Q&A

Catching up with Questions and Answers.  (Also, a little Q&A is a nice way to cover for a slow moving sweater.)

Several people enquired: (And I’m paraphrasing and combining here) What happened with all those French Press Slippers? Did you finish them all? How many pairs?

Umm.. Lots.

In the end, before the madness died down and I felt like I could stop (almost) I made six pairs.  You can now identify women in my gene pool because they’re wearing one of the pairs above.  The only thing I was sad about when I was done all of those (besides the felting injury) was that I didn’t have a pair for myself- and then Christmas morning I opened a box and there was a pair that Ken made for me.  Now we are Borg. All feet the same. Resistance is futile.

Frances asked: Forgive my ignorance if this seems like a silly question, but could you please explain the use of the white strand of yarn on your sweater? Does it mark the beginning of a round? Does it mark where you plan on steeking?  Is it a lifeline?

There are no silly questions in Knitville.  In Knitville not asking questions leads to big problems and things like sweaters with the darts from the  bust short rows on the shoulderblades.  That white yarn serves two purposes.  I lay the yarn in between the first and last stitches of the round – so it marks the beginning or a round, but also I flip the yarn from front to back (or back to front) every 5 rounds (or at some other significant point, maybe on increase rows) so that I can count them easily.  If I’ve been back to front 5 times, I know without really counting that I’ve accomplished 25 rounds, or that it’s been X number of rounds since an increase and it’s time to go again.   With a gauge this small I needed a short cut so I don’t get squinty and mean while I’m knitting it.

All Things Knitterly said:
I did the Blue Shimmer way back when the book came out. I did the cardigan and the instructions did not mention casting on for the steek. I figured this out at the completion of the sweater. Hope they amended this.

Though I’m not using it for this sweater, I’m going to answer that with a leap where I assume that you’re talking about Poems of Color, the wonderful book by Wendy Keele?  My copy has the instructions for the Blue Shimmer Cardigan worked back and forth, not in the round, which makes sense to me, since steeks (cutting a sweater open after knitting) is not part of the Bohus tradition. So either my copy has been amended to remove the steeks or maybe you were expecting them to be constructed like a fair isle – which they aren’t.  (I think- like you, that steeks would make sense here, but Bohus sweaters were designed to be designer fancy-pants, couture knits, so good sense and efficiency doesn’t always enter into the planning.)     

Susan asked: It seems like there are two major kits: Solvieg’s Bohus and people who use Poems of Color and Kimmet Croft Bohus Kits.  What’s the difference and which one are you using?

I’m using Solveig’s Kit, mostly because I’m hung up on authenticity.

Gratuitous Bohus picture because it’s just so pretty that I can’t stand it.

Poems of Colour is a beautiful book full of tons of useful history and information, and beautiful patterns too- but they aren’t true Bohus… technically. Original Bohus had  34 stitches to 10cm, while in Poems of color they’ve been modified to be 28 stitches to 10cm – and the yarn is different as well.   Kimmet Croft’s Fairy Hare is 40% angora and 60% merino  – sport weight, while Solveig’s is 50% angora and 50% merino, and a light fingering weight.  I’ve never knit with the Fairy Hare so I can’t be sure of much else, but I’ve heard that there’s more variation in their skeins than there is in Solveigs, some of them are sort of "nearly solids".  It really comes down to a matter of personal taste.  Poems of Color certainly preserved the spirit of a Bohus, and the gauge might seem a little more approachable for some knitters, but Solviegs patterns and kits are more technically accurate.  Knitters choice.  

Cat M asked me: I REALLY want to try this…So, did you order yours and, if so, would you please explain how did you go about it?

Well, given the differences (as I understand them)  I wanted a historically accurate pattern, and as far as I know, there’s only one place to get them, and that’s from Solveig Gustafsson.  (To see her Bohus collection on that site click on "Bohus Stickning".)  Her email address is on that page too, and although she’s in Sweden, her english is perfect and you can just drop her a line and tell her what you’d like.  In my experience her service is fast and lovely.  Solvieg has been working with the Bohuslans Museum for years, and the kits she sells are authentic replicas of the originals, painstakingly hand-dyed to match, and accurate down to the last stitch. The quality is pretty outstanding, and the patterns come with translations in english (for those of us with spotty Swedish) from Susanna Hansson.

Lots of people said things like:
Yes, it’s okay to give the Olympics to Ravelry…
I’d let Ravelry do all the work…
I’d let Ravelry have it…

I think I wasn’t really clear the other day.  It isn’t that I am trying to decide whether or not I should do my version Knitting Olympics here, or to "let" or "give" them to Ravelry.  Ravelry is already doing them. Ship. Sailed.  The Ravelympics (click to visit) are in place, there are already more than 230 teams and more than 4000 participants, it’s a done deal.  It isn’t "Should I do it or should Ravelry?"   All I can decide now is if I can repeat what I did four years ago like I’ve been planning, or if (because they don’t do a bad job at all)  it is really stupid to try and compete with Ravelry? 

I know that I can bet you a dollar, that if I go ahead with any version of the original plan, that someone – multiple people actually, are going to email me and  accuse me of trying to steal Ravelry’s idea or thunder, and that’s not because they’ll be difficult people, it’s because the view is different everywhere you stand.   In any case, I’m still tossing it around, truthfully, it’s sounding to me like there might be room for both.

Many people suggested: How about having Team Harlot in the Ravelympics, or being the Captain of Team Canada?

I don’t think so- for starters,  there’s already a wicked looking Team Canada group, but also,  I did the Knitting Olympics the first time because I had a really specific idea about how I’d like it to feel, and for all the advantages of Rav (forums, pictures,  points, and rules) it really is a different vibe than
what I did,   and the Ravelympics are really not mine – and that’s part of what makes me fine with it.  If I thought that my baby had packed up and moved away without telling me I would be sad.  I think of the Ravelympics as a cousin who live in another city.  Similar reason for why I wouldn’t "open" the Ravelypics.  Not mine, and accepting that would make me feel like I was being offered a consolation prize, as in "well, we’ve moved your event, but hey – you can still come play with us!" The Ravelympics are very different. They aren’t just my event moved- but are their whole own thing- and pretending otherwise would be laying claim to something that I’ve got no right to.  

I’m still deciding what to do next,  still excited, because at the very least I’m picking my sweater.  No way are the Olympics in Canada and this Canadian doesn’t get behind that- even if it’s only with a little wool.

Some of you asked: What sweater?

Not telling.  Not yet.

192 thoughts on “Q&A

  1. While authentic, that small needle size is coming home to roost as a “slow moving sweater”…and you have yet to hit that sea of green!

  2. Not having been the rabid knitter I’ve become, I did not even know of Knitting Olympics during the last Winter Games. So, even though I’m participating in the Ravelympics I would like to “do” the Knitting Olympics too, because I’ve not enjoyed that particular vibe.

