, and then I found Stitchy's (I couldn't put my husband through it either), and The Knitting Fiend, and I started to feel like I'm in good company.  Then Margene, I just love Margene, issued an alternate challenge, in the spirit of Eddie the Eagle. "Eddie gave the Olympics his best shot even though he could not win. He trained and played his best, while he had fun and enjoyed the process.  If ever any athlete was about the journey it was Eddie.  If you want to knit during the games and enjoy your knitting, without deadlines or duress, you can join me in an Eddie Along. It’s all about the process here.  Pick a project, knit for the love of it and soar like Eddie. If you finish…good for you, if not, you win anyway." 

Now this I could do. And it just so happens that yesterday I was cruising through the ABC Along ring, I found Princess Knits and saw her completed Charley. This is the pattern I've been looking for to knit up the kilo of espresso-colored cashmere blend my brother and I bought at School Products during the Republican Convention (yes, that was in the summer of 2004). And I already have Rowan Magazine No. 37! So, during the Olympics, I will be soaring like Eddie , taking advantage of those two Mondays off and  knitting stitches of love into a sweater for Timothy. If I don't finish, at least I'll get a good start. If I do, woo hoo!

And one more thing: Go see Kimberli's post from today. It'll get your blood boiling.

Comments

[Daphne]

Did someone say "project monogamy"??? I'm going to be in serious trouble. I suppose I should be "good" and restrict non-Olympian-sweater-knitting to bus knitting.

Also, major aside, I think I should drink only Olympia beer throughout the Olympics Knitting.

[margene]

The whole point is to HAVE FUN. I wouldn't have fun trying to meet a deadline or knit on only one item (and might end up in pain) so I started the Eddie thing. Glad you're in with us!

[nicole]

I love link-filled posts. Thanks for such a good one! I am divided about the K. Olympics. I would love to finish something in 16 days (Vest Everest), but don't know if I could handle the pressure.

[Chris]

There's also a UFOlympics - just pick a UFO or two to finish. That's very practical - maybe one of those Christmas items?
http://knitting.xaviermusketeer.com/?p=583

[Vicki]

Multitudinous (man, did I SPELL that right?)... no kidding! Cara's going out of her mind with that Jaywalker can of worms in Jersey; Toronto is overrun by Olympic knitters in various events -- those two have stirred themselves quite a pot. ; ) Stephanie has only to make the list, though, whereas Cara's posting those weekly updates!

Anyway, I'm going to have fun. I fully intend to come away with a gold medal -- and I'm not even the competitive one in my family!

[Kimberli]

TAG- YOU'RE IT!
Jan 21st Meme Post!

and...thanks for the unexpected link! I added some more info later that day with info on Trademark law.

http://kimberlinewyork.blogspot.com/2006/01/just-facts-bub-further-exploration.html

[Jaime]

You're a much more reasonable knitter than myself! :-)

I am still knitting Christmas things but rationalizing ... the recipients had no idea they were to receive anything. So, their gifts are 'just because.' And as for knitting monogamy, I have none. I continue to cast on new things, even today.

But, I still fell for the Knitting Olympics. Eek!

[sedie]

I think it's great that everyone is getting involved no matter how they're getting involved. . . I have considered joining Margene's group as I may not finish my project, but I'll feel good to have tried and to have a work-in-progress to show for it!

Good for you and go for it!

[Lorette]

Woo hoo! I think the Eddie-along is for me! I don't knit well under pressure, thus the lack of Christmas knitting in my house. This might be a knit-along that I could get behind!