Still hearing David Bowie

Still swamped, my little flowers of joy, and so you will have to content yourselves with this bizarre drive-by-blogging that’s the best I can muster.

I’ve been working away on Wild Apples, all the while remembering what a pleasure these kits are.  The yarn is so beautiful, the colours so lovely, and  really (this is the moment when a lot of you sit there, re-reading the sentence I’m about to type and shaking your heads sadly, thinking that I’ve finally snapped and that you can no longer relate to this sort of bonkers talk) I really love knitting whole sweaters on 2.5mm needles. It’s satisfying the way that real oatmeal or baking bread from scratch is.  It’s not like it’s hard to do it.. it just takes longer and you have to content yourself with slower progress – assuming that you care, and if you’re knitting a bohus, I suggest you not care and try and get all Yoda-knitter on it.  "This is not the sweater you seek.  The process is the sweater. The sweater is progress alone without becoming a sweater."  (It helps.)

Along with those pleasures, I’ve been re-visiting the joy of arsing up a row of colourwork and tinking back 325 fuzzy little stitches to fix it.  (I tried to get Yoda Knitter on that one, but I couldn’t.  It sucked.)  It’s fixed now, but for the record, it takes up pretty much an entire episode of Law and Order (or a whole glass of Shiraz- depending on how you like to measure these things) to get it done.  Bad-ass.  That’s what that was- but the truth now is the same as it was in grade 11 when I learned it from watching a girl named Tracy.

If you’re really good looking, you might be easier to forgive.

I wanted to run a question by you all, since it’s coming up more and more often.  I had planned on repeating the Knitting Olympics this year, like I did four years ago, but I think maybe things have changed too much.  I always intended for the Knitting Olympics to happen in conjunction with the Winter Games (what can I say.  Something about the Winter Games says knitting to me) and two years ago when the Summer Olympics came along, I didn’t run them- Mostly because I thought that it would be less special if it happened every two years, and because I really did think of it like it was an Olympic sport.  If you’re an   runner, how often do you compete?  Every four years.  If you’re a skier, how often do you compete? Every four years.  That was my thinking anyway – I remember suggesting at that time that if you wanted to compete in both the summer and winter Olympics, then maybe you needed another sport.  Maybe you would have to be bi-craftual?  Like… the winter games are the knitting ones, and the summer ones were for a crochet challenge?  

Turns out that nature really does abhor a vacuum, and there were enough knitters who wanted it to happen anyway, that when I didn’t do it, it really sprang up on Ravelry where knitters were gathering, and the Ravelympics were born and executed.  This year while I’ve been getting ready to decide how to handle my plan,  I’ve gotten a bunch of emails from people asking questions. They’ve asked if I’m joining the Ravelympics, what Ravelympics team I’d like to be on, if I’d like to start a Canadian Ravelympics team… Even a few people who wonder if I know about the Ravelympics because it’s a cool idea (it is!)  People have been asking me too if I’m planning on doing my Knitting Olympics… It makes me wonder if doing something his year (which isn’t an insignificant amount of work, really) would be sort of stupid?  If maybe the idea that was born here hasn’t moved on to its proper home on Ravelry?  That maybe some of the qualities Ravelry has makes it a natural place for the Knitting Olympics to go- I mean, every team can have it’s own group – there’s forums, it’s easy to put up pictures… it’s not at all that the Knitting Olympics isn’t a great fit over there- it is. It might even work way better…  I can see that. 

The sense of it all (and the way that really, it’s all set up already) makes me think that maybe I don’t have a decision to make at all… that the move has really  already happened. Things change, ideas shift, grow and move, or they wouldn’t be ideas, they’d be statues. (That’s a really dumb sentence.) The idea was to have some knitterly fun, not to necessarily have it here.. and it’s not like it won’t still have a way to be fun for me.. or you or anyone.  Heaps of fun, actually.

Thoughts? Ideas? Comments on how clever I am to notice now that the barn door’s been open for a while and how I might want to stop looking for a horse in there?  Input and suggestions welcome.

446 thoughts on “Still hearing David Bowie

  1. “wild apples” are beautiful. i love those colors.
    still hunting for a ravelympics team. i’m not from canada tho… 🙂 hope to see you compete!

  2. You are, by definition, and always will be the founder of the Knitting Olympics. Since it seems to have moved to Ravelry of its own volition and to have made a life for itself there, and since you are so busy, why not sit back and enjoy watching your idea grow and blossom and develop a life of its own? You could certainly lead a team of your choosing, or perhaps participate just for yourself for once?

  3. Well, I don’t see a conflict and would rather do it here (it’s the difference between the excitement and choices of a big city and a snug mountain cabin — or tavern …) if it isn’t too much work for you …
    … but I admit I’m slightly distracted by the lingering impression that you called us your little swamp flowers in the first line. Awwwwww.

  4. Since the first words of your post today were “Still swamped,” I can only think that adding ANOTHER thing to your plate would be less than ideal. Ravelry is the perfect place for any sort of Knitting Sports, and in my opinion, you can be proud of birthing the idea and then letting it go where it needed to.
    Although I am a long-time lurker, I hope you are finding moments to take good care of yourself. The sweater looks amazing. Thanks for the drive-by blogging posts – anything from you is always a treat.

  5. Let go of the Knitting Olympics (even tho’ I lobbyed for it at Port Ludlow)–you have enough on your plate right now.
    And, unfortunately for us lawyers, statutes change, but at least not as quickly as ideas. 😉

  6. Yarnharlot will always be known for the Knitting Olympics and now that Ravelry has taken it I think it has a life of it’s own. You won’t have to make any decisions on this one. Leave space in your mind for other decisions!
    Happy New Year & Happy Knitting,
    ana

  7. I love tiny needles. And after a number of years of avoiding the first sweater I finally started one. It is on 2.75mm needles.
    And I just started a shawl a couple days ago that is also on 2.75’s. If I’ve done my math right the bind off row is going to be something past 1000 stiches. I realize this is insane, but I don’t really care.
    There is indeed something incredibly wonderful about the itty-bitty needles.

  8. Just love reading your blog, I only found it last year. Never knew that knitting had such a following. Keep up the good work!!!

  9. Given the year that you have had, with its many changes and challenges, written and unwritten, I say give yourself a break, knit away, and let the games begin, without you at the helm. I think it would be lovely for you and your loved ones if you could/would spend the time you would otherwise put into the Knitting Olympics, with your family, your dear friends and your knitting. Time is a gift, and we all need to use it wisely. Just my two cents, since you asked.

  10. I have swatched for my Bohus – blue shimmer – and can’t wait to start on 2.5 needles either. I will try to channel Yoda when I actually start. Your apple is just lovely.
    I think the Knitting Olympics are like a child who has grown up enough to be off to college or even maybe a first full time job. Be proud you raised her/him to be independent but still remember when she/he was about as tall as your knees.

  11. One of the beauties of your Knitting Olympics was that it was inclusive and anyone that wished to could participate. I don’t imagine every knitter is a member of Ravelry.

  12. Let go of the kite string and watch your kite fly. You made a good thing; you can turn it loose into the world and watch it grow and flourish. Take the opportunity to be a part of the Olympics and enjoy the competition instead of being Mr. Brundage and having to do all the heavy lifting. You may rather like it.

  13. You are an amazing blogger, an incredible knitter and a talented writer. The knitting olympics was (and still is) a wonderful idea but I’m sure it would also be wonderful to not have that pressure in your life.
    You can’t do it all and Ravelry is a great home for that particular baby 🙂

  14. hmmmm been waiting for the Olympics. But you are swamped…perhaps we could have a Yarn Harlot team?

  15. This is the perfect example of the melding of two parts of your life. You were the dula and helped to bring the knitting olympics to life and now you can give them to someone else to nuture. Imagine what your life would be like if you had to raise all the kids you’ve helped enter this world!

  16. I am just catching up after being away, but have to say it sounds like you have more than enough on your plate! Let someone else do the hard work for a change, and you relax, and knit that pretty sweater!

  17. I thought you meant you are “swamped” and called us knitters “little flowers of joy.”
    I remember how pleasant it was to watch the progress of the Bohus sweater you made a while back.

  18. I remember the crazy making that went on 4 years ago. It was the time I learned what felting was all about. If Ravelry has it all set up and ready to go, let’s participate. If the code is up and running, no more spreadsheets need to be created!
    Now the only question that remains is this: in order to “challenge” yourself at an olympic level, will you have to knit a yurt?
    The sweater is lovely!

  19. I would love to participate in the Knitting Olympics NOT through Ravelry. That’s a far too boistrous and enormous forum. I like just being on one ladies’ blog. I didn’t participate in the first Knitting Olympics, and had been hoping to do it this time (I have a sweater all picked out…) That said, if you feel like handing it over to the bigger knitting Universe, so be it, and I’ll join a Ravelympics team.
    BTW, thanks for continuing blogging, despite life in general. I’d miss you if you went away.

  20. You’ve written about how your job as a parent is to raise children to become independent. I think it’s the same for the Knitting Olympics. You did the hard part – conceived the idea, gave it life and nurtured it to completion. Ravelry is an excellent place for it to live — you could even visit or participate whenever you want. Dinna fash yourself.

  21. I’ve been hankerin’ for the homemade bread and oatmeal kind of knitting of which you speak! Enough with worsted! (for the moment!) kind of an idea!

  22. I’ll participate again this winter, either way. I’m knitting a Bohus this time… (remembering the unfinished Starmore dress from four years ago). Ok, I’m starting a Bohus during the 16 days. I’m looking forward to the process. However long it takes!

  23. I don’t have an opinion either way about the olympics – just not into competition in general.
    I do have a request – I’d love to see lots and lots of pictures (close-ups) of Wild Apples. I’m absolutely fascinated by color work. I really suck at it but I’m determined to learn. I’m on the lookout for small, simple things to practice on but I’m really inspired by seeing things like your sweater. Thank you for letting us in on the few mistakes you make. It gives me courage to not worry about being perfect and encouragement to fix the imperfections.

  24. I have my sweater all picked out for the knitting olympics, but I understand if it’s too much to handle right now. I agree with the every 4 year thing, too, so didn’t do it for the summer olympics. If you decide to let it be on ravelry, I’ll just have to go figure it out.
    Take care of yourself first! The rabble can take care of ourselves from time to time.

  25. I think, that maybe a repeat of the Knitting Olympics Winter games would be a grane idea. What if you combined the 2 — idea here, execution on Ravelry? We could all still join teams, and give credit where credit is due (to you!).
    Plus, 4 years ago? I tried fair isle for the first time and it sucked. Let me try again! 🙂
    Can’t wait to see Wild Apples when it’s done. You’re not nuts per se, you’re special! Yeah, that’s it. 😉

  26. If you are like me, and start things because no one else had the idea and you thought it would be fun, I say let it move on and have a new home, and you use the time to sit back and enjoy it without the up-front planning time-suck! 😉
    Thanks for the drive-by!

  27. Long time reader, first time commenter.
    I think you should go with your gut. Are you secretly relieved you wouldn’t have to do extra work or secretly disappointed you don’t get to? If doing the work would make deep down you happy, go for it, and there will be plenty of people who want to participate. However, if not doing the work makes you deep down happy, relax and be happy others are working in your place.
    Either way – enjoy the fact that you had such a great idea and encouraged so many knitters to challenge themselves!

  28. Wait! I’ve been waiting to do the Knitting Olympics with you for over a year (for as long as I’ve been knitting). I’d be willing to help with whatever computer-y support you need. But please, will you host it?

  29. Not going to Ravelympics – that name is simply too weird for me to contemplate so I am having my own Knitting Olympics. As all Olympic athletes work so hard individually even when in a team, I am going to training knit by working out with Team Get ‘er Done ™and spend the Olympics proper on Team Sweater That Actually Fits Me (I Hope). One individual working for the good of the whole knitting team, that’s me!!!!

  30. Let it go. Take that time, instead, and update the totals for Knitters Without Borders. Pass out karmic balancing gifts. Know that it is a far, far more important and personal thing to do…and it’s really your baby forever.

  31. that’s quite a big post for a drive by posting! I’m inspired by your wild apples. I can’t comment on the olympics thing – i tried to participate in the last one on ravelry but basically went awol in the olympic village never to be seen again!
    When you create an event that is really really awesome it is hard to actually let it go when needed.

  32. Whatever makes life simpler is the way I want to go. But I’m with krisb at 3:35 A Yarn Harlot team! Sweet!

  33. I agree with the “go with your gut” idea – if you’re relieved to not have to do it, then don’t do it. If you’re disappointed and want to do something, then do something. However, since the bulk of the event has found a home on Ravelry, you could take that as the freedom to do as much or as little as you want.
    If it were me, I’d be thrilled that the idea had grown so much, and equally happy that it had found a home on Ravelry, where it can get bigger than you would ever be able to handle in any sane fashion. Be proud of your baby.