  3. If the profusion of comments on your blog is any indication, you have quite a large and devoted following. If you do your Knitting Olympics, it will be glorious. If not, there’s other fun to be had, so no pressure. And if anyone disagrees with what you do or don’t do — screw ’em. 🙂

  4. I’m in love with Wild Apples. just sayin’.
    And for the Olympics? If you do ’em again, I’m in. again, just sayin’.

  5. (Banging head on desk) I’ve never thought of using yarn as a row marker. What a brilliant yet simple idea! Thank you, ma’am!
    As for the Knitting Olympics, I will be with you in spirit regardless if there is an organized KO or not. I’m new to sweaters but I have a few possibilities that will be challenging for completion in 16 days.
    Now on to make myself a pair of French Press slippers!!

  6. I’ve decided to stick with your original Olympic spirit, and am picking one challenging project. I’ve decided to knit Tempest from Knitty, which would be my first real sweater (not counting the tshirt I knit).
    Guess I’d better find out what the dates are for the Olympics now, eh? Be my luck I’d be late.

  7. Since your knitting olympics and the Ravelympics are completely different, and since there are many who would enjoy your olypmics, I see no competition here. Do it if you want to, and they will come.
    Thanks for the explanation of the white thread and the further information about bohus. Wild Apples – lovely.

  8. The knitting olympics might need to be explained. I vaguely remember everyone knitting and showing off what they did. I didn’t do the olympics or watch them a lot. Were there prizes? Sock yarn?
    I think I would bag it this year anyway. Reason: lots going on in life and give yourself a break. We still like to read about your knitting. Think of yourself as a skier, or ice skater and you have suffered an injury that knocks you out of the olympics this year. But next time, you will be healed and ready.

  9. Well, if you do the Knitting Olympics I am in. I was very disappointed that I discovered your blog just after the last winter olympics and I was going to have to wait a whole 4 years to do it. Four years I have waited!

  10. I say do the Knitting Olympics. This is a HUGE world and it is certainly big enough for multiple knitting olympic-type endeavors.

  11. I see your point now (which I ignorantly missed in the last post) regarding the olympics and I say do it and make it what you have in mind (and I don’t really think it is competing with Ravelry)

  12. I like the olympics idea. But on Ravelry, well, it’s just too frenetic, too hectic, too, well, too too.
    So I’m not doing it.
    But if you decided to do something that’s more oriented toward quiet, less social people, and keep it very knitting oriented and less, um, “too,” then I might be interested.
    Just saying.

  13. Not having participated in either Olympian quest, I’m not sure how they work. I would love to just pick something and work along hoping to finish by the end of the Canadian events. 🙂 If I don’t figure out how either works, maybe that’s what I’ll do. Unfortunately there’s a husband and dogs and cats to think of, and none will understand rabid knitting. Maybe they will have to!!!

  14. No wonder you were irritated with your slow laptop (see twitter comments). Your last post demanded a lot of it but gave a lot to your readers. Thanks!

  15. For what it’s worth, here’s my two cents…
    #1) I love the bohoiness of the bohus and am going to surrender and order a kit.
    #2) The white leader/marker/counter thread is brilliant and I too am stealing it.
    #3) You should do Yarn Harlot Olympics if you want, and not if you don’t.
    #4) I’m looking foward to another year of your blog.
    Cheers!
    Sam

  16. “well, we’ve moved your event, but hey – you can still come play with us!” Yes, that is exactly what bothered me about a lot of the comments you got the other day! We’ll enjoy whatever you do, but I think it would be sad to have no Olympics here…

  17. I see your point re knitting olympics much clearer now. I do think that if you’re up for it I’d sign on and I still think that you should tie in a favorite charity too as an entry fee.

  18. ok, maybe i’m a little late getting on the question bandwagon, but what makes bohus knitting a “bohus” (is it someone’s name? a style?) and how is bohus different from fairisle??

  19. I love the bit about someone’s accusing you of stealing Rav’s thunder… because indeed someone would. I’m just really glad it’s not me this time. (Do you remember the time I suggested that you get up some CafePress merchandise for MSF? I sure hope not.)
    I think there’s probably room for both. I might even do both. (No, I never finished the sweater from your first Olympics. You want to make something of it?)

  20. I agree that Rav has a very different vibe: good for them and everyone who enjoys working with that approach. For me, it’s not a good match: that’s good for me to know and doesn’t really matter to anyone else.
    If the Knitting Olympics go ahead, I’d love to be in: but if not, I’m sure I’ll survive. Either way, it’s all good (and how Canadian is that?) 🙂

  21. Regarding the Knitting Olympics, I would ask myself–were I you, which clearly I am not, nor do I play you on tv–do I really want/need to take on a big project at this particular moment, or can I just sit this one out and relax with my knitting without feeling guilty? I think you can see where my vote would go. If I were you, that is.

  22. I don’t want to “compete” or be part of a “team” with my knitting…but I do like the idea of finishing one item during the winter olympics. I think there is plenty of room for you and the Ravelympics…and forget all those people who take power in being anonymous (ie: we can be mean because you can’t see us). If you want to do it, do it. There is room for both.

  23. I’m so glad that you were gifted a pair. I was making them for *months* before I had time to make myself a pair. On Christmas, my husband made me a miniature pair of my felted slippers(complete with matching French Press Knits miniature tag, with “2009” on the back) as an ornament!

  24. Only 26 comments so far? That drives me to comment even if I have nothing to say! So I’ll say this – if this Ravelry Olympic thing is a rivalry, I’d like to play on your team.

  25. I missed the Knitting Olympics last time and would welcome your doing them again. After reading your previous post, I checked out the Ravelympics action and the rules, categories, points, and general bustle had me reeling. It had many of life’s features that I knit to avoid. So I vote for the simpler vibe. Peace.

  26. I didn’t participate in the first Ravelympics, and I think I started reading your blog after the first Knitting Olympics (although I did read about them, along with every little bit of the rest of the archives), but I think that if you have the time and the energy, you should do them. I’m certainly not going to stand up and say, “No no Stephanie, please blog less!”
    And I have to say that I’m curious how you plan to do your Olympics. History has shown that your ability to organize (large groups of knitters especially) is positively intimidating.

  27. I was too much a scardy cat to join the last knitting olympics, but I followed it and wished I had committed to it. I would love it if you would do it again. This time I wouldn’t wimp out.
    I too have a sweater picked out.

  28. I say do the Knitting Olympics! I’d totally join in. I’m excited! It sounds like you’re leaning that direction. Pretty pretty please?

  29. Ahhh, wild apples envy… I’d love to do a Bohus, but am allergic to bunnies! That pattern is one of the prettier ones, too.
    Totally in favor of the simpler Knitting Olympics, too. I love Ravelry, but the sheer amount of time taken up with administrative stuff, chatting, photo-ing, etc. cuts way into the actual knitting time. To each his or her own, and it should be fun to watch, but I’m in if you decide to play on your own turf.

  30. I think you’re absolutely right that Olympics here will have a different “feel” than the Ravelympics, but it also sounds like a LOT of work! True, it’s mostly work that goes towards building and strengthening the lovely community you have here. But some of it is frustrating work. Maybe work is what you need right now, maybe it isn’t.

  31. I’m thrilled you think there’s room for both. It was just about 4 years ago when I discovered knitting blogs (and your blog), right in the middle of the knitting Olympics. So, I’ve been hanging out for 4 years waiting to participate.

  32. The Bohus sweater is beautiful, I love the color. I am knitting the Blue Shimmer at the moment, the yarn and the colors are fantastic (I bought the yarn at the Bohusland museum). It’s a lot of work, but the result is so great.

  33. I swear, you’ve added more things to my “Bucket List” than anyone else. Angora/wool at light fingering weight? Sounds really slow, but looks amazingly beautiful. Duly added.
    As for the Harlot Knitting Olympics, I don’t intend to join Ravelry Olympics (franky, I’m usually a little overwhelmed on Ravelry). I have a project all picked out in the hopes you do have one, but if you don’t, I’ll knit it anyway and root for USA (And the Kenya Short Track Speed Skaters, who train just down the road.)

  34. “Organized” or not – I’m doing the Harlot Knitting Olympics. (In other words – no pressure – not a single thing you need to do more than be the inspiration you’ve already been!) I’ve been training for 4 years and am ready! Planning to cast on at Madrona – a location that, I think, is second only to Whistler or Vancouver!

  35. Hello Stephanie,
    I say go ahead and do your thing if it feels right for you. I’m in if it is a go. I don’t see this as competing with Ravelry but as separate and different with a much more personal touch.
    xxoo

  36. Since I failed the knitting olympics trials in November and December (frogged a whole sweater, and numerous small projects, and started them again, sometimes 2x) I say do what you will! As for the French Press slippers – darling! I made a pair for my DIL and she didn’t (sic) take them off all weekend. I am envious of your picture taking abilities! You rock the camera!

  37. Yikes–I almost forgot about the Olympics. I’m going to sign up for one project on Ravelry and will wait to add a second to see what you decide to do. I did my own personal “Olympics” during sock summit. Since I couldn’t go myself, I knit a pair of socks between the opening of registration and the closing ceremony. It was a lot of fun!

  38. There is definitely room for two knitting olympic events. Whatever you decide, I look forward to seeing your olympic challenge. And will be knitting with you in spirit on my project too.
    Laura

  39. I’d barely started knitting when you were doing the Knitting Olympics, and the Ravelympics passed me by too, so this is the first chance I’ve had at participating, and I know which I’d rather be part of. I agree, there’s room for both, and I’d definitely prefer to be Harlotty.
    Utterly beautiful Bohus.

  40. The white yarn is brilliant! I have trouble counting to 50 without being interrupted (or losing my place some other way). That will come in VERY handy.

  41. ha~! I wasn’t a knitter last time around, so I just took a moment to dig up your 2006 Knitting Olympics post. I didn’t really know what you were talking about before so I didn’t comment.
    I say, if it fills you with enthusiasm, do it, and if it fills you with dread, don’t! Are you losing sleep? Tearing your hair out? Looking for one last straw to break your back? It sounds like you’re excited which casts a vote on the DO IT side 🙂

  42. Er, I don’t mean to be dense, but have I missed what the Harlot version of the Knitting Olympics involves?
    (I don’t mean to be dense, but I clearly am. Y’know in my last comment I said that I didn’t want to knit my first garment on tiny needles? Course you don’t. Anyhoo, I am currently swatching for a cardigan with sock yarn. Dense, and definitely crazy.)

  43. I would really be happy if you did your version of the knitting Olympics again. I would happily join in. I think there is room for both your version of the Olympics and the RavOlympics.
    Also, lovely, lovely sweater!

  44. I have been knitting since Hector was a pup and I have never seen that thread marking notion and I LOVE it! Just goes to show you, you really can learn something new every day. Thanks!

  45. Just in case any of your readers think that ordering a Bohus kit from Solveig is difficult, it isn’t. I wrote her a letter (regular mail, not email), outlined which kit I wanted and gave my credit card info and my mailing address. In less than a month my kit arrived in the mail. Now if only I could find the time to knit it up!

  46. Excellent Star trek reference. You should start referring to your daughters as 1, 2 or 3 of 3 primary adjunct of Purl-McPhee. Comply!

  47. Sue and I were talking about the knitting olympics.. Her, mostly b’c it is the only knitting project she does with a goal and a plan (and boy howdy did she ever love that she had one last time.) and me b’c I have a dale sweater and I am itching to start. Sue won’t join rav.. her attitude is that I am there and that is all she needs. so I told her the other day that if you wouldn’t host it would just be her and me. Team Anj & Sue. Conquering knitwear one stitch at a time.

  48. I would love to see (and participate in!) a Yarn Harlot Knitting Olympics; as someone who found your blog only recently, I read the archives and loved the craziness and spirit of the 2006 Knitting Olympics. No pressure, though, if you want to maybe downsize from the craziness of the last Winter Games.

  49. Regardless of what you decide with the Knitting Olympics, I want you to know that you have inspired me to knit my first Bohus sweater (I’ve done two hats) for the Ravelympics this time around.

  50. You could do the Olympics your way, in addition to Rav’s, if you wanted…but it’d be a lot of work.
    In the Ravelympics page, they give you the credit for the idea, which, of course, is as it should be.
    Has your brain child grown up and sprouted wings and flown, or is it still here and are its close cousin lives over at Rav?
    Either way, it’s quite the phenomenon!

  51. 1. Go Ken! 2. Enjoy your Olympics, however it may work out. 3. Please post all the gratuitous pictures of gorgeous knitting you want anytime–the very fact that it’s a little bit more unfolding by the day testifies to the nature of our craft and the anticipation inherent in it. It’s a flowers-coming-gradually-up-in-springtime (or anticipating springtime) effect.

  52. I know, I know what you’re doing for your Olympic sweater. Oh yeah — bulky weight, portrait of your favorite hockey player on the back and a pair of skates on the front! I know that’s just gotta be it!

  53. I am newer to the knitting scene than any past ‘event’ whether here or on Ravelry. I had heard mention many times of the Ravelympics and could not for the life of me figure out exactly what one was supposed to do. Reading your last post made it very clear, although I’m sure the Ravelympics has far more to it than just that, what with teams and rules and stuff.
    I would love to stretch myself and participate in something as simplified (or maybe as easy to understand is a better way to put it) as ‘start and finish a project between the flames’, but feel quite daunted at participating in something with so many rules as on Ravelry. As you say, I am sure they are both great events and I truly appreciate the effort the people organising are putting in, but different things appeal to different people. I would certainly like to have a go and even if you don’t go with a knitting olympics I will probably have my own personal challenge and knit something new in that time frame. Thanks for making it clear!

  54. I agree with your statement that Ravelry’s Olympics “is a different vibe” than what yours was in 2006. I can also relate to Ruthie’s “too, too” comment. I can’t see myself joining that throng. That being said, I would love to see you do your Knitting Olympics here, provided it doesn’t make you feel like you’re sitting down to a big slab of crazy pie. Somehow the two versions feel very different to me.
    Thank you for the brilliant “yarn back and forth” idea. Filed away for future reference. Funny. I, too, see French Press slippers on the feet of (almost) all those around me (funny–hubby didn’t want a pair) and none on my own. Ken? Okay. I’ll knit my own.

  55. I kind of hate to say it “out loud”, since I am familiar with that queasy feeling of being asked to do one more thing when you already have plenty going on, but I really enjoyed your Knitting Olympics and treasure my medal. I would love it if you could do it again (I’ve been training!).