  34. I think it’s great that your idea has caught on and spread and is now accessable to knitters who don’t check your blog. Look at what fun you’ve started!
    If you don’t host your own Knitting Olympics this year, and instead join the Ravalympics, think of the extra time you’ll have to complete your project (though you’ll likely just choose something more complicated, won’t you?).

  35. Please correct me if I get this one wrong: didn’t you tweet not that long ago about something like using your own knitting stash of sock yarn & coming up with your own home-grown sock of the month club? Why not do that as a 6x/year KAL, with each of us selecting our own yarn & patterns from existing stash?
    One of my goals for this year is to use what I have, and this is a good way to start. (Not that it stopped me from joining STR this year…sigh. So much for resolutions.)

  36. I know we already talked about this on Twitter, but I wanted to echo a few things above – I like what S.Kate said about this being more inclusive and not for Ravelry members only. And I really like what Karen said above – Do you WANT to do it? If you do, you should go ahead. (And I am willing to help again, of course, if you do.)

  37. If you really want to host the winter Olympics, I’ll follow you there and enjoy being a part of it. If you want to take a vacation from it or send it on a new path, I’ll go and support you there too. With everything going on and a beautiful sweater on the needles, I don’t want you to feel unnecessary pressure to put on something else amazing for us (seems to be pretty common – you putting on something amazing for us Knitters).
    Sometimes I wish you wouldn’t post such alluring photos though….I end up falling in the yarn store and by the time I’ve picked myself back up, I’ve also picked up a whole new bunch of yarn to take home.

  38. Don’t worry your curly little head about it. You will always be the founder of the Knitting Olympics, but the torch has been passed to Ravelry now, and won’t it fun to just sit back and knit instead of manning the event yourself? And I’m pretty sure this will mean you have more time for yourself. And drinking wine.

  39. Somehow, I don’t feel the olympic love on ravelry that I did here 4 years ago. Maybe because 4 years ago was new and exciting and none of us expected it to explode the way it did. I competed once, probably won’t do that again, but somehow I am bummed out because it feels like it all got taken away from you. Silly. You are being quite gracious about the whole To Be or Not to Be question. I say, do what YOU want, don’t worry about the rest of us. Sounds like you have enough going without concerning yourself with a million knitting athletes! Just keep blogging. We need you for that.

  40. If I were you, I’d let Ravelry do all the work and sit back with my Shiraz and revel in the thought that you were the one that was smart enough to start it in the first place!!! I haven’t forgotten that. I’m sure a lot of other really smart knitters like myself haven’t either!!!
    It does feel kind of weird to have someone else take over. I get that. I came up with the idea of the first Damask Kauni, and lots of people don’t know or have forgotten it. But I know it was my brilliant idea. Just like the Knitting Olympics was your baby!

  41. I suggest that you let Ravelry handle the forums-pictures-organization side of it, and that you serve the role of blogging your personal Knitting Olympics and encouraging all of your commentariat/”little flowers.” That way, folks not on Ravelry or looking for a smaller venue can get a sense of community without you having to wrangle the inevitable hordes.
    I so wish I could do the Knitting Olympics; I’m a student with a 30-hour/week job, so I’m struggling as it is to finish a lace shawl I’ve been working on for the last year. (I’ve still got time…it’s for a wedding in July.)

  42. I totally agree with all those who suggest that you sit back and enjoy watching the Olympics and not have the extra work of running things. Your idea has caught on and taken a life of it’s own! Congratulations!

  43. Along with many others, I say that you birthed it, and now it’s time for others to expand the family. You’ve done so many things in the past four years that it seems to me that you’re great at creating the spark that feeds the tinder which creates the blaze that all of us must continue to feed. We don’t want you getting scorched. Perhaps it’s time for you to take a brief respite and hunker down with a cozy piece of knitting and just enjoy the warmth you’ve generated.

  44. I like the idea of a Yarn Harlot team. I would sign up for that! It is OK with me to let Ravelry host it now (like they need my approval)!
    However, you will always be the one who lit the torch and showed the world the light and glory of all things knitterly. You continue to challenge and inspire all knitters to grow and enjoy this world we have chosen to inhabit. Enjoy this Olympics – we will cheer for the brave of heart and skilled knitters (and skiers, curlers, etc.).

  45. I would suggest accepting the credit and thanks for the Knitting Olympics idea and continue to move on to other projects you have since begun (like the sock summit) and other that I am sure are bouncing around in your head. KO moved me into knitting my first (albeit flawed) sweater and I will participate in the Ravelry version now that I know how much fun it can be.

  46. I, too, say let Ravelry have it. Your idea for a knitting Olympics was magnificent, allow it to flower elsewhere now.
    And… what a lovely Wild Apple. I can’t wait to see this one finished!

  47. A tough decision! I think that you brought the Knitting Olympics concept into being and nurtured it through the tough times. You inspired others to take it on and let it have a life of its own on Ravelry. You seem to have enough on your plate these days, so I say sit back, enjoy, and be a proud mama. I do hope the Ravelympics folks pay homage to you as the originator though.
    BTW – thank you for the drive-by blogging. The blogosphere wouldn’t be the same without you.

  48. I have been looking forward to doing your Knitting Olympics! I think yours and the Ravelympics can peacefully co-exist. I personally would rather do yours. I wasn’t a knitter yet when you first did it, but once I started and then found your blog, I read back entries and thought it sounded like so much fun. The Ravelympics didn’t really thrill me when they came into existence- they seemed higher pressure to me. Plus, if you do them, people not on Ravelry can participate. I think yours were pretty special the way you encouraged people to simply do something challenging and finish it. I hope they happen so I can participate!

  49. I side with Rams and Elaine (amongst others) who would prefer to not to go through Ravelry. Of course if you are too busy I can understand.
    I love your Wild Apples although I would be mumbling to myself (AND drinking Shiraz or my favourite Malbec) if I had to knit a sweater on 2.5 mm needles, especially if I arsed up. It’s simple enough when you “arse” up on socks done on 2.5 mm needles but a whole sweater! Yikes.

  50. I plan on knitting something during the winter olympics, and it doesn’t really matter to me who is feeling like they are in charge of the situation. I’ll just do my best to knit a pair of socks for charity in the two weeks. I do think it’s a 4-year thing, and didn’t do anything special during the summer games. One thing you had that all those zillions of Ravelry teams won’t, is the Franklin-minted medal — that was special, I must say!
    It seems that one can go the gung-ho group way, or the anarchist lone runner way, but those of us who read that first inspirational post know whose baby the Knitting Olympics is!

  51. What is it you said about mothering children? If you do your job right they don’t need you anymore and you have to let them go? The Knitting Olympics were birthed from your mind and you fostered them and now they have grown and found thier own place in the world. It’s ok to let them go if you need to. We all know they came from you. We all know sometimes you need a break from your kids too…

  52. I think that it was your wonderful, inspiring idea, and since Ravelry has decided to run with it — take a load off, and enjoy the ride without having to do all of the maintaining yourself. 🙂
    And that sweater just looks amazingly fuzzy. I wouldn’t get any knitting done on it: I could do nothing more than sit there and pet it.

  53. 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?
    Thanks!

  54. It’s GORGEOUS! Having seen Susanna Hansens collection in person, I know that photos don’t begin to do it justice.
    Makes me want to start my Green Mist (it’s all wound, but I made myself a promise I’d finish other UFOs first).
    And I will have to pass on a knit olympics because I will be there IN PERSON! *woot* We’ve saved up for 2 years and will spend 3 days in Vancouver BC 🙂
    Course with the money it cost, we could have had a 2 week Hawaiian holiday…..

  55. Steph, I think that the Ravelympics are a sign that the Universe (the same Universe that likes to listen in for things like “everything’s going SO WELL”) has actually done something in your favor this time. You get to participate in the craziness of Knitting Olympics–something you started–without the responsibility of running it. You don’t have to keep score, and you don’t have to read every email about it, and you don’t even have to participate IF YOU DON’T WANT TO. While you seem to want to now, in a few years what if you just can’t?
    You have created something that has taken on a life of its own, and it is no longer your responsibility. You are lucky–I have a friend here IRL who started a convention and it took several years before she could distance herself from it enough to just be able to GO and not RUN it. KO isn’t quite that involved, but it’s still a drain on you. A fun drain, usually, but a drain nonetheless. I say let Ravelry take it over and you sit back and enjoy it. Join a team or just talk about it here on your blog, but do it your way. You need a break, and here’s one just made for you! 🙂

  56. Unfortunately unlike your blog the Olympics on Ravelry are a bit hard to follow. That being said give yourself a break this year you seem to have more than enough on your plate.

  57. After reading your post I had to stop a minute and think, ‘Wait, what was that about David Bowie?’ and then it hit me. And I’m still hearing it in my head too.
    I think the Knitting Olympics could work on either or both forums. You could always use the blog to organize, promote and use/let Ravelry groups take it from there.

  58. why go chasing after work? (there will be a theme here) if the knitting olympics have moved to Ravelry, you have the joy of being a guest at a lovely party rather than the host who’s stuck in the kitchen all night while everyone else drinks cocktails.
    As an ADD knitter (baby hats and felted stuff, please) I understand the appeal of owning a bohus, but not of knitting one. You’ve totally lost me – oatmeal takes 5 minutes to cook and bread takes 2-4 hours to make. And I can totally take a nap during nearly all of it. As for the knitting, I look at the teeny needles and the colorwork and my eyes cross. They really do. Then I pick up another skein of bulky yarn and make peace with my (sub)mediocrity.

  59. Isn’t it kinda like watching your children grow up and leave the nest? You don’t always get a say in the when, the where, or the what. They just do it. Even if you aren’t planning on them leaving… So we smile, give them hugs, and revel in their new adventures away from us. Sigh…

  60. I say give it over to Ravelry, especially since you say it’s extra work for you. Aren’t you juggling enough apples already? (tee hee) You can be a winter athlete, and those who do both? Maybe they’re multi-sporty. 😀

  61. I think people like YOUR knitting Olympics because you’re YOU, and so funny, you bring a certain joy to it. That said, I think Ravelry is probably an easier place to do it because of the format. Maybe have your own group there? I dunno.
    Any I love your Wild Apples. I’ve been drooling over the Bohus kits after feeling your sweater up at Pt. Ludlow. I, too, love knitting whole sweaters on ridiculously small needles. I love the thin, flowing feel of the knit.

  62. That sweater is, undeniably, breathtaking. It makes my heart go pitter-pat. Someday I will have the funds and colourwork skills to make such sweaters… still, I heavily admire yours.

  63. While its always cool for the knitting hordes to touch the garment of the Divine One (I mean you, your awesomeness) and by touch, I mean have you type our insignificant names and projects with your fabulous light-speed knitting hands. Really, you’ve done enough by bringing the Knitting Olympics to life and then birthing the indescribable Sock Summit to the knitting world. Oh, wait, then there’s the books and the blog and the children and the house and the husband…Good Gawd Woman! Take a break and have someone rub your feet while you drink a beer…

  64. I think you should do whatever feels best for you. If the thought of holding them again here makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside, and the work involved wouldn’t encroach too much on the rest of your life, then I say go for it. If the thought of all that work stresses you out too much, or you’re simply too busy, then please don’t feel any pressure to hold them again.
    The Knitting Olympics is (and always will be) your baby, and you can choose to keep her at home, or to let her out into the wider world. (Whoah, that was pretty cheesy. But you know what I mean.)
    If you choose not to hold the Knitting Olympics here this time around, I second the suggestion made by some of the previous commenters: Team Yarn Harlot at the Ravelympics.
    I think the Ravelympics are what you make of them, really (like Ravelry itself — some people participate in all the social aspects, some just like to find patterns and keep track of their stash & projects)…I don’t feel any particular pressure, other than that I’d put on myself if you also held the Knitting Olympics here.

  65. While I would love to participate in a Knitting Olympics that you run (I’m planning on attempting Veronik Avery’s Military Cardigan) I think you should do what’s best for you and your sanity. You’ll always be the Patron Goddess of the Knitting Olympics, but Goddesses don’t do that much work. Maybe you can assume a ceremonial position – all the glory, none of the grit. Good luck.

  66. This may be one of the few times i comment on your blog (apologies, I just feel a bit small fish in big pond most of the time). I am here to say, there is absolutely nothing wrong with letting it happen on ravelry, but it would be spectacular if you could be part of “opening ceremonies” or something special regarding the whole thing. Not sure of the logistics, I just think you should be a part of it without the responsibility and time required to run the whole thing.
    I do want to see your olympic project and such though, so don’t stop from doing that just b/c you aren’t running it.