  56. I absolutely LOVE that contrasting-yarn trick for counting rows and rounds. I’m definitely going to steal that idea!

  57. IF you decide to do it, I’ll be there. If you decide not to do it, I’ll not whine too much about YOUR choice. I absolutely must order a Wild Apple kit even though it will probably become part of my SABLE. Cheers and red wine, Hazel.

  58. As usual you have expressed my feeling far more elegantly than I could have. Best part of the knitting Olympics was the cosy little group of us following you like duckings even if we slipped off the edge of sanity. What ever you choose, but if you’re in, I’m in (and, yes, I’ve chosen my project).

  59. I already have two projects competing to be in the Knitting Olympics – one of them is about 4 years old and is trying for a comeback!
    Thanks for showing all the slippers – I might just have to make myself some so I can pretend I am related.
    And Wild Apples is just beautiful. Someday…

  60. I would love to take part in Yarn Harlot Knitting Olympics if you do them. I have been waiting a long time for them. Even if you don’t run them I will participate in my own way. Ravelry’s Olympics is too big for me. Thanks for all you do.

  61. “is really stupid to try and compete with Ravelry? ”
    I don’t understand why you refer to this as a competition.
    It’s various groups of people joining together from all over the globe, to knit during the Whatever Olympics, and have fun.
    I’m sure there’s a number of neighborhoods where neighbors get together to knit during the Olympics, drink beer, wine, or lemonade, nosh on snack items, and discuss items that are important only to them.
    Are they competing with any other group? Nope. They’re just doing what knitters do and they’re having fun.
    I thought that was the main driving force behind the Knitting Olympics–the fun part.

  62. Ken is a genius. A real doll. You gotta keep him around forever. The fact that he just knew you wouldn’t have a pair for yourself? A true friend. (No, I don’t know him, have never met him, but do think we’d hit it off great.)

  63. I have to admit that I too have been waiting four years to participate in your knitting olympics (they might actually have been what made me find your blog in the first place). I will have them by myself if you decide to not take them on (I totally understand if you don’t) and I will donate to KWB and feel part of the knitterly universe anyway :). But if you do, count me in. I went on Ravelry and checked theirs out, and whoa! way too……….
    Love and peace

  64. I think it would be wonderful to have the Knitting Olympics here. I have a project in mind. I think you’re right. The Olympics are IN CANADA. And in the spirit of your original idea, that is a perfect reason to have the Knitting Olympics.

  65. Oh, please – do the knitting Olympics. I have so many projects in the stash AND twins expected (by someone else!) in just weeks. Motivation by competition is seriously needed. Also I would immediately order Wild Apples if there wasn’t already a Solveig Gustafsson kit in the cupboard with the door that won’t close.

  66. It’s interesting to me that you are really pulling your hair out over hosting (or not)the Knitting Olympics now that Ravelry has jumped on the bandwagon. From what I have read on your blog, it sounds to me as though you still want to carry on with the original plan, regardless of what others are doing,but aren’t so sure the rest of us are on board with the idea. (I mean, you picked a pattern already; what does that tell you?? Sounds to me like it’s going to happen!)
    If hosting the Knitting Olympics will make you happy in some way, (and we all know it will, let alone how much fun it will be for the rest of us!) then you should go for it and not look back for even a second. Who cares if some people will try the Ravelry version and so fewer people sign up? That’s not the point; the point is to set a challenge and have some fun along the way.
    The Ravelers are going to do what they want to regardless of your event, and I do not believe for one second that their festivities should or will bring yours to a screeching halt. Or vice-versa. Some people might even do both. There are more than enough knitters out there to make each event a huge success. And that success should not be measured in the number of participants, but in the effort of each knitter rising to the challenge. Just like in the “Official” Games.
    That said:
    Light the damn torch!! Let the Knitting Olympics begin!!
    How do I donate a prize? Is there anything in particular you’re looking for?

  67. The bohus is beautiful (okay, you knew that). I will be here for the Knitting Olympics. Challenging myself–swifter, higher, stronger–and being motivated by the spirit here.

  68. I love the sweater so far!!!…and I have to say that I know where Bohuslan in Sweden is because I lived there in that region for a few years, so to know that something this beautiful came from there, it makes me proud. When I was living there( just a few years ago for 2 years) I wasn’t all that into my knitting, I had just started to get obsessed..it’s a shame as I would have surely picked up and brought back more then just the piles of yarn that I did ….and still trying to find a use for! haha
    I can’t wait to see when it’s done.
    As we say in Sweden….Lycka till!!!

  69. I also looked @ Ravelry olympics & thought it too complicated & I am only me (no time to find teammates by Friday.) Just to read your blogs about your project for Olympics will be great. Just don’t want you to feel pressured and kill your fun! Am thinking about a pile of WIPS as my event. The slippers were wonderful of Ken.

  70. Regarding the Knitting Olympics/Ravelympics, I don’t see why there shouldn’t be both. Now that there ARE both, there will forever more be wank about who started it (which is almost flattery, I think…maybe…), so phooey on that and do what you like. I’m on a Ravelry team but am really bad at KAL-type projects, so we’ll see what happens. I happen to have that week off, so there’s hope.
    My bigger concern, which is perhaps un-necessary at this point, is the overload potential for YOU. I have noticed a certain tendency in you, dear Harlot, to..um..well…shall we say, jump in with both feet? I want you to be able to enjoy your creation, too, not just oversee it, and if you’re running on overload, I fear that will be impossible.
    Take care of yourself first. I selfishly want you to be around for a long time.

  71. I’m still uncomfortable with the Ravelympics, but that’s just me. I have picked my project. If you do the Knitting Olympics, I’m totally in. If not, I may do something over on Ravelry. I don’t know yet.
    Sweater looks beautiful. I’m not quite where I’m comfortable with a colorwork sweater, but I’m almost there. Have a great week!

  72. That Ken is a good guy. It seems to me rare that a knitter gets a knitted gift, and yet when I have received them, I totally adore and cherish them. Sounds like you feel the same way…

  73. The sweater is absolutely gorgeous. And you are SO right about Solveig. I got a kit to make a tam for my mom’s 70th birthday, and loved every single bit of it. I want one of the sweater kits madly, and I keep telling myself I should just order it now, even if I can’t knit it now, because I’d just die if she stopped putting them together and I didn’t have one yet…

  74. I am selfish and want you to do the knitting olympics. I have my project ready and plans made to cast on away from home with knitting friends.

  75. Lovely Wild Apples.
    I’m in RAvelympics to finish a Moderne Log Cabin. Which will drape over a full size mattress. I’m starting to curl into a fetal position as I type. I’d love to see you continue what you’ve begun, the Knitting Olympics, but I also think “Good grief, woman, do you ever rest, besides savasana at yoga? Take a load off for once!”
    Blog fodder: You said at Sock Summit that Nancy Bush designed the only (sock?) pattern that you did not change. Out of curiosity and total Nancy-worship, what was that pattern?

  76. I love Ravelry but YOU are the Knitting Olympics and I have been waiting 4 freaking years for your next Knitting Olympics so I will be here with you whether you acknowledge it in a big way or small. I haven’t decided if I will have mine be the spinning Olympics or take on a knitting project but I am still impressed with the amount of spinning done last Olympics so may try that again. It rocked and so did you. Can’t wait, what fun!

  77. I love the pile of French Press Slippers. I have the yarn, the pattern, and the motivation. Now all I need is the time. Do you like how they fit? They look like they’d fit nice and snug like a good slip on, but I’m worried about them staying put.
    Everyday I am that much closer to buying a Bohus kit.

  78. Not being conversant with the finer aspects of the craft, I was inordinately amused to learn that “stickning” is the Swedish word for knitting. It’s just so… logical. And seriously, a quick search on the word yielded several links that were well worth reading about these marvelous women and their place in history. The things I learn from this blog :-).

  79. Just to let you know. I just got off the phone with Doctors Without Borders and renewed my $25 per month pledge for 2010. So add a few hundred more dollars to your count:-)

  80. Not having participated in the KO before I had to read about it in the archives. I’m in.

  81. I love the idea of you doing your version. I am in. Sadly, I will be on a research trip and may not be able to actually WATCH the Olympics, but I am in.

  82. Well, the sweater is gorgeous, and the use of the white yarn to count rows is brilliant! : )

  83. Oh! I feel like that white yarn is a complete revelation! So many times that I’ve gone and squinted into the night with my spotty vision, cursing the dark yarn and the poor lighting.. NEVER AGAIN! I am soooo stealing that trick! Why didn’t I think of that?

  84. There’s room for Coke AND Pepsi. There’s room for Chocolate AND Vanilla Ice Cream There’s room for Apple AND Cherry Pie. (better stop now with the food examples… mmmmm pie…)
    And there’s room for both Knitting Olympics. The whole point is more knitting, more warm woolies in the world, more FUN for Knitters everywhere.
    Go for it!

  85. Also, that yarn-every-five-rows trick is brilliant! I’m about to start a Kelmscott jacket in a wool/cashmere dark charcoal gray yarn that’s very difficult to count the stitches in – and I’m only on the swatch! I was desparing of figuring out my row gauge, since my yarn isn’t matching the pattern’s gauge and I’ll have to resort to the dreaded maths.
    I’ll bet you’ve just saved me more than one tantrum.

  86. Count me as one of the ones hoping you’ll host the Winter Knitting Olympics. I’ve been looking forward to it for 4 long years. I even have a project planned.

  87. That Bohus is so gorgeous it makes me want to cry. I am violently allergic to angora to the point that when I worked in a yarn shop, I couldn’t even pick it up to sell it. I’m going to knit a Bohus analog in superwash sock yarn some day…

  88. Another one here who doesn’t plan to join the Ravelympics but would do the Knitting Olympics if you decided to do it again.

  89. I’d be interested to do the Harlot Olympics. I’m a fairly new knitter but successful so far thanks mostly to your book knitting rules (I’m a big picture kind of person and like to be able to create and make modifications even though I’m a beginner). Anyway, I enjoy your blog and hadn’t heard of knitting olympics before. Can’t wait to watch this year– and hopefully get some knitting done too.

  90. Re: Knitting Olympics
    I honestly don’t think KO would compete with Ravelry. I’d like you to do a KO for the very same reasoning as you chose your Bohus pattern. It’s authentic. A one-of-a-kind, can’t be duplicated ton of fun.
    Back to my box of kleenex, tea, & knitting. Darn germs!
    Thanks

  91. Ok…I want to know your secret with those danged (no, I did not just curse) slippers! After seeing them on your blog early in Christmas, I hurried off and bought the pattern and some yarn.
    What a disaster!!! Oy, but I had to run out to the antique store and buy my mom ANOTHER tea pot. She now has a collection of three that I don’t think she intended on collecting.
    Your slippers are gorgeous. I just wish you’d come down and make them properly!

  92. Dear Stephanie,having jumped in four years ago with the challenge of finishing very old projects that had been lying around (AKA scaring me into immobility) and in the process learning all types of wonderful techniques..I am sooooo ready for another Knitting Olympics. That being said, I also did the 2008 Summer Olympics on Ravelry and knit many baby items for charity out of my stash and I have signed on for Ravelympics2010 HatsforHeroes personal challenge BUT am EAGERLY looking forward to joining you in your endeavors!

  93. Bummer. I have been planning on joining the Harlot Olympics (is that the right name?) and knitting a whole sweater, which would be a first for me. Last time I was a newby knitter and just was in a quandry as to how to participate. Now, I’m ready for ya!!! Bring it!
    😀 and thanks!

  94. I saw the beautiful sweater you knit 4 years ago at Threaded Bliss yarns in Nashville, TN. I think you should do the Dale of Norway official Olympic sweater for this one. Me, I’m sticking to something smaller- the Selbu modern hat. Go for the Gold!!!

  95. I’d love to be able to participate in both the Ravelympics and the Knitting Olympics. I participated here 4 years ago and had a blast, so if you decide to do it, I’ll be there 😉 I really liked the fact that anyone could pick any level of project. I have to say, I’m going for a baby sweater this time around, I’m still not up to a full size adult one, lol.

  96. I have another question and I’m really hoping you can help: how do you weave ends into a piece made on a loom? My parents bought me the same Ashford Loom you have for Christmas. (They swear they had no idea I’d expressed my lust for one on this blog). I have asked on my blog, facebook – and a relative who has a similiar loom (and also faithful reader of your blog) is struggling as well. Nobody has advice. The ends simply do not “blend” in like they do with knitting. Frustrating!!!!

  97. I liked your olympics better then the ravelry olympics. (I’m also a fan of the ever 4 years vs every 2 years)

  98. Now that you have your French Press Slippers, let me introduce you to Prairie Boots by CoCo Knits (not affiliated other than a fan).
    For people with seriously cold feet. Like Texans who now live in Oregon. Or, perhaps, Canadians.

  99. i am going to make those slippers to go with the hats I am making for a beautiful soul who will soon be losing her hair…I think that is a perfect thing to do as they are very very fem! Thank you very much. The sweater is rich beyond telling.

  100. Very helpful post on the Bohus choices. I love Poems in Color but i think I would be tempted to use a smaller gauge and make a larger size (to use the pattern).
    Even though I signed up for a Ravelympic team, I mistakenly assumed it was more like your knitting olympics. After this Q and A I went back and looked more closely and was quite to see the ways in which it is different. I think you have to look into your heart and see if you will miss the knitting olympics if you don’t do it with a group.

  101. Your “Wild Apples” sweater is beautiful already, Stephanie! I felt the same way about the authenticity issue and, after seeing so many Bohus sweaters on-line, I ordered the fucshia one for myself. While I don’t know if it’ll be my Olympics knitting, it’ll certainly be started soon.