  67. I’m not a member of Ravelry. (I’m a little intimidated by it, truth be told.) So, to participate in the Knitting Olympics I’d have to join. And yet, I still say that everything you’ve written makes me think (1) the Olympics has a good home and is just fine where it is and (2) you do not need and should not take on another obligation. I say let it go. You’ve moved on (Sock Summit extravaganza, anyone?) and it appears so has Knitting Olympics.

  68. I’m with the folks who say that you will forever be recognized as the founder of the Knitting Olympic movement, but that it shouldn’t oblige you to host the damn thing at your house every four years. You created a great thing, and it has found a place where it can flourish even if you’re… what’s the phrase? Still swamped.
    I say that unless you’re dying to do it, and you know you can manufacture the time somehow, you’re totally entitled to let the Ravelry folks do the heavy lifting; in which case pour yourself a glass of wine, then show up at the Opening Ceremonies and give a little speech and light the big torch.
    If you *are* dying to do it, well, who the hell is gonna tell you that you can’t? It was your idea.

  69. I’m with yarnpiggy. The Knitting Olympics have grown up and moved out and are shacking up with Ravelry. I say give them your blessing and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Maybe you can light the torch or something and then sit back and knit.
    I’m not Canadian. May I still join Team Yarn Harlot?

  70. I second Linda M in the 2nd comment. You’re the founder for all time. Now, relax and knit for Canada! We’d love to share your thought process as you choose a worthy project.

  71. The most amazing conversation I have ever heard happened one day when I was working at a local yarn shop. A tiny, young, blonde woman wearing a beautiful sweater came in to buy some 2 mm needles. She was making some beautfiul Fair Isle fingerless gloves. She stood behind a very tall man dressed in leather with dyed black hair, multiple piercings, and a tattoo of a wave pattern on his face (the tattoo was blue). I was chatting with the young woman about using small needles when the man in front of her chipped in and said that he always uses small needles and can’t stand anything larger than 4mm. I was stunned because I had a difficult time seeing him as a knitter, let alone a knitter who used small needles. They launched into a conversation about the joys of using small needles. Just shows you that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.
    It doesn’t sound like you have much enthusiasm for the Knitting Olympics. If not, let it go to Ravely and just enjoy participating.

  72. The Knitting Olympics will always be your invention, (just as the certificate will aways be famous for Franklin’s drawing) so let it go and enjoy it with the rest of us. The only thing I will miss is the page you kept up with all the hilarious team “patches”. We’ll live and it’s important that you take more time for yourself after the year you’ve just had!!

  73. Just say no. Really. Perhaps we need to start KARE (Knitter Abuse Resistance Education)… keeping famous knit bloggers sane and healthy for when the world really goes to pot.

  74. Andrew said exactly what I wanted to, but faster. Do as you wish! And the sweater is LOVERLY!

  75. Team TSF? Just for fun.
    I was in the Tour de Fleece group over the summer and it was so inspirational following everyone else’s beautiful spinning work. Come play with us (but only if it’s fun, not if it’s just more work).

  76. Hmmm…that last sentence of mine wasn’t phrased quite right. I meant to say that the only pressure I feel participating in the Ravelympics is the pressure I place on myself, which I would do no matter where I “competed”, not that I’d feel pressured by you holding the Knitting Olympics.
    Not sure if that muddied the waters still further…

  77. Steph, from the sounds of it you are crazy busy already and really don’t need One. More. Thing. 🙂 I suspect if you try to do your own Olympics this year, you’ll end up curled up in a ball somewhere petting the yarn and mumbling something unintelligible. Let Ravelry carry the load, but please join us!

  78. Is it really 4 years already? Yikes!!!!
    I think of the knitting Olympics as your baby — so how could you walk away from it? BUT, I agree with the majority and think you should let this little bird fly away to Ravelry and focus instead on your lovely sweater and your lovelier family instead.
    If this leaves more time for you to blog, then it’s a win for me too.
    Mimi

  79. While I love tradition and would be happy to see you lead it again and forever after, I’d say let it stay with Ravelry – you have a ton on your plate already! Just participate (and blog about it) instead of organize, and enjoy all of the fun without wearing yourself out.
    The sweater is beautiful already – I may have to save up for one of my own one of these days!

  80. I have read somewhere that you can either be a process person or a product person. A product person makes something because they want the finished product, they don’t care so much about how they get there. A process person creates things because they enjoy the making, the finished product is secondary and sometimes doesn’t even get finished. I think knitting a sweater on 2.5 mm needles would put you in the process category. You go girl!
    Perhaps one could think of the Knitting Olympics as being hosted by a different city this time. Maybe next time they would move on to a different host group just as the real Olympics are. It is sounding like you are needing a break from major commitments and that you don’t need anything more on your lap right now. I would sit back with your glass of wine and take part if you want to or just watch from a distance. Revel in the knowledge that you started something wonderful.

  81. I have read somewhere that you can either be a process person or a product person. A product person makes something because they want the finished product, they don’t care so much about how they get there. A process person creates things because they enjoy the making, the finished product is secondary and sometimes doesn’t even get finished. I think knitting a sweater on 2.5 mm needles would put you in the process category. You go girl!
    Perhaps one could think of the Knitting Olympics as being hosted by a different city this time. Maybe next time they would move on to a different host group just as the real Olympics are. It is sounding like you are needing a break from major commitments and that you don’t need anything more on your lap right now. I would sit back with your glass of wine and take part if you want to or just watch from a distance. Revel in the knowledge that you started something wonderful.

  82. Hey, Elaine @ 3:36, I’d like a quieter team too. I don’t do much forum-ing on Ravelry because of the sheer volume of members. Maybe we can have our own team?
    And anyone who isn’t on Ravelry could join just for the Olympics and not let it become the time suck that it can be. You don’t have to embrace all the madness.
    Harlot, it’s about time you think of yourself and your family first. We’ll be fine.

  83. Ch-ch-ch-changes?
    Aren’t the Winter Olympics moved to a new venue so the previous one can get over the stress of hosting it? I have my knitting plans percolating no matter where it’s “held” and will rise to my challenge. This glorious idea belongs to you, but that doesn’t mean you can’t let the grunt work fall on other shoulders, especially if it leaves you free to hatch new schemes for knitterly world domination…

  84. I have read somewhere that you can either be a process person or a product person. A product person makes something because they want the finished product, they don’t care so much about how they get there. A process person creates things because they enjoy the making, the finished product is secondary and sometimes doesn’t even get finished. I think knitting a sweater on 2.5 mm needles would put you in the process category. You go girl!
    Perhaps one could think of the Knitting Olympics as being hosted by a different city this time. Maybe next time they would move on to a different host group just as the real Olympics are. It is sounding like you are needing a break from major commitments and that you don’t need anything more on your lap right now. I would sit back with your glass of wine and take part if you want to or just watch from a distance. Revel in the knowledge that you started something wonderful.

  85. Might I suggest that you allow the Knitting Olympics to take their natural course on Ravelry (everybody seems to like your idea so much there). But PLEASE, PLEASE participate. Perhaps with “Team Hopelessly Overcommitted”? Just seems appropriate.

  86. Ch-ch-changes…it happens to us all. Not always pleasant at the time, but often positive in hindsight. Do what feels right, Stephanie. It’s the only thing you can do.
    BE-OOOOO-TIFUL sweater, btw!
    Hugs from Houston…

  87. I am jumping on the band wagon and really like what Nancy said about it being a new host city. Right now it seems your plate is overflowing and that this would be a huge portion added to it. I see it sort of like raising kids…at some point, if we have done it right, they move on to the next stage.

  88. It seems to me that if you’re busy and kinda don’t think it makes sense to have a summer Knitting Olympics then it’d probably be better to just sit back and enjoy what Ravelry can do. I mean, is all the work it’d entail worth the little ego boost when you already started Knitting Olympics in general anyway?
    Also, lovely sweater. I hope to someday work on my colorwork skillz. I’m one of the intimidated ones, but it looks so much fun!

  89. Oh please Stephanie, do your own knitting olympics. Some of the funniest posts you made were around that time. I particularly remember the one where I believe you were at the bank.

  90. It seems like you’ve been under an awful lot of pressure lately. Taking on something that’s that much work might not be the best choice for you or your family. (Or the cat for that matter, not that she’s not family. She owns the family, I’m sure.) All of us knitters out here will be fine with either choice, so take care of you.

  91. Let the Knitting Olympics go to Ravelry. You can still compete. You just need to get rid of some of your responsibilities.

  92. Why not let Ravelry handle the logistics. Maybe you can do “coverage” of the Ravelympics as a special commentator from your blog. After all, you helped form the idea, and having some special missives from you would be fun stuff!

  93. I agree with many others…Ravelry is a perfect place for the Olympics to happen… you hatched the idea, and now we are watching it grow beyond the borders, or beyond the nest so to speak!! thanks so much for your knitting enthusiasms…

  94. The knitting world is grateful for your fabulous idea. Think of it as a knitting relay. You have passed the baton, and now you get to rest and watch how the race turns out. Plus you get to spend more time knitting and participating. Less time weeping on the couch in your underwear while you type names into an Excel spreadsheet. It really seems like a blessing.

  95. I vote for you letting Ravelry take care if Ravelympics. Participating is easier than organizing, and it’s more fun too.
    Your sweater is turning out just lovely, by the way. Small needle knitting is so zen. Enjoy yourself with that.

  96. Live it up: join a Rav team and enjoy the fact that you don’t have to be the boss of one more thing!

  97. As a person who does bake her own bread, grow and can her own vegetables, raises bees for honey, alpacas for fiber and chickens for eggs, I have issues knitting on anything larger than a 3.75mm-they feel like tree trunks.
    So, enjoy the process-is going to be a lovely sweater.

  98. I would love an Olympics! During that time period is when I discovered your Blog. The first blog I ever followed. I have always regretted not participating. I was just getting started in knitting as well, and now that the obsession has fully taken hold, competition would be justified! (and, I need an excuse to actally start a complicated pattern I have had my eye on). Thanks.

  99. The Wild Apples Bohus is so beautiful! Maybe someday I’ll tackle one. I know I’d wear it and love it!!! Me? I’m knitting a big washcloth baby blanket in bright stripes of colour. I call it a Joy Blanket, because I feel joy in the anticipation of the new baby and am knitting it into each stitch. 🙂 If I join the Olympics, no matter where they are, I hope to make a lace shawl. The first for me!!! I’m not sure how the Olympics work, but I’ll find out.

  100. You’ve got enough going on in your life – let the nice folks at Ravelry deal with the mishegoss that is the Knitting Olympics (Ravelympics). Sit back and watch what your baby has grown into!

  101. Ideas are like children. We send them off and they have a life of their own. It’s the right thing to do.
    Let your little idea blossom over on ravelry. It’s already become a behemoth and do you really want to take on all of that?

  102. Ideas are like children. We send them off and they have a life of their own. It’s the right thing to do.
    Let your little idea blossom over on ravelry. It’s already become a behemoth and do you really want to take on all of that?

  103. But… it’s not the same!
    I was in the Knitting Olympics. It was epic and awesome and I’m so glad I did it. And I agreed with you when you said it was a once-every-four-years thing. So I’ve been waiting for the next Knitting Olympics, idly thinking about what I should tackle.
    I suppose the Ravelympics are all well and good, but they aren’t the same, for me. They’re a separate (wonderful in their own way) beast.
    Ultimately, you must do what is right for you. But for me? It’s either Knitting Olympics or bust! 🙂

  104. Yep, count my vote with the “move on” group. You were the creator, the instigator, now it’s someone else’s turn to carry the torch…..

  105. seems like a no brainer & all hearter…..would hosting the Knitting Olympics give you joy? Would participating in the other be more fun, less stress? Sit with both things & go with your heart…you will not be sorry.

  106. First, I have to admit that I have a bad case of Bohus envy (with the exception of that bout of 325 fuzzy stitches tinking – that made my eye twitch). I aspire to knit a Bohus one day.
    Second, I think of the Ravelympics as the evolved state of the Knitting Olympics. Ravelympics may not have happened as quickly if it’s mother event, the Knitting Olympics had not happened. You are the founder of the event, really. It just grew and took on a whole new life of its own over in Ravelry. I love how they have it broken down into events. I proudly signed up as a WIP Wrestler!