  102. I’d love to do Knitting Olympics with you if you’re up for it. An emphasis on simple and fun would be great.

  103. I’d rather do the Harlotlympics because, like the Harlot, I’m hung up on authenticity. No offense to Ravelry, but really? Let me set my quill to parchment here. If you knit the torch, we shall follow its light. Who’s with me? 🙂

  104. 1) Your Bohus is really beautiful.
    2) Oh Steph, please, please, please, please, please do the Knitting Olympics again. I thought it sounded like you didn’t want to do it before, so I resigned myself to go solo (no offense Ravelry, I love you, but I’m really bad at organization and teamwork), but reading this it sounds like you do want to have the Knitting Olympics, so I’ll pipe up. I loved it 4 years ago and I was looking forward to finding out what I can do when I’m not busy with that collegiate stuff.

  105. Stephanie, I thought of you when I heard this:
    My friend’s eldest daughter received an electronic safe for Christmas – the type where you key in a secret security code to open it. What does she keep inside her safe? What any teenage girl with two sisters and a full-time working mum would, of course:
    Clean underpants.

  106. Although the ravelympics made it big, it was only to fill a space that was open because of the summer olympics… and in my experience it’s well known that you are the true purveyor of the Knitting Olympics. In the true olympic spirit, let both parties agree to play nicely and compete for the glory on whichever side (or both) they stand!

  107. If you have the time, so do we. I have joined a group on ravelry, but would probably do yours given the chance – what with you being the home team and all. I like your description of the cousin in another city. I didn’t think much of the difference, as the force of knitting was not strong with me when you last did this, but I am all for keeping it original. And if you need any data input, you let me know. That stuff must be the downside surely?

  108. Adding my support to the YarnHarlot Knitting Olympics. I’ll probably still do something for Ravelympics Team Blue Moon but I like the simple version better. Kind of like when the downhill skiing competition was a mass start affair with the first to the bottom the winner. Old school. Love it. And I won’t tell what my sweater (or other project of my choosing is either). Looking forward to starting on something special in 32 days.

  109. I’d rather do the Knitting Olympics than the Ravelympics. I was brand new to knitting last time around and didn’t feel up to competing but I’ve been looking forward to it for ages.
    AND I haven’t participated in Ravelympics in the interim because I, like you, think Knitting is a winter sport and I’ve been waiting for the ‘real’ Knitting Olympics to come back ’round.
    I’d sign up through the blog if you were going to do it but admittedly it is a lot of work. I don’t plan on signing up online through Ravelry whatever you decide because I have found (through the Tour de Fleece on Ravelry) that the format isn’t for me. Don’t know why.
    Anyway, whatever happens I’ll be competing quietly at home. My goal this year is to knit myself a sweater. Either a Garter Yoke Cardigan or A Cardigan for Arwen. 🙂 That’s what I’ll be doing this Knitting Olympics! 😉

  110. Your white yarn tip is brilliant, particularly the trick to have it coincide with ‘events’ like increases or decreases. To me it’s right up there in EZ-brilliant territory (and honestly that’s the biggest knitterly distinction I can formulate), except maybe that doesn’t do you justice and should be ‘up there in Harlot-brilliant territory’. It’s just one of those things that makes me wonder why that isn’t totally the standard of work(wo)manship. Did I mention I hate counting and re-counting rows?
    Your sweater is turning out very pretty indeed (beware of your daughters, it might just go AWOL or you might need to knit a couple more)!

  111. I have a Wild Apples kit waiting for me, and you are making me want to play with it sooner than I planned…
    re: olympic activity – I had a blast with your Knitting Olympics four years ago, and am absolutely in when/if it runs again – just so you know….

  112. I’m all for “knitting during the Olympics”, or “Knitting Olympics”, or whatever you want to call it. (I’m hoping that having DishTV instead of cable this time means I can FIND Olympics events to watch instead of the stupid xenophobic summary that the network wants to show.)
    In fact, I have several sweaters from Olympics past that I still wear! So much fun to pull them out and remember what was happening in the sports world at the time. So sad that I’m still wearing that size sweater. Maybe my goal should become to be a different (smaller) size by the NEXT winter Olympics!

  113. I really hope you do yours. I wasn’t reading your blog 4 Years ago but when I read back issues it just sounded so fun that I couldn’t wait for the next one. From my observation point it seems like yours had a bit more of the personal triumph aspect to it and so I’ve picked a colorwork hat and Latvian mittens to do and will work on my own little personal goals.

  114. I am really hoping that you run The Knitting Olympics this year! I missed out last winter olympics and I could kick myself for not playing. I have this Starmore (and the original wool for the pattern) that would be a huge challenge for me. I will try a personal version of the TKO but it would be much more fun (and likely to get finished) in the TKO. Go Harlot!

  115. There’s plenty of room on the Internet for two Olympic events. 🙂
    I’m having a same-ish dilemma. For 5 years in a row I’ve hosted an event called the Yarn hamsters in Finland, for the month of February. This year there’s no time and energy, since I’m making another book and hoping to be doing lots and lots of pattern writing and swatching in February. Now I’m wondering if I should let someone else host my baby project *sigh*, do it in March, or just skip this year. It’s a tough choice!

  116. Good for Ken! Love Ken! “Wild Apples” looks terrific. I hope you bring it to Madrona, I want to see it in person. I’m not sure that I need to knit another Bohus (they are quite warm, and I don’t get a chance to wear mine often), but the Solveig kit is definitely enticing, and I really want to see and maybe touch it? Pretty please? My group is doing Knitting Olympics – moebius shawls. We didn’t even think about it – it’s going to happen, why are you even hesitating?

  117. I’m working on a sweater too, Vivian, a hooded cardigan with tons of cables. As this is my first sweater and lots is going on the way I keep track of rows is on a separate piece of paper I wrote down all the row numbers then underlined the normal cable rows and did a box around the rows where I’m doing a big fancy cable. Other than the fancy cable crossing all the others cross on the same row so this is easy to do. For increase or decrease rows I put a small i or d under that number. At the beginning of that section of rows I wrote out the different directions.
    I know this probably sounds complex but for this sweater it is actually pretty easy.

  118. I have been looking forward to your Knitting Olympics for quite a while. Fingers crossed you open the venue and give us all a chance to play.

  119. Absolutely lovely!
    I’m working on the Equinox Yoke Pullover now because for some reason I thought it would prepare me for a Bohus, which has been on my “ultimate knitting list” since I first saw it on the Rainey Sisters blog.
    This is your second Bohus right? Thanks for sharing the links and info!

  120. Where I am:
    1. Please do the Knitting Olympics. I missed it last time since I found your blog about a month after. I’ve been looking forward to this since then.
    2. I’ve been scared of the Bohus sweaters for some time, but I keep seeing them and wanting badly. (Do you know how evil that is?)
    3. I hope your felting injury has completely recovered. I’m impressed by your six pairs of slippers. I still have to sew together my first pair and felt.
    4. Also I’m looking forward to your blog for the coming year. When there is a post it can brighten even the worst day.

  121. I’m really glad to read the part of this post about the Ravelympics. I had been feeling like you got rooked – it really did seem like your idea was lifted wholesale and appropriated. I’m delighted to find that you don’t feel that way. They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and in at least my case, I hope you know that it never would have happened without your inspiration.
    Since it’s supposed to be a challenge, I’m taking on not one but two new-to-me techniques. I’m going to do my first pair of mittens and my first Fair Isle.
    Thanks. For this and for so much else.