  107. Well, I love the sweater, what I can see of it.
    and I’ve been over to Ravely and I can’t make heads or tails out of how to get involved! I’m a lonely little knitter this year out in the wilds of Colorado waiting for a new grandbaby who is due the day after the opening ceremonies!! Heck, I won’t even be able to watch it since they have no cable or satalite tv and don’t pull in broadcast!!
    So I’d love to knit SOMETHING but don’t know how to join the party!
    Your party four years ago was easy to get to. I cast on while on a cruise, adding amazement to one gentlemans time on the ship. He wondered WHY I would be knitting on a cruise. As I told him. vacations are for doing what you enjoy. I enjoy knitting!

  108. The Olympics happen in a different place every time, so it’s never the game twice. I think kicking back, figuring out what you’re casting on, and enjoying yourself is totally the way to go.

  109. I find myself agreeing with everyone, if that’s possible. I will support you regardless, so your choice. I am not a joiner on Ravelry, mostly just cruise around for patterns. But a Yarn Harlot Team I would join.
    So! Helpful!

  110. No new opinions from me. I think that Ravelry is the natural home for things like the Knitting Olympics – particularly as it has a structure that makes it easier to collaborate and share things. And if you’ve got so much on your plate, maybe you would enjoy just participating? (I was going to say relaxing and participating, but it probably won’t be so relaxing near the end!)
    On a less serious not, I love seeing the Wild Apples in progress! Just seeing the wool the other day made me get out Poems of Color and I practically was stroking the pages… I must resist the lure of time-eating new projects that are way too complicated for me, though! I’ve never knit a whole colourwork project, and I’ve never knit a whole grown-up-sized jumper – must resist the lure of the pretty!
    (But please don’t take that to mean that you should stop posting pictures of it. I wouldn’t want anyone else to be deprived. I’ve got willpower, I can resist. I think.)

  111. Your sweater is lovely. It makes me want to knit a sweater on tiny needles.
    As for the Knitting Olympics, we all remember that Greece started the Olympics but they don’t hold them very year. No country could handle that huge job every 4 years. I think everyone knows that you started the Knitting Olympics and one day when you’re ready to host again we’ll be happy to come back to the original location. Would you have the time for a Yarn Harlot team on Ravelry? That would be very cool!

  112. Well I kinda liked the “other” crazy idea you dreamed about the one morning, and twitted about. 😉 So if you let go the Oympics, I am totally confident you will pretty soon have some other crazy-amazing “why not” moment to keep you (and us) busy… But you are perfectly allowed to rest for some time if you wish (and can) do so. 🙂
    When I talk about you with my companion, I always say “Stephanie Pearl Mac-Phee, mais oui, tu sais, celle qui a inventé les jeux olympiques du tricot.” I am pretty sure your are the only knitter he can replace from one conversation to another.
    So it is your decision my dear. We will bloom for you in any situation. Take care.
    XOs from Switzerland

  113. A sweater on 2.5mm needles is great if you’re not a size 24, but once you hit the plus sizes, you’re talking years to finish 🙂

  114. I still have my Knitting Olympics certificate under a magnet on the side of my refrigerator. I’ve been remembering it a lot lately — the choosing, the knitting, the angst, the button shopping, the finishing, the accomplishment! I loved everything about the Knitting Olympics!
    I also recall how huge it was, but how fun and organic and… FUN and ORGANIC! Despite the size, there was a coziness. I think it would be ENORMOUSLY, HUMONGOUSLY, HEADACHINGLY HUGE now — organizationally UGH-ly — and Ravelry is better suited to handle it.
    That said, I love Ravelry but I don’t hang out there a lot and am still not forums fan — Rav’s are better than some and thankfully it has a LOT more to offer in the way of content and data — and pictures.

  115. Wild Apples is a gorgeous sweater…and I sure hope that you will feel the same about knitting an entire sweater on 2.5 mm needles when you are knitting the body and sleeves in engless green. Something tells me that it won’t be quite as thrilling (but an excellent project for knit nights, right?).
    And, on February 11, won’t you feel MUCH BETTER if the Knitting Olympics has morphed into the Ravelympics…and you can participate more fully in the winter Olympics knitting rather than stressing about how you are going to get some 3,000+ names into the right order before the Opening Ceremony starts? Especially since there are other elements in your life that are stressful just now?
    And every Olympics has its commentators. You could be a roving reporting for Ravelympics Team Canada.
    Enjoy! Knit! Drink wine/beer/both (just not at the same time)!

  116. It’s a difficult time when your kids grow up and leave home, becoming independent beings with lives without you. You just have to console yourself with the knowledge that you set them on their way. You could have more to fill the vacuum or recognise that this means you have some time for yourself. (Rav it is then)
    Yoda-knitter would of course not arse up a row, he would be in touch with the essence of being of all those little stitches and know intuitively that the first stitch was wrong.

  117. I also think your brilliant idea has taken up a life of its own….although we would miss your energetic, unique and humorous cheerleading. And just to let you know how different I am from you, I also used the entire length of possibly that same “Law and Order” to untink my project last night, too. The difference lies in the fact that my project was Susan Chang’s “Wham bam thank you lamb!” (But, in the process, I did learn Kitchener stitch, a cool new crochet provisional cast-on, and the fact that Eucalan can make even a 75% polyester project feel softer!)

  118. Bohus sweater..I did one many years ago..For some reason this year has brought out the need to do some small needle knitting…Alice Startmore sweater is on the top of the pile..there is so much satisfaction in seeing a Fairisle come alive.
    Enjoy your knitter’s Olympics..I’ll snuggle in where it is warm and cozy…Montgomery, Texas is due for a very cold front..

  119. I loved when you ran the knitting Olympics and I got my knitting in (even if I didn’t bother with the finishing work), and I can see it being handy on Ravelry. I think that you will see the knitting olympics all over: in blogs, ravelry, what have you, because there will be people who can’t be bothered to join a team, post on a forum, or do the surprisingly time consuming communication that some of these activities take. I see some of the forums and I wonder how these people have time to knit, much less knit to deadline.
    Me? I will be cheering generic invisible people on via my blog and cheering on whatever you want to do, but Ravelry is so huge that it is a bit like falling into a black hole for me to do my cheerleading there. (Or color guard. Color guard was much cooler.)

  120. You are the Queen of Olympics and have probably knitted miles upon miles of stuff. Why dont you just relax and enjoy a little free time and see how everyone is getting on with their stuff. I follow the Ravelry forums of projects that people have done and its very inspiring for many of us ‘lazy’ or ‘frightened’ knitters/crocheters who are not willing to try their skills at more advanced projects. Just take it easy and finish that gorgeous bloody sweater your knitting. I want one please?!

  121. I think you’re right about the knitting being a Winter Olympic sport. (Spinning — Now Spinning is obviously a Summer Olympics sport.) I’m doing my Knitting Olympics with you in spirit. You can host or not, I’ll still continue to give you credit for the idea. If you do shift to Ravelry and start a group there, just give a shout out and I’ll join you.
    BTW, did you ever use your KiP gloves? I gave you a pair (w/ picot edges) in Pittsburgh the last time you were here. I see them in the stores now, they’re called “Texting Gloves”.

  122. I love knitting with tiny needles. I find they are actually easier on my hands than larger ones. Also, for some reason, my “fair isle” knitting is much more even on the smaller needles. I made one pair of mittens on 5’s or 6’s and the tension was just awful. I have to say, color design takes a special kind of talent. Colors never look the same in pattern as they did in skeins.

  123. I’m with the relaxers. Enjoy the hiatus in Yarn Harlot demands and knit for your own fun. Let the Ravelers do the admin….they’re really good at it and there’s three of them.

  124. Well, people love to be involved in things that you’re involved in, or running, or whathaveyou – it’s the equivalent of sitting with the cool kids at lunch. You’ll have no problem getting participants, some of whom may still not be on Ravelry. On the other hand, it seems like you’re life has been a little more than stressful lately. Would the Knitting Olympics be fun for you and a welcome distraction to other things, or is your emotional health better off by letting Ravelympics take over? Whatever you decide, make your decision based on what YOU need or want to do, and not on the rest of the world – we’ll all live either way.

  125. it might just be me, but you sort of sound like you really want to do it again. and, again, it might just be me, but when my life gets difficult i often find that doing something else, even if it adds to the workload, is just the thing. of course, it’s also possible that i need medication for this. you know best what to do for yourself, and i don’t see why you can’t have a knitting olympics even if ravelry does too.
    meredith

  126. How do you knit a sweater as a “whole” on such little needles? Can you pass along the name of the kit? And welcome back. I missed your blogging. You make me laugh out loud . . . when I’m at work. Lots of strange looks.

  127. 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. I did the Red Edge for my husband (who was new at the time). He never wore it. He is the same guy mentioned at Knittyhaha who was looking for the mates to my mis-matched socks for the first 10 years of marriage.
    I think of you as the inventor of the Knitting Olympics. I agree with an earlier post, you could be the roving reporter, the special interest story reporter. Enjoy what you have created and put out into the world. Enjoy your Wild Apple!

  128. BEEEautiful Bohus! I made a Large Collar cardigan from a kit a while back for a friend (lots of angora involved, I think!) and it was fantastic. Agree about the small needles too.
    Knitting Olympics is yours forever! regardless of where it happens. From the sound of your year, though, please do just what you *want* to do about hosting. From here, it’s best to be able to imagine you relaxing!!
    ((Go Team Harlot!!))

  129. if you do knitting olympics i’ll participate here. if not, i’ll do it on ravelry.
    i’m okay either way and i think most people will be.
    do what feels right for you and the rest of us can/will adjust.
    and i think knitting a sweater on needles that size is crazy!
    but maybe i’m just not far enough down the rabbit hole. some day!

  130. Once a midwife, always a midwife…you helped birth the Knitting Olympics–brought it safely into the world and now it has grown up (like our college daughters–sniff). I cast my stick on the “it’s grown up and moved to Ravelry, but she will always be my baby at heart” pile. Relax and enjoy. I’m so grateful you are up to blogging, I was worried about you and selfishly missed your “letters”–they always felt like a letter from a dear friend.

  131. If you want to do a Knitting Olympics, I am on board. If you decide that Ravelry can deal with it, then I will go with them.
    I am puzzling over the right project. It needs to be hard, but not to the point I have to quit my job to compete. I work M-F. I was going to be ambitious and tackle another pair of Laris gloves (they are all gorgeous and to die for). However, I don’t think I can do both gloves in 16 days. I think I can do a little more than 1 glove in 16 days, however. Julia Meuller’s instructions are so thorough, that I was able to make a pair of Eve gloves fairly smoothly. (I had never made gloves before and worked strictly off of her instructions.) I just don’t know if I’m up to maximum speed on them, to be able to complete both gloves in that amount of time. Hmmm…..
    Current count on chemo hats completed: 10

  132. This may seem selfish, but I would much prefer to participate in Knitting Olympics, The Original. I’ve been training 4 years with hopes of winning that Gold! You were such a gracious and wonderful host the first time around.

  133. I also think your brilliant idea has taken up a life of its own….although we would miss your energetic, unique and humorous cheerleading. And just to let you know how different I am from you, I also used the entire length of possibly that same “Law and Order” to untink my project last night, too. The difference lies in the fact that unlike your project, mine was Susan Chang’s “Wham bam thank you lamb!”(brilliant, but not a Bohus) However, in the process, I did learn Kitchener stitch, a cool new crochet provisional cast-on (thank you Lucy Neatby), and the fact that Eucalan can make even a 75% polyester project feel softer!)

  134. You came up with a brilliant idea. Now it has grown wings and moved forward, like certain children you know and love. Let it go. Participate, and know that you birthed the original event. You have a lot going on, let someone else do the part that gives you a twitch.

  135. Well, I think my LYS is planning our own, privatish version. We had not talked about ravelery teams or anything, though I kind of assume that we thought we would join you. And I would have loved to do it here–I like ravelry for somethings, but find it a bit overwhelming.
    So, I want you to do it.
    But 1) if you would feel like it was second fiddle to ravelry and that you would just rather do it there, then you should.
    2) it sounds like there is a lot on your plate. would this be too much?

  136. I agree with Karen – this is a heart decision. Go with what will satisfy your heart. Either way will be great.

  137. Do whatever works best for you and yours. You do seem to have a lot on your plate right now.
    (((hugs)))
    Lisa
    P.S. Love the sweater in progress.

  138. “This is not the horse you seek. Mourn her do not. Lovely the empty barn is. For new things ready it is.”

  139. If you are asking for permission to skip the Knitting Olympics, you have it. Count me in with those who say go with your gut. If you choose to host the Knitting Olympics, I’ll be there although with something less ambitious than Samus. I’d be happy to join Team Harlot on Ravelry also. Maybe Team Harlot could have a common goal, e.g., some form of knitting for charity?

  140. Stupid of me not to have emailed you and mentioned I was looking forward to you, a Canadian, throwing an Olympic knitting festival since the Olympics are in Canada this time. In fact, I’ve been waiting for your classic phrase, “You know what would be fun…”, and then to see you pull back the curtain on some fun, slightly crazy idea. The Ravelympics were a tad to competitive for me, but to each their own. I’d play, if you wanted to.

  141. I think doing your own Knitting Olympics would be like hunting down Amanda, dragging her home to wash her face, change her nappy and spoonfeed her mashed up banana. She’s outgrown that. I think the KO have too.
    Ravelry is an excellent place and for all those who wish to do it in a smaller environment then how about blogging your participation (assuming you want to participate) and getting them all to list their own blogs in the comments so we can visit them and see how they are doing too? I’m always keen to read new blogs.
    You should visit the Knitting Olympics. You don’t have to host them anymore than Greece has to host the games every four years. Let the others take their turn and sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labours. Especially the little wild apples.

  142. Perhaps we could keep it here for those who do not belong to Ravelry (I confess, I do belong, seldom ever go to it), and just have people post what they plan on doing…period. Less work for you, a written committment by us. I do feel you “own” the idea. Perhaps we can include a small donation to DWOB at the same time.

  143. I think that you are absolutely correct about not having to make a decision…. pour yourself a pint, put in another round of law and order,and work on that beautiful cardigan- taking that on is a whole shit load of work for just one lady…

  144. Ah Rams, you shall forever and always be my little swamp flower now.
    So here’s what I’m thinking. I enjoy Ravelry a great deal and think highly of the nice people who run it. And sure it’s a great venue for large group participation. No question. I know of groups using the Ravelympics as an opportunity to set up teams for spinning challenges, crochet challenges, all sorts of challenges.
    But. The Knitting Olympics is The Knitting Olympics. An event that you conceived that takes place every for years in conjunction with the Winter Olympics. My first opportunity to call you up regularly to wonder what the hell you’d gotten me into. I have a whole whack of special memories associated with the first one. I got my first cardigan, a cardigan I love out of the first one, albeit not by the time the torch was extinguished.
    It seems I’ve developed a taste for (and a lot of practice with) asking you what the hell you’ve gotten me into, so when the Olympic torch is lit in Vancouver I shall cast on as a Knitting Olympian. I’m gonna come here and let you now how I’m doing with my Olympic project (whatever it is) a whole lot. And I’m really hoping that whether you decide to make it official and track it for anyone else or not (because I am the last person who wants to add to your workload), you re-post January 14, 2006 (except for the choice of sweater, no matter how appealing it is to set a challenge knit with the word ‘danger’ in the pattern name) set and lead an Olympic challenge and invite others to join in the madness here.

  145. As a proud member of the 2006 Cdn knit team,I will always think of you as the one who birth this great knitting event. But as many before me have commented, let your baby grow and evolve and sit back and be a proud parent! It sounds like you have more than enough on your plate. Perhaps lead or join a ravelympic team and enjoy!
    Love the sweater!

  146. I, too, like the idea of a nice little place for the Olympics (also have a project all picked out). Ravelry sometimes intimidates me (shhh, don’t tell anyone, I try to be brave), but if you are too totally overwhelmed the Yarn Harlot team seems like a nice compromise. Go knit and relax.

  147. I’m with Presbytera … I’d love an update on the Knitters w/out Borders & karmic gift balancing. Do that & let Ravelympics carry on its ownself.
    I’m also with Rams … getting an inordinant amount of satisfaction by being part of this large group of “flowers of joy.” Matters not to me if I’m a swamp flower or not.
    I’d say, too, that we’re already all part of “Team Harlot” by being here!

  148. I was wondering if you would consider a different twist on the Knitting Olympics. Perhaps encourage the Ravelympics to flourish but maybe, through your blog, encourage knitbloggers to publish their struggles/triumphs (“The thrill of victory… and the agony of defeat!”) on their own blogs. You know, kind of a fortnight of blogging in honor of the Canadian Olympics. Links a-go-go. New blogs to read, new life in blogging for those who have been around for a while. Bringing all of us together in the blogosphere once again. (That last one was too much, wasn’t it? Thought so.)
    I am practically a professional lurker on people’s blogs and I so enjoyed all the blog-fodder that the Knitting Olympics spawned last time. I wonder if the competition is better on Rav, but the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, the commentary, the backstory, and the athletes’ personal profiles (so to speak!) work well here and throughout the blogosphere.
    What do you think? Also, are you going to try to finish Wild Apples before the Winter Olympics and therefore have a different project? It’s a beautiful start to a gorgeous sweater.

  149. As a spectator, I always felt that the best part of the Knitting Olympics was your learned cheerleading blogs about how to do it safely, super-funly, and humorously. I learned a lot, laughed a lot, and have put much of what I read into practice and out into the knitting world in the form of spoken word.
    Oh! I know! You should be like those superstar athletes who end up as commentators, where they are able to give their expertise to a larger amount of people (and possibly with more accuracy since they are no longer in charge of coordinating all the players) in little 2-minute spurts. I would enjoy that!

  150. A childhood rhyme came to mind while reading this post…. “Make new friends, but keep the old….One is Silver, the other Gold”. Ravelry is the silver and you are the gold! I love Ravelry and all it has to offer, but your Knitting Olympics, although incredibly huge, felt like “family fun”. If you are up to it, I’m here, and if you decide to do it and need help, all you have to do is let me know! Oh, and… thank you… for EVERYTHING! 🙂

  151. I’m with the posters who suggested that if the thought of not hosting the Knitting Olympics makes you secretly sad, then by all means, host it! If the thought of not doing it makes you secretly relieved, then by all means, don’t do it!
    If all else fails, try the time-honored method of flipping a coin and then seeing how you feel about the results. If the results make you unhappy… then now you know what you actually really wanted to do. 🙂

  152. I am in the let Ravelry handle it side of the room. That said, I didn’t compete last time and probably wont this time. I DO enjoy reading and cheering along….GO TEAM HARLOT!
    If when the Olympic thought hit your brain, you winced, sighed (tiredly), or poured yourself a stiff one at the thought, then let it go to Ravelry. You gave birth to it, it is totally ok to kiss it on it’s little forehead and send it out into the great big world to carry it’s own torch.
    You did a tremendous amount of work in 09. Let 10 be the year you rest a bit on your laurels. You have certainly earned them.

  153. For purely selfish reasons, I would love to see you do the Knitting Olympics again. However, I totally understand that your plate is full and you have other things to take care of.
    My thoughts though…I am on Ravelry. I enjoy Ravelry. BUT…I do not want Ravelry to become the Knitting Black Hole that sucks in EVERYTHING to do with knitting on the ‘net. It kind of annoys me a bit as one after another small group has pulled up stakes because they can’t compete with the Ravelopolis that has been created. The Ravelry version of the Olympics is more team-based and you almost have to be a chatty cathi to get much out of it – I sometimes like to have a personal challenge which is what I saw your “event” as being.
    Eh. One other bit…this winter Olympics *is* in Canada (even though technically, it is awarded to a CITY, not a COUNTRY). 🙂

  154. Well, You and the Knitting olympics just go together (Like bohus and Shiraz) but if it’s too much for you take on, we will certainly understand. Ravelry is fun, but it’s HUGE and I feel a bit lost there sometimes, so my vote is if you do it I will join, otherwise I’ll just go to Ravelympics as a spectator.

  155. I did a spur-of-the-moment sprint in those Olympics: I bought a skein of yarn from Lisa Souza at Stitches West, went home, knitted it up into a lace scarf, and blocked it before I went to bed. Taa daaah! Took it back to the Convention Center to show it off to her the next day. And the crowd goes wild!
    Others have said all my initial thoughts about Rav vs here. What I would add is, here, it all felt personal. All the participants were checking into one place and checking out each other’s work, verbally, at least.
    On the other hand, what knitter doesn’t want to stretch their boundaries on what they feel they can accomplish and do well? Last I checked (uh, five seconds ago) there were 580,263 Ravelry users. That’s a whack of yarn users. (And I would say there are a fair number out there who learned to knit or kept learning more about knitting in response to having discovered your blog–you’re a huge force for creativity in this world, you know.) Do you need each of those that chooses to Olympically challenge themselves to come crash your pad?
    Oh, wait, Rav hit 580,275 in the time I was typing that paragraph.
    Just a thought.

  156. Glad I read Tracy’s reply before typing my own.
    ^ What she said.
    Altho being unemployed, if you decide to do this and want help entering or typing or something I can do from nearly 1k miles away, I’d be happy to help.

  157. Wild Apples is beautiful! I’m going to be knitting a sweater on 3mm needles for Ravelympics, so I understand the lure of the tiny needles. They’re the best!
    And I’m definitely with the majority that says you should not put more pressure on yourself. The last year was a fairly monumental one for you, just from the public perspective; I’m sure privately it was even crazier, considering all you had to actually DO to get the Sock Summit up and running, deal with your house torn to bits, cope with your oldest daughter flying the coop so profoundly, etc., etc., etc., especially all the things you didn’t share with us (and rightfully so; everyone is entitled to a private life).
    You gave birth to a wonderful idea. It’s grown beyond the confines of one little (well, okay, big) blog and moved into a forum where huge numbers of people, well beyond what you could have ever coped with, can participate. Just like the Winter Olympics started with a few small athletes from a few countries, and has now grown to be the major event it is.
    So do only as much — or as little — as YOU want to do. Frankly, you already do so much I get exhausted just reading about a small portion of it! Life is too short not to be enjoyed. When something has grown beyond where you can enjoy it, it’s time to let go and just sit back and watch what happens. I’d say you’ve already done more than enough for the knitting world; you don’t have to prove yourself even MORE of a superwoman!!

  158. I haven’t read all the comments, but I bet a lot of them say “YOU’RE BEING GIVEN A GIFT.” You get a chance to be there, without having to do all the work. And since your last sentence had to do with looking for a horse, I’d add “Don’t look a GIFT horse in the mouth.”
    Enjoy being a Ravelympics participant!

  159. Speaking of which, I’ve never knit a whole sweater on needles that small. I’ve done plenty of colorwork, but never a Bohus. Those colors are a tad yellow for me. And yet–it reminds me of things I’ve loved knitting, it reminds me of a sweater on size 2s my mom made my grandpa, and I want to go knit one now too! See? You encourage the new!

  160. A Testimonial
    Dear Yarn Harlot,
    You have always extolled the virtues of wool as an insulator. Until I finished one about two weeks ago, I had never worn a wool sweater. Living in Florida as I do, wool clothing is rarely seen. However, for Christmas I visited relatives in Virginia, where there was actually snow on the ground. I wore that sweater every single day, inside and out, the entire week I was there. It was warm enough with a cotton turtleneck to make a coat unnecessary (and after a slight misunderstanding with the washer, felted enough to cut the wind fairly well.) Inside, it breathed well enough that I only had to unbutton it to be comfortable. I will never wear acrylic again!
    Sincerely,
    Bethany

  161. I absolutely know what you mean about oatmeal knitting. I’m making a sweater on 2.5mm right now. It’s just so wholesome.

  162. Dearest Harlot,
    I don’t know where you got it… but I LOVE the name you called us (your dear & devoted readers ; ) “Little flowers of Joy”!!! Please feel free to use it frequently!

  163. I think in situations like this, the right answer *for you* just happens and you can feel that it’s right. If it doesn’t sit well, it’s the wrong answer. So, go with what works for you, Dear Stephanie, whom we all want to be content and happy. Seriously. Totally your call.

  164. Well, really, I’m just a tiny bit sad that you aren’t going to be running the KnitOlympics, as I was not knitting yet the last time. But I understand your reasons. It’s just, Ravelympics will be different, and that’s not necessarily bad! I just would have enjoyed experiencing the Original Thing, you know?
    But perhaps, with all the changes you’ve been telling us about, this is the perfect thing for you too. You can participate, or not, and just enjoy how it turns out rather than worry about it.
    On the subject of Summer Knit Olympics, maybe that’s a time for lighter fibers, like cotton or linens!

  165. To Olympics or Not to Olympics can only be your call. But I don’t think the Ravelry version holds a candle to your Knitting Olympics, and I haven’t been attracted to participate like I was 4 years ago. 🙁

  166. Steph, 4 years ago, I desperately wanted to learn Fair Isle knitting and I knew at least the basics…just didn’t have the courage to start. Your Knitting Olympics gave me that courage and I had a FI sweater done to the armholes by the end of the Olympics…I won!! It was one of the most exciting times of my life. Also, hard, confusing etc. but that always happens with new stuff. I can’t thank you enough for doing that first Knitting Olympics and I would far,far rather do it again with you than Ravelry.Rav is OK but not very much fun.Four years ago, I felt that you personally were holding me to my promise to stretch out an learn something new. thanks. Mary in Cincinnati

  167. I think all of us process knitters can understand (& yes I also love to bake whole grain bread & real oatmeal – altho for those it is also about the superior flavor of whole grains.)