  122. Well, I’d certainly be up for the Yarnharlot Olympics — and answering some of those pesky emails if you need help. This may sound bizarre, but I have never knit a sweater in the round (I think I am pathologically afraid of circular needles). And I have two beautiful lots of yarn — a mohair/wool blend and an alpaca/wool blend — whose color lends themselves to simple turtlenecks knitted in the round. So that would be my event of choice!
    And that btw will be a very busy weekend. We have the Olympics kicking off on Friday, Chinese New Year Saturday and then Valentine’s Day Sunday!

  123. So say I get this insane idea that I want to knit a Bohus sweater but hesitate because in the balmy Northwest I’d sweat like a horse in the angora halo. Would it work to substitute fine Shetland wool for the angora/wool blend? I know there wouldn’t be that lovely halo but then sweaty halos are not attractive.

  124. I couldn’t join the Knitting Olympics the last time around, and was really looking forward to it – but I didn’t want to add a whole lot of work to your plate just because it looked like so much fun last time. If you decide to do it, I’m 100% there. A true Canadian Olympics ;).

  125. I hadn’t found you last time around, so I don’t know what the Knitting Olympics involved. I’m interested in hearing more, and I think you’re right – it’s a vast knitting world out there, and there’s room for anything anyone wants to do – no toes stepped on on either side.

  126. I joined, and then unjoined, the Ravelympics last week just because it felt too cheerleader-y and intrusive. I think there are knitters suited to that style of challenge and others more comfy with your quieter style. Neither one is intrinsically better than the other.
    If you decide to do the Knitting Olympics, I’m in but I’m not choosing a new project. I’m already halfway into a cardigan so instead I’d be knitting for speed. I’m pretty slow so 2010 is my year to pick up my knitting pace without too many additional #$@%&s.

  127. Your bohus is so beautiful, I just want to go order a kit, even though I have yet to tackle color work.

  128. I understand if it’s not something that (anyone) would like to post publicly online, but does anyone have an idea of the price range for the stunningly gorgeous bohus kits? Obviously they’re worth the investment, but I’d love to know a ballpark cost.
    Also, what kind of skills are needed? Learn how to do colourwork? These are probably noob questions…

  129. Just this morning my 7 year old son asked me “What are the Olympics?” I was nice, and didn’t confuse him with all that sport stuff. Wait! No! I did it right! And told him about the winter and summer sports thing etc. His response? “What about the spring and fall sports?”
    I’m doing the Ravelympics thing, but unofficially. With spinning. Easy to avoid all those rules and whatnot. Knitting-wise? Maybe I’ll pull out that shawl I started four years ago, and put away in the closet. I think I can figure out the edging now. Sounds like a good Harlot Olympics project. None of this happening very, uh, strenously or seriously, of course!
    (I’ve been wanting one of those Bohus kits since the last one you did. And our farm when I was a kid was Wild Apple Wool.)

  130. I have never participated in the knitting olympics before, probably because I can’t watch it as our TV in SA only show the really popular parts of it and you have to have a pay tv (dstv) to actually watch it and we don’t have it. I like watching the diving and gymnastics and they don’t broadcast those here.
    But if you host the olympics here I would definately attend as I would try spin my first sock yarn and try knit them in the time limit. Would be interesting to see if I could do it.

  131. Yeah! – absolutely plenty of room for both olympic events. But yours is the only one I’ve thought of for the last 4 years (after I squeaked in last time and wasn’t all that successful but loved the feel of the community!) Need that motivation! …..when are they again?! (wiping sweat from brow!!)

  132. I’m not on Ravelry, so I’d love it there was also a Knitting Olympics again. Especially since Team Ranger has a shot at having more that one person on it this year 😉 I’ve even got my project ready to roll– a small-man-sized sweater on size 2 needles.

  133. Wow, you are so prolific! I have only managed to finish one pair of French Press slippies, and I need three more! Hopefully before next Christmas.
    I must say, knitting them took me a lot longer than 1.5 hours. And yours look more stream-lined–I may try to knock down the bulbous toes on future pairs. Cheers–

  134. I think you should do your Knitting Olympics and here’s why:
    1) You invented it. I did a little research and I think Ravelry kind of ripped of the idea from you. The rules are typed the same as yours. I’m no expert on plagiarism but come on. How are you not bitter about that?
    2) Like you with your Solveig sweater, I too appreciate authenticity. Therefore I would like to participate in your Knitting Olympics. (Not that I am above the Ravelolympics if you decide not to do it.)
    3) With all the change you have been talking about recently on your blog, maybe this would be a good opportunity to have something familiar that you are in control of.
    4) Citius, Altius, Fortius
    That’s all I have to say about that.

  135. I love it! Finally some A’s for all the Q’s. Brilliant.
    GORGEOUS sweater! Now I get the part about reds and purples and such.

  136. I have NOT read the other comments – I had recently come back to knitting at the time of your Knitting Olympics and was completely fascinated. My private version (which I had decided on before I heard of yours) was based on a previous Olympics, where I knit an traditional aran for my husband who was on a business trip to Australia while I was watching the Olympics. I wanted an interesting pattern that would not detract from watching the actual event.
    I see your Olympics as an event or even a category – of a traditional sort (things change fast in knitting) – like hockey, or Nordic, or, frankly, a lot of the Winter Olympics – that is still played basically the way it was from the beginning. Small, close-knit community, know all the players if you’re a fan.
    You could do it on Ravelry or on your own…
    And that Bohus…it could get me on the little needles…

  137. Your sweater is amazing! What patience! Thanks for the tip about the strand of white yarn. I always, always lose count. Of course, that could be because I am always interrupted by non-knitters when I am counting rows or stitches! Do a better job of teaching knitting etiquette, I must.

  138. knitting olympics and ravelympics are even spelled different. not the same thing.
    do what ever makes you happy.
    it’s about the triumph over adversity, beating your own personal best, right?
    either way, I think I have to be on a ufo busting biathalon.

  139. I had to book an hour of vacation time next Tuesday so that I can go and watch the Olympic Flame pass by my office.
    The Olympics? This year, they belong to us.
    And the Knitting Olympics? They belong to you. The Ravelry thing is the equivalent to watching the Olympics on tv.
    But the Knitting Olympics? Dude. Totally the ‘being there’ experience.

  140. Do your Olympics! I looked at the Ravelry thing and it was really confusing…I don’t have a knitting group, my lys doesn’t have a group on Rav, and it wasn’t in the least clear where and whether I could join in. I would much prefer to do yours.

  141. Flippin’ genius idea with the yarn as marker.
    My goodness – when will I ever be clever like you?
    No need to answer that. It’s a lost cause.
    I think I’m fine with that, and I can believe that until I come across such usefully clever people, such as yourself, and then I am reminded that whatever synapses are needed for that type of thinking do not fire for me. Ever.
    I think they might not even be connected.
    Dude. You abideth.

  142. “… mostly because I’m hung up on authenticity.
    … It really comes down to a matter of personal taste.”
    Knitting Olympics is that.

  143. It sounds like you are up for a Harlot Olympics. Glad to hear it. Was only suggesting Ravelry but of your most recent issues with ‘swamping’.
    Onward. I’ll give it a go this year!!