  168. Will you still blog about your part in Knitting Olympics if it’s on Ravelry? I’m all for you not working so hard. After you get over being disappointed, I sense huge relief. Now I just have to figure out getting on Ravelry…
    P.S. Rams, we’re not swamp flowers, we’re flowers of joy IN the swamp. Huge difference 😉

  169. Love the colors of the sweater. I absolutely love using “teeny” needles. I have not knit a whole sweater on them but have done shawls. Much fun. And tinking, well let’s just say that we have become good friends as I don’t want things necessarily perfect but some things like lace and colorwork just have to be tinked.

  170. Even you can’t do it all. You’re fun to read and you’ve done as much for the knitting world as almost anyone – maybe anyone. You’ve intimated there are things going on in your life that are stressors, of a sort, in your life. Why cause yourself even more stress at this point? Why not let it go? You can still blog about it, if you want. Or, set up a team of your own selection and let the rest of us vote, kind of like the blog voting every year.
    That’s just my thought.

  171. I don’t understand why people who think you have a “big head” and are annoying bother to read your blog and, even more, take the time to write annoying comments about you. I just don’t get it.

  172. If you are looking for permission to not host, then don’t worry, sounds like you’ve got it. It seems that you have a lot on your plate right now so I think we all would understand if you want to pass the torch on (so to speak!).
    If you are asking if we would prefer to do this with you, then “yes” of course we would. We don’t NEED to though…..as long as you promise to keep us posted on your Olympic challenge!

  173. I think you should do whatever you feel like doing. If you feel you are up to the level of work that the Knitting Olympics is, and if you feel it will add something to your life, by all means! Go for it!
    If, however, you feel that life is too insane right now, and you don’t think you could organize an event of this magnitude without going through several cases of wine, then just sit back, relax, and let the Ravelympics commence.
    And if you decide to go ahead, My 90-WPM fingers and I stand at the ready to assist in any way. Ditto if you decide to update Knitters Without Borders.

  174. Dearest Yarn Harlot, the Queen of the Knitters and Empress of Extravagent Deliciousness! I curtsy in your direction!!
    Asking your permission to put forth a suggestion, I’ll take that as a nod to my humble personage. By all that is holy Madam – your idea has flourished and it seems it will keep on keeping on. Let it and sit back and let everyone adore you. Think of some new and wondrous ways to get the knitters of your realm busier than my rooster on a spring day with several of his relatives that need tupping! And let those that will crunch numbers and so forth. You did the hard part, the creative part and really – the fun part – coming up and organizing the first one. Enough, I must go back to my book – Wolf Hall.

  175. Personally, I’ve always thought of the Knitting Olympics as an individual event….. I guess I’m not one who is a real joiner. I’ll be following the rules, casting on when the flame is lit, challenging myself, and completing my project, but I don’t feel obliged to “join” any team, either on ravelry or here. It seems to me that the magic 4 years ago was how spontaneous it all was, Steph, and that while we can repeat it we really can’t recreate it. I think you deserve a break, and that this time you should content yourself with being a member of the team, if that suits your current life situation, and let someone else be the team captain/manager/organizer.
    Relax and enjoy watching! (Maybe I’m not a figure skater, I’m a biathlon person…. happy to compete without the huge crowds of fans!)

  176. Whoa- YH, hope you actually get time to read all these comments. I have so looked forward to these 2010 Knitting Olympics since I was a participant 4 yrs ago; and it would be so cool to reconvene in the living room of your blog rather than in the stadium venue of Ravelry. But Real Life has its twists and turns,so one needs to accept the changes that occur. I for one am just thankful there is yarn and knitting and you and Ravelry and beer and winter olympics.

  177. AAACK! I posted that last one before I read the mean one from pffffttt! So don’t read it the wrong way – I do believe you don’t have a mean bone in your body – it must be so annoying for the emotionally retarded! I was calling you the Queen of Knitting because you are a natural leader. Frick, I hate explaining posts that I just tear off. And a pox on mean posters – what is with that, no flies in the winter to tear wings off of? Or what?

  178. Just because you helped with the birth, doesn’t mean you have to raise the kid. You will always be the founder of the Knitting Olympics, but I think now is the time to let it gravitate toward its logical home. Look at all the other things that you organize. Sit back and enjoy the rest on this one – you’ve earned it!

  179. You have other stuff to take care of right now and the venue seems to have changed — without the wining and dining that normally takes place in real life, apparently, hope they actually did wine and dine you! — but perhaps as originator of the idea you could light some kind of ceremonial cauldron on Ravelry to start us all off? I will be knitting again for Canada, because even though I now live in the So. Cal desert this is the REAL Olympics! (Summer is just the sad, imitation Olympics.)

  180. I love the idea of Ravelry hosting it, but of you becoming the “celebrity commentator” for the Games. I will certainly be here as much as I am on Ravelry. I may not even join a team. The Olympics are more often an individual sport. But it would be cool if there were one main forum with announcements, updates, guest blogger/speakers in it. I am reminded of NaNoWriMo, actually. It would be cool if there were something like that.
    And I agree– one Knit Olympics every 4 years, not 2, and do what will make you happy.

  181. What about a Knitting Olympics, open to all nationalities, but featuring those most Canadian of sweaters, from the Salish/Cowichan tribes of the West Coast? Especially since the Olympic Committee got into it with the Salish knitters over a sort-of-sweater being sold through Hudson’s, which some red in it, contrary to the practice of the tribes; that controversy has come out decently for everyone concerned.
    The rule would be natural colors. And it would be pleasant if one concocted one’s own motifs, rather than taking those in use by the native knitters, many of which are covered by copyright. In a winter as bad as this one, one could use one of these tightly knit heavy sweaters.
    There are old patterns for these, and a revision of Priscilla Gibson-Roberts’s book on the subject is in preparation.

  182. Rachel H, I cling to the moments you’ve called me “petal;” “my little swamp flower” is clearly the (slightly more accurate) Stephanie variant.
    And,Rachel? I’m with you. My carcass may be in Kalamazoo, but as those CANADIAN opening ceremonies begin I’ll be remembering Ian and Sylvia singing “Think I’ll go out to Alberta” while the stadium exploded, wondering what they’ll do this time to clench my throat and will be sitting in spirit on Stephanie’s virtual chesterfield casting on something I’m going to regret and plan to blame on her, whether she’s driving or not. Allons-y!

  183. The whole thing kind of reminds me of the Whole Foods conglomerate in Canada, taking over the local organics stores. It sucks overall. On one hand, I like being able to do it all and find it all in one place. On the other hand, its not so small,local and friendly. I always wonder what the little stores who sold to the big store, or were sort of co-opted,thought about it.
    I’ve heard that good ideas go big because ideas come from an unknowable genius source outside of us. So really, they aren’t our ideas in the first place, which is a load off… except we have an empty canvas in front of us again.
    It’s a funny feeling.
    Not to mention that I’m having a funny time with the olympics anyway, being right in the middle of vancouver… its hard to separate the politics from the organics.
    Its all the same thing really. I’m glad you pointed it out.

  184. As the torch is lit during the opening ceremonies, I’ll be casting on, and I’ve made a promise to myself that I’ll finish before the end of the closing ceremonies. I also promise to raise my glass toward the torch on opening night and say “Here’s to the Harlot.” Knitting Olympics? Youdambetcha! But I don’t need a blog or a Ravelry group for this one. Relax and enjoy.

  185. I just want you to be comfortable. If taking on another Knitting Olympics will distract you from difficulties, do it. If you’d rather sit with a glass of wine and zone out do it. I’m just glad you did the first one. I was a new knitter, knitting acrylic because I thought I wasn’t good enough to buy real wool yarn. But, gee, it’s the Olympics! So I bought Kureyon and knit a Booga Bag and you would have thought I hung the moon. I made everyone admire it and my skills and the wool and the Franklin Mint medal! And I’m kinda old so everyone looked at me like I was crazy. And I started my now rather neglected blog so I’d have somewhere to show it off. And I framed my medal and it hangs in my playroom along with my certificate. Because, well I’m kinda old so I can do what I want. It’s a very good feeling. And even though you’re not even close to being kinda old, I suggest you do the same. Smooch!

  186. Frankly, I joined the Ravelympics Group just long enough to see what a madhouse it is in there and quickly unjoined. The emphasis on creating or finding a teams and the upcoming “events” befuddled me.
    This isn’t to say that it’s not all well and good, but it’s chaos in there! I didn’t even know where to start!
    Sooooo….while I sure don’t think you need to burden yourself with an event that has grown eight legs of its own and scurried away, I do think this a case that more is less….at least for the less-connected of us.

  187. Hmmm. . . . I hope my tone comes across the right way. . . Do whatever makes you happy! You alluded in a previous post that you’ve had quite a year of change (which I read as–mostly–unsought turmoil). It seems to me you deserve to do what makes your heart sing right now. If that’s putting on the Olympics, do it. If not, don’t. Sometimes we all need to put ourselves first. No one who reads your blog would ever be able to rationally suggest you haven’t been exceedingly generous with your time, efforts, and insights to the knitting community. (Maybe this year, just a private Olympics amongst your close friends–something fun for you but very low key??)

  188. I am going to throw my hat into the ring with the rest of the knitters who say to give yourself a rest and let Ravelry organize the Olympics this year. Maybe join a team and enjoy just being a participant this year. The idea will always be yours and everyone knows that.
    Thank you for continuing to blog during the hectic days you’ve had lately. All of us would really miss you if you left (I know I did when you were gone at Christmas). But, that said, take care of yourself and your family first.

  189. I’m not a Ravelry person. If you do “your” Olympics, I’ll participate; if not, I’ll just do it on my own. Thanks for thinking of it, knowing that you’ve got lots on your plate right now.
    I do hope that things are better for you and yours!
    xoxo

  190. Goodness, give up the administration of the thing, just not the Olympics itself. I’d MUCH rather have you blog more than spend your time signing us all up, etc.

  191. Steph,
    I would prefer to do it here rather than on Ravelry (which I learned of here nearly 3 years ago and now cannot conceive of life without). Still, I like to compete with myself, not others, so I will not be participating on Ravelry-the Ravelympics have taken on too much of a life on there. I will cast on with the flame and see how much I can accomplish. I would love to get additional motivation from here but don’t feel as though you need to offer prizes and such. It seems like many, many others want it to be on Ravelry but I will be here whether you run it or not (I have to think you blogging about your own progress will keep me honest and moving).
    I don’t think you’re a guru or a queen–just a like-minded knitter who has helped me appreciate so much about knitting and beyond–and the fact that I can be an “Olympian!” Thanks for being there for us!

  192. I still treasure my Gold from the inaugural Knitting Olympics; it’s printed plus backed up on a drive. I learned so much about knitting and about myself!
    You sort of can’t wade in the same river twice, but there are many wonderful rivers. You give us so much, you GAVE us the Knitting Olympics, now come relax and enjoy it with us.

  193. Well, yes, maybe that chicken, or Canada Goose, has flown the coop, though I do think it would be decent of Ravelympics to honor she who thought the original thought.
    On the other hand, I definitely agree with Rachel H, that this is the site of the Knitting Olympics and no other. I’ve always been a proponent of too much of a good thing makes it a less good thing. This even goes for chocolate and ice cream, eventually, and I probably don’t have to point out its truth with Cabernet and oh so much quicker with Brandy. Winter and Knitting Olympics every four years is proper and fit. So maybe it’s informal this time, each person setting her own challenge and reporting her achievements in the comments or not, leaving you the time you need to give other aspects of your life the attention they might demand.
    And while you’re doing that, and forming tiny stitch after tiny stitch of the Wild Apple, a quiet little voice in your head might stretch and say, “You know what might be fun…”

  194. I’d totally forgotten that it was getting to be that time again. I’ll participate no matter where it happens and it does seem like Ravelry would be handy (especially for you who would otherwise have more work to do).

  195. Well, reading the comments it seems that we are all pretty well divided on the issue. I guess personally, I have been looking forward to participating. I do however understand how busy you are and so, would also understand if we moved it to Ravelry.
    Now I just need to think about a project. Looking forward to it either way.

  196. How about having Team Harlot in the Ravelympics? I was just looking over the list of teams and can’t find one that “speaks” to me, but I would definitely join one if you were captain.

  197. I am kind of sad that I did not know about the website when you did the first Olympics because I would have liked to joined up but I also agree with everyone that you might have your have had your share of work over the last year and might want to give this over to Ravelry.
    But if you do decide to join on Ravelry and make a … well lets say a Team Harlot well then that might inspire me enough to join in the fun as well.

  198. Stephanie: If you want to do the Knitting Olympics original style, do it. If you’re relieved that it’s been taken care of elsewhere, sit back and relax. Nothing will ever achieve the sheer joy and craziness of the first one anyway.

  199. Given the stressors you’ve been coping with recently, it seems like the Knitting Olympics happening on Ravelry instead of here is a gift whose time has come. That’s easy for me to say since I’m on Ravelry and I know some folks who aren’t there or don’t want to join may be disappointed. Sometimes you need to take care of you for a change and if this helps you do that then I’m all for it.
    I’d also like to say thanks that you have continued to find time to blog despite all the difficult stuff to deal with; I miss you when you’re away also.

  200. The people who matter already know you were the one who got this great idea rolling. The folks who don’t, don’t matter.

  201. I agree with many: Let go of organizing the Knitting Olympics. Ravelry is definitely a fine place for it to live on in a format that fits that kind of knitting fun. You’ll always be the first/founder.
    Love the sweater and the greeniness of it!

  202. Yes, I do think the Knitting Olympics has moved over to Ravelry. It is like the event has moved to another city or country. I hope knitters will remember that it was born on your blog, and I think you should get full credit for the idea. Things evolve and change. Your pursuits have also evolved and changed, too. You have other big things to plan. (I loved Sock Summit!) I have not participated in any form of Knitting Olympics yet, partly because I think the pressure of the deadline is a bit too much, especially so soon after Christmas. (ahem) (I might participate in the Ravelympics if I can decide on a 2-week project.) THANK YOU for being the first one to host the Knitting Olympics!

  203. well…. no pressure or anthing like it … but I’ve been waiting for YOUR winter olympics and kinda Loved waiting for it and gearing up and all that knitterly corny type stuff. Just sayin’

  204. save your efforts for Sock Summit II. Isn’t one big project a year enough? Geez Louise, woman, give your self a break.

  205. There’s nothing wrong with passing the baton (see? games reference!) — and I can guess with the stress in your life, you might like to sit back and participate for fun 🙂

  206. Follow your heart on the Olympics. Sometimes if we stop long enough and really listen to our inner voice, the answers become clear. It is hard to let go sometimes, but I think that you need to. For you. And this is not a bad thing. I know you’re thinking it is, but it’s not. It’s a good thing, to take of yourself and your family. Then you can really enjoy your Olympic project and blog a little and have some fun. You deserve it!

  207. Imitation being the sincerest form of flattery and all, I’d say let it go – and let your creative genius percolate and come up with the next brilliant idea! There are plenty of competent administrators who can manage a project, but not so many visionaries who can develop a concept. Knitting Olympics, Sock Summit – can’t wait to see what’s next.

  208. Yep, I’d say that the Knitting Olympics have gone viral and there’s no turning back. Perhaps you should just sit back, feel a little bit like Barbara Walker perhaps, and enjoy beholding some of the knitting awesomeness that you’ve spawned.

  209. I concur with Linda M: you will always have pride of place as the founder, but recent posts tell me that you don’t need to add this to your already over-full plate. Use this time for more pressing issues and enjoy watching your creation grow independently, just as you are with your girls.

  210. Just wanted to say that I’m currently knitting two sweaters on 3.0mm and 3.25mm and I love it too. You’re not bonkers, or alone on that one. The sweater is coming along just beautiful! (yours, not mine, mine are hibernating because I discovered the Haruni shawl)

  211. First line of this blog:
    “Still swamped”
    Later in the blog: Should I work on Knitting Olympics? It is actually quite a bit of work (ok, paraphrasing here)
    Wow, so this is what it feels like when my family gets that glazed look in their (collective) eyes:
    Hmmmm….how do I put this? You are clearly distracted. There appears to be something in the Harlot universe that is shall we say, “unpleasant”? Perhaps not the best adjective, but clearly things are not perfectly charming and happy in Harlotville. So why oh why (“for the sake of all things sheepy”) would you take on something else that would put more stress on you, increase demands on your time, that some other organization has already taken over in some fashion?
    You do so much, you do not need to do EVERYTHING. Lighten up, give your self a break, go take a bath, have Joe bring you a beer.

  212. I hope you join up with team canada for the ravelympics. It seems like you are so busy with other life events that organizing an olympics might be a bit much.
    Love the sweater!!

  213. Hmmmm. This year would be my first as a member of the Knitting Olympics, so, yes, I’m disappointed.
    Change can be exhausting, frustrating, sad, & lonely. However, the way we cope with change can be exhilarating, challenging, & enlightening.
    Yarn Harlot, you have many, many fans who stand at the ready to compete in the Knitting Olympics. Could you revamp it to better suit your schedule? Or, do you need time to tuck in and knit for yourself.
    With book deadlines, family pressures, and finding time to be true to oneself, only you can answer that question.
    Regards,

  214. My 2 cents? I would miss the bloggishness of it all if it only happened on Ravelry – somehow it just doesn’t feel like family there. Of course, being a computerish place, Ravelry is organized to organize things…
    Do what makes you happy. We’ll cope. Hearing from you and knowing you are okay is what’s important.

  215. The Olympics change venues every time. Why not allow other sites the honor of hosting to our community together? Perhaps if asked, you can start the opening ceremony as a honored competitor?

  216. Well, I didn’t find out about the last Knitting Olympics until too late, so I’ve been planning to use the next one to get up the gumption (is that still a word?) to tackle intarsia for the first time. I have the Mission Falls yarn for the Kandinsky sweater all ready to go. I’ll do it whether there’s a Yarn Harlot Knitting Olympics or not, and I _am_ on Ravelry (though not often enough) but I’m too scared to join a team. (Team? With my first intarsia? Way too much pressure!) Do what you like! You’ve created so much good knitting karma lately, what with Sock Summit and all, that I can’t imagine the knitting Fates would mind if the Knitting Olympics went somewhere else this time.
    May your new year be filled with great yarn, great friends, great tea, great beer, and no new surprises in your foundation (either real or metaphorical).

  217. Well, I consider you a friend- did you know we talk about knitting all the time?- and I consider Ravelry fairly unnerving. So.
    You, however, are marvelously busy doing a great many knitting things. So.
    The Olympics were in Greece for the first series- hundreds of years. They were revived, and then sent around to various cities. They now need translators. They have medical care. It would seem to me, you would ask- is it still local to greek cities, or is it an international event?
    So.
    ari

  218. Sorry, too tired to read all 223 comments. I did read the first 30 or so. I’d have to say I agree with what I was seeing. You are overwhelmed with life. Let the Ravelry team do the heavy work. Create a Team Harlot. Joining Ravelry is much quicker these days and a great tool for the knitter who is utilizing the internet.

  219. Nothing is dumb here, and no effort is wasted. But if you have enough else to do, which I’m sure you do, you can sit comfortably with the knowledge you gave birth to the idea, and have now passed on its care to the Ravelry folks. Seems like a reasonable choice.
    I think people like to be connected to YOU and that’s why they like the idea of your blog as the hub of the Knitting Olympics. For those people, you could update your groovy certificate to say “2010” and call it good.

  220. my instinct (without first reading other posters’ comments and thereby becoming biased)is to say… let it go to Ravelry. you birthed the idea and (like everything else we give life to) it now takes on its own shape and form, finding its own lifepath out there in the wide world. which also leaves you free to “birth” the next great thing!

  221. Not to be vulgar here but for god’s sake you are the founder of the winter olympics. To quote Hellen Hunt in what women want “it’s your baby” You do with it what you want! Love the sweater and hope things are well!

  222. I discovered you and your Knitting Olympics when your crazy idea was making its way into the national/international press. I was so excited to take the news to my LYS and find out no one knew what I was talking about! We were too late to get on your official team list, but we had our own in Columbia, MO, including a formal awards ceremony with a decorated cake (interconnected yarn balls in the Olympic ring colors) and gold medals (brass washers on red twill tape). As I started thinking about the Vancouver Olympics, I decided that the Knitting Olympics is very different from the Ravelympics. Ravelry is wonderful – I, too, cannot imagine living without being able to talk/share with my friends across the state and country – but it’s a gated community. The Olympics don’t belong behind closed doors. Having said that, I think you have enough on your plate, YH, and do not need to handhold your little flowers of joy (LUV). Plus, too much has happened in the last four years. Some of it not so nice. I don’t think our online group can go back to those relatively innocent days of four years ago. So – I’ll cast on as the flame is lit – and stop when the flame is extinguished. And push myself to my knitterly limits in between. Thanks for the example and for keeping the flame alive during the interim years. Good luck on your Olympic challenge! (And the Bohus is stunning. Already.)

  223. Ok, so here’s the thing about Ravelry…it’s taken over. A lot of the knitting content on the web has suffered because so much of it has disappeared behind the required logon. For example – secret pal 15 is open for signups until January 18. I had to find it on Ravelry. I missed SP14 because I did what I always did – I watched the previous blog for info on signups for the next swap and nobody ever posted it there. It just disappeared into Ravelry and I wasn’t looking there. Ravelry is great and I love it, but it seems to have sucked some of the life out of the rest of the on-line knitting community. The thing is, I still hear, “Ravelry? What’s that?” more often than not when I’m talking to a flesh-and-blood knitter. It bothers me. A lot. Can you tell by the way I keep going on about it?

  224. I think it’s interesting how you’ve appeared self-conscious about your blogging, lately. It’s as if you’ve been hanging around with a bunch of teenagers.. 😉
    As for comments on how clever you are, I’d like to comment that yes, you’re very clever.
    Next time you’re frustrated about ripping out stranded knitting, it may help to remember how much easier it is to do it from the top down, than from the bottom up. Could be worse.

  225. I’m pretty sure a glass of Shiraz would go down alot quicker than an episode of Law & Order i this house. I could nearly go throught the whole damn bottle.

  226. Let the Olympics go. I’m sure you have other things on your plate that are more worthy of your attention. Though you should participate if you feel the urge.

  227. I’ll be your cheerleader whatever you do.
    Dang, now I’ll have to go knit myself some pom-poms!
    You can’t please everyone. Just do what you want.

  228. Many people like to sign up and have their names on teams, and making the online commitment seems to help them. Ravelry can handle that. Others would like to play but without the virtual paperwork; for them, maybe people’s own blogs and brief notes in the comments here would be enough.

  229. Beautiful sweater and inspiring colourwork. 2.5mm needles…meh.
    Uh, would it be possible to add a link to the previous Knitting Olympics to your next blog entry? I have to admit that i missed them the first time around and would just love to know what it’s all about. But, yeah, Jennifer (above) is so right…do what’s right for you.

  230. I think perhaps the Knitting Olympics were like a child you bore. You conceived them, you nurtured them, you minded them, you guided them, and now it is time for them to fly away into the wider world. You can be proud of them without having to run them.

  231. My personal, selfish preference? I’d like to see another Knitting Olympics on your blog. I was going to participate in 2006, but I wound up in the hospital, and the needles for my intended Olympic project were too, um, sharp too be allowed on the ward. (I was a new knitter back then and only owned two pairs of needles and a few balls of yarn.) So I’ve been waiting four years for the next Knitting Olympics.
    Really, though, I agree with the person who said to go with your gut feeling. If you really WANT to do it, even though you’re busy and wondering if it might be superfluous, then go for it. (I’m a currently unemployed librarian, so if you need volunteers to help organize data, I’m in. Wow, this is sad. In two paragraphs I’ve managed to broadcast that I’m unemployed and mentally ill.) If instead you’d breathe a sigh of relief letting the Olympics stay at a well-equipped “home” on Ravelry and maybe having a bit of spare time for yourself for the first time ever, then that’s the right choice. Do whatever makes you happy. That’s the most important thing. I don’t think any of us who like the idea of a Knitting Olympics in addition to a Ravelympics are trying to guilt you into anything, just letting you know that if it WOULD make you happy to do it, there are people who would appreciate it and not think it was pointless.

  232. First of all, Thank You so much for the first Knitting Olympics! It is so much fun to do.
    I say do whatever is most enjoyable for you.

  233. Oh, Stephanie! I’ve been looking forward to the knitting olympics since I became a knitter just a year and a half ago, and I’ve been training and getting ready (speed cabling is quite a thing), and now I feel as though Ravelry has just made everything to freaking complicated!!! PLEASE, do the knitting olympics on your site this year!

  234. Oooh, the sweater looks nice! I can’t wait to see more of it.
    And I’m currently enjoying lil’ needles right now. I’m making fair-isle gloves with 2.25mm needles, and I do agree with you that it is slower progress [for me since I never done this thing before], but you put more care into it.