  144. I vote for the original Knitting Olympics, a la Yarn Harlot. Four years ago, my insanity was under just a bit more control, but I was still working out the rust in the system. I had knit quite a bit more previous to those years and I was a bit out of practice.
    I chose a project that certainly did challenge me – my first mittens along with my first colorwork. Rainbow Mittens kit from Lucy Neatby and Shelridge Farms. Loved it to pieces.
    I have rarely put the needles down since then (unless my other main addiction has me by the throat – the internet). I’ve been looking forward to this year and the CANADIAN Knitting Olympics. No, I’m not Canadian, I’m a deep-dyed American, with long and deep roots. But the thought that *this* year’s Olympics could happen without Knitting Olympics from one of Canada’s best-known knitters is hard to take.
    I would bet I could even get my beloved maniac-knitter daughter in on it. She’s a grad student in theoretical physics at UPenn in Philadelphia, but she still knits like a fiend – and almost all of it is lace. She made me the “Misty Blossoms” stole in cherry-blossom pink Zephyr for Christmas this year, and a vest she designed (with original stitch pattern) for my husband. That apple certainly didn’t fall far from this tree. Do you remember that I showed you her Blue Shimmer hat and scarf when you came to Petaluma, CA? Her first colorwork and she finished the hat in 7 days, perfectly. (Yes, she does scare me, knitting-wise!)
    Of course, if it’s too much for you, don’t do the KO, but *YOU* were the originator of Knitting Olympics four years ago. Don’t let worries about comments vis-a-vis Ravelry stop you. There are more than one or two of us who can post quotes from four years ago to set the record straight.
    I’m behind you and I’d wager the mortgage money that I’m not alone.

  145. Yes,Yes-Harlot Knitting Olympics- I’ll be here casting on during the opening ceremonies. I sure would like to win one of those medals this time, because 4 years ago I didn’t finish my project, so I wasn’t among the medalwinners. But this time WILL be different 🙂

  146. Ditto the above two comments! I did the Knitting Olympics last time a la Yarn Harlot and finished a Dale of Norway sweater…I mean finished. My family thought I was insane. It took me 3 mos of no knitting afterward to recover…some kind of ridiculous repetitive motion issue…doctor asked if I worked with my hands alot…I smiled and proudly told him I finished a Dale in 16 days…blank stare…he did not get it. Four years later I certainly need to top the Dale right? How can I do that if you don’t provide the outlet?

  147. The Pioneer Woman (sadly, a non-knitter) is having a contest on her blog http://thepioneerwoman.com/ awarding a $500 donation to the randomly chosen winner’s favorite charity doing work in Haiti. In addition, she is awarding an additional donation to be split among the three most-mentioned charities. Go and comment, and mention Doctors Without Borders to help them be #1.

  148. I do one knitting Olympics at work and also the Ravelympics. This world is plenty big for as many Olympic-themed knitting events that folks want to create. I just can’t compete in all of them! (and I do recommend y’all come check out the entries that the BohusBabes will be fielding, even if you are otherwise occupied!)
    Also – it is worth noting that Susanna provides free translations of the Swedish Bohus pattern, for which she asks only that one donate what one feels the translation is worth to Doctors without Borders.

  149. If you do host a Knitting Olympics I will get my ass in gear and knit something for it. (I say this now… will see what the 13-month-old says about it)
    Last time around, I learned to knit. I think I can do better than a dishcloth this time so BRING IT ON 🙂

  150. I’m glad you clarified because I understand your dilemma much better.
    Yoda-knitter still applies. You know what you want to do. You know your path. And, since you’re driving this blog….
    Do people really complain that much on your blog? I don’t read ALL the posts, afterall. And why worry if they do? I’m sure those complainers irk me just as much as anyone else reading.
    I won’t be doing any knitting olympics anywhere–it sounds way too regulated already and it’s just a word (!)–but I wish all of you who are playing all the fun in the world and hope you will take joy in the comraderie, team spirit, and meeting new friends.
    Can’t wait to see the opening ceremony parade!

  151. P.S. Good point about the Olympics being in Canada.
    In fact, that wins it, doesn’t it?
    I mean, really (!) how can you NOT do it.

  152. I have fallen behind on my list of knitting blogs I read and woke up this morning wondering if there would be a Knitting Olympics in Blogland. Both the recent arrival of winter weather in Dallas and the Olympics on the horizon made me think that it was time to decide on a project that would get me back into knitting on a more regular basis–since moving to a much warmer corner of the world, I’ve been feeling (shudder) less inclined to knit.
    I see from the comments that something *is* happening on Ravelry … and while I do have an account there, I’m just not entrenched enough, I guess, to find a team and play there. But, at least someone has taken your fabulous idea of four years ago and is running with it.

  153. When I first realized that the upcoming Winter Olympics (a little slow at that living in the DESERT)were going to be in Canada, my first thought went to you and how proud and happy you must be about this. My second thought was what would I knit in Harlot’s ‘Knitting Olympics?’ Steph….you’re the home team…you’re the first to EVER do it. The Olympics are in CANADA this year Steph. CANADA. :::gg:::
    If you want to do, do it. But if not, that’s ok too. Steph, you’re my favorite Canadian. As an American, I always think of Canada and my Canadians as family. Whatever you decide I’m backing you up.

  154. Dear Stephanie,
    You are such a gracious person! I have to admit I was a wee disappointed that I won’t be able to do your Knitting Olympics once more. But I’m happy that the group at Ravelry is going ahead with the Ravelympics. I joined that. It’s all good.
    This will be a special Olympics for me as I will get to cast on my project while at the actual opening ceremonies. I work at the forum that all the hoopla will be taking place. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I will be able to finish my project as it’s going to be a crazy 16 days at work.
    All the best to you.

  155. I had just started knitted in late 2005, still struggling through my beginner knitter projects when the 2006 Knitting Olympics were set up. I would really enjoy participating in your Olympics, and don’t see that the Ravelry Olympics should deter you from having your own. Please let us know soon if you’re going to have your own. I’ve waited four years, but I still haven’t picked out a project! I love your books and audios, by the way. I’ve had to pull over while driving sometimes, because I laugh so hard. Anyway, this American would be proud to knit in a Canadian Olympics!

  156. I participated in the Winter Knitting Olympics where you did them in 2006 and it was a memorable moment in my knitting “career”. I tried on a much more challenging project than I’d tackled before and actually did complete it in the 2 week + time frame. I was so happy and felt so proud when I did it and as I watched the Olympics each night, I felt a sense of being a part of something bigger as I thought of all the other knitters doing the same thing.
    I hope you do it again. I’m game.

  157. I second the idea of another Olympic Challenge. I had a great time in 2006 and already have a project lined up for this year. It would be nice to be part of a group though:-)

  158. I have a Ravelry account. I’m never on there, I didn’t even know they were doing anything Olympic related. I’ve been wondering about when I should check and see what’s up with the Olympics (giving myself a shotgun start so to speak) on your site. I’ll be doing your version of the Olympics even if you’re not, but I really hope you are. I loved the first round and need to give me a kick in the knitting pants.

Comments are closed.