  235. Sometimes, saying “No” or “I’ll pass this time” or “It will be fine on Ravelry, especially this moment in time in my life” is the best gift you can give yourself. And you know if yourself is in need of gifting…

  236. We all know where the Kntting Olympics started. You just started something that grew unbelievablely, and should be really proud! And the others are right: you’ve had a lot on your plate lately, so relax (well, as much as the tiny needled sweater will allow), join a team, and let it flow. BTW, tiny needled sweater that will take a long time, but be beautiful in the long run? You are the one that did the endless log cabin garter stitch afghan. That had to be tons harder – tediously boring, in fact. I did an afghan in garter stitched mitered squares, so I know. Would have tossed it and quit, except it was for my granddaughter and she knew about it.

  237. The Ravolympics is clearly there, and large…I think that someone who’s swamped might see it and say, “WOW! Am I ever glad that it moved on to Rav!” And feel a bit of regret that it has, with a bit of nostalgia for all the work last time…and LOTS AND LOTS of pride for coming up with the nutty, insane, wonder idea in the first place.
    And have you run across the knitsarina’s blog? She does lots and lots of bohuses…met her at knitting camp, check it out here:
    http://knitsarina.blogspot.com/2008/07/bohus-round-anyone.html

  238. I was going to comment that given the year that you’ve had, being able to outsource something may be a blessing. Then I see the comment that mine will go under and…well, that is a bummer.

  239. I would enjoy the Knitting Olympics if I were you. Post about your project and progress. But for goodness sake, maybe this isn’t the year for you to make lots of extra work for yourself. Unless, of course, you are being bribed with great yarns and other gifts from potential hosts….

  240. gosh has it really been four years!!!!
    I started reading your blog about that time and thought I wasn’t good enough as a knitter to compete, now I think I would love to try it …..I say bring it on! I check your blog much more than I go on ravelry anyway 🙂 .

  241. Well, an interesting question … that’s already been answered in spades by all the earlier commenters. But I’ll add my thoughts … 3.75 years ago, I found your blog and have been following and loving it ever since. And looking forward to my First Knitting Olympics. (I was one of the people who begged for a summer KO 2 years ago.) So I would LOVE it if you hosted one here. BUT … if you feel like it’s time for you to let this baby go, I’ll work on my KO project anyway (but probably not through Ravelry; a little bit “too” for me … I hardly ever even comment here!)
    Thanks for all you do!

  242. hmm, someone above said it well “since your writing began with ‘still swamped’…” I agree it seems Ravelry can have a lovely time with the cosmic idea for awhile. I’m sure you will, when the time is ripe, either replay or morph the effort into another shape. Seems ‘Wild Apples’ and loved ones are center stage. I do LOVE to knit on tiny needles, I can’t knit much for too long, but it makes my heart just sing.

  243. As previously mentioned, the Olympics move every four years for just the same reason.
    And I believe both Team Canada and Team Hopelessly Overcommitted have openings. 😎
    Or have a Team Harlot. Or Team Bohus.
    Now, if you find my knitting mojo off snowshoeing somewhere, please send it back home – I miss it. I haven’t picked up the needles in 3 weeks and my brain is mush and I have UFOs to finish and designs that want to be made….and no mojo.

  244. I Love that sweater! Shame I look horrid in green, good thing there are some gorgeous kits in blue eh? The real shame is that there’s no pricing on the site and I don’t want to email the woman in charge and find out they’re $4 million and change to purchase and ship. I love knitting with teeny tiny needles and feel weird when I have to knit with anything bigger than a size 5. As to the olympic question, I’m with just about everyone else, if you feel that you can do it without sacrificing too much of yourself than do it. If you can’t, ravelry sounds like a reasonable alternative for those that want to. You have to do whats right for you. We’ll all continue to support you whichever you choose.

  245. The real burning question is what will you be knitting during the Olympics? Here, there, doesn’t matter a bit. Knitting, it’s all about the knitting : D
    Love your bohus!

  246. Hi, I am Helen and live in TO and sometimes frequent your venues. I am 54 and I love your blog and your books. I have a 16 year old daughter because I arreanged my life differently than you did and I am very tired.
    I could not care less bout olympic type things, but I do think there is room for many different ways for people to celebrate and join in celebrating things that matter to them.
    You mother, wife, friend, cook, clean, hold-things-together-during-unbelievably-awful-major-home-repairs, knit, blog, write, travel to make speeches, invent sock summit(s) and I cannot believe how many other things.
    I have literally been oohing and ahhhhing in the same yarn stall as you a couple of times and did not want to invade your privacy. (it seems to me that you have none, but I am at least a generation removed so we may view things differently.)
    There is room for multiple plays/ploys/plies (nice, eh?) in the Olympics. You need to do whatever supports your income-earning books, speaches, patterns, what ever.
    Best wishes
    Helen

  247. seems that you already know the answer and that allowing for this kind of change is really healthy. If you have time to spare, I’d rather see how close to the million dollar mark the knitters without borders are getting. Peace!

  248. You’re totally welcome to join Team Blue Moon!! You probably have some of that STR stuff laying around…hehehehe!!!
    Regardless of which team you’re on, I just can’t wait to see what you come up with to challenge yourself with!!

  249. I think you should just relax and set up a team you want to be in and realise how grateful we all are to you for getting it all rolling, four years ago.

  250. I’d feel relieved I didn’t have to do all the work of hosting/running it, but it’s not really about what we would do, or what we want.
    I think the people who say things like, “I’d rather not go through Ravelry so I hope you do it too,” don’t have a clue how much work they’re asking you (and all your volunteers) to do on their behalf. It’s a little thoughtless, imo. I know you don’t look at it that way, it’s just a pet peeve of mine: people who want others to do HUGE endeavors without considering what they’re actually asking. This is not something that eats up a few hours a week!

  251. You know, I’m actually a wee bit pee’d off that the Ravelympics are happening this year as well as during the Summer Olympics (I’m sure you’re not nearly as precious about the whole thing as I am). Although it was fun to do, it never had the same nobility or challenge of the original: there were people who had their first WIP finished (and thus their first medal won) about 10 minutes after the torch was lit. That’s not a challenge!
    I really hope you can do it – I’ve been looking forward to this for the past three years. Doing the Ravelympics in Winter just won’t be the same.

  252. That said, it’s your decision; goodness knows you have a whole bundle on your plate as it is. I’m just bummed I missed the amazing event that was the 2006 event.
    Best wishes to you and yours.

  253. For me the Knitting Olympics will always be linked with you dear Stephanie. I still cerish the cardigan I knit for my son during the first knitting olympics. My first ever knitted garment and I managed to finish it on time. Hugs.

  254. I didn’t get to participate last time but I read all about it here as it happened. I thought it was wonderful. I have to agree with Rachel H. This is the cozy home for it, and I’ll report my progress here!

  255. The Universe is supporting you in this. You started a great thing; now you can enjoy the fruits of your labours. Let yourself have the time and space to recharge. You have become a point person, and your fresh perspectives and imaginative ideas are what we love about you. We’ll happily share your experiences as you participate; you don’t have to run the show. Remember your post about change? If you have the least bit of controlling tendencies, you will be frustrated by the huge beast that the knitting olympics has become. I say let it go off on its own and live its own life.

  256. What Barbara M said.
    plus: you don’t have to do everything, take a break, if you need to.
    I shall, whatever happens, be attempting to knit a pair of socks as my “event”. I only got into knitting socks because of you.

  257. Plus, the Knitting Olympics will always be your baby, you don’t have to wipe its nose for that to be true.

  258. Oh, once again coming into the office, having a fairly stressful morning, opening your blog… I found myself laughing out loud. Yoda Knitter.hehehehehe..(My son has just engaged into becaomeing a full fledged star wars geek)…
    Umm…I knit fairly loosely, but I like my knitted fabric dens(er than the usual), so I always end up using much smaller needles than suggested. My standard sweater-knitting needles are 3mm.(Also I’ve been known to knit big shawls (500 and some stitches) on straight needles-just for fun)…
    Lovely sweater, makes me want to make my own (aside from the mile long queue I already have)
    As for the Olympic question… Though I am a lifetime knitter, I was not around the computer, and on the net, the last time it happened, and I was kind of looking forward to it…
    I love Ravelry, I am not intimated by it, and if you don’t host one, I will be happy to participate there.
    All I can do here is to echo what others said. You have to do what you have to do. If you feel, teh baby has grown up, and you have to let it go, then do… If you are not ready, then I bet a lot of us will be happy to join you…BUT I would be much happy having you around in your blog, and maybe joining teh YH team on Rav, than not having the joy to read your posts…
    From what I know of you, I trust you are wise enough to make the best decision.

  259. You have created life! It’s like the whole ‘Kinearing’ thing and having your three girls…you started it but now it’s off on it’s own. Join in and take it as an opportunity to relax, take part, relieve yourself of responsibility but have the statisfaction of knowing “I made this happen…”

  260. I appreciate how, despite the very involved/challenging/changing life you are leading at the moment, you not only take time to show us a lovely creation in the making (colourwork – I will tackle you in small, baby bite size bits next year) but to ask what we’d like to do for an event. I say, enjoy your event’s growth and development over at Rav where, as you say, the set up is a pretty sweet fit, and make your life easier.

  261. Move on to creating a new bold plan. The knitting Olympics are here to stay and no one will forget that it came from you.

  262. Aren’t you tired? (That’s a rhetorical question. No need to answer–you’ve got enough on your plate.) I don’t even know you and it seems you have enough demands on your time without adding another (whose need has been met somewhere else). Ellen, who posted earlier, said it best: “Sometimes, saying ‘No’…is the best gift you can give yourself. And you know if yourself is in need of gifting…”
    Go. Get some rest. Recoup and recharge.

  263. I second the many comments that you have enough on your plate — let the Olympics play out on Ravelry. I loved the original Knitting Olympics four years ago, my first of many many lace projects. We all know who started the Knitting Olympics….now you can sit back, join in and let others do the work!

  264. I think I may have to try one of those kits. I love the way yours is turning out.
    About the Knitting Olympics – I think it’s always gratifying when something you’ve started takes on a life of its own and evolves naturally. It seems to me that it’s a validation that it was a really cool idea. 😀

  265. I agree with those who have said go with your gut. I hope you’ll be able to find a way to do no more or less than you feel inspired to do. I’d like to join a Yarn Harlot Olympic team on Ravelry, or maybe there’s something else small you’d like to do that would dovetail with the larger Ravelry hoo-ha. My LYS is organizing a Knitting Olympics – with the “start and finish one challenging project” but also with speed knitting competitions and other events.
    Thank you for the drive-by blogging updates. I enjoy all your posts of whatever length.

  266. The first Knitting Olympics was special. We’ll never recapture that moment in time. I do think you should be captain of the Canadian team over on Ravelry though.
    I’m currently working on a XXL woman’s sweater using 3.25mm needles. I love the fabric it makes and it’s making me think a bohus would be doable. But seriously, such a small needle? I didn’t think the yarn would be THAT fine. Rethinking again…
    The results are stunning though.

  267. That sweater is GORGEOUS. I’m not sure I could do a sweater on such tiny needles though – I think I’m not quite “there” in my knitting prowess yet.

  268. What Karen said. Imagine it’s March, and you didn’t do a Knitting Olympics. How do you feel about it then?
    And if you do go with a Rav team, perhaps it should be “The Blog” (the YH Blog?).
    I’m just loving watching this sweater-the colors and patterns are so beautiful (especially with the snowy outdoor scenery so black/white/grey). And just when I thought I’d slaked the lust for colorwork with a sweater in November!

  269. If you have enough to do and it seems to have taken on a life of it’s own let it go.
    Re the small needle thing that’s my preferred sweater knitting mode. You get something with a finer hand and drape that does not make you look like a house (chunky knit sweaters begone) I just wish more was designed using finer yarns.

  270. Okay, here’s my two cents on the Olympics issue.
    I really, really loved being part of the Knitting Olympics four years ago. I still have my certificate hanging on my wall!
    It seems like your putting on a whole thing separate from what’s going on on Ravelry would be un-organic somehow; and it would require way more work on your part than is really necessary. I think you should definitely have a team (or be the captain of a team) over there, and you could include links on the blog over to those. I’m also thinking about the Tour de Fleece & how that really took off this year–all those groups on Ravelry! It was fun, if a little overwhelming. 🙂
    The risk, of course, is that there might be people who want to do the Olympics but aren’t on Ravelry…? or maybe that some of your readers aren’t knitters and won’t be able to get over there…?
    In the end, though, I think letting it happen the way it’s already happening is the way to go. You gave birth to this idea, gave it lots of your energy, got other people excited about it, and now it’s moving into another stage all on its own. It’s time to let it be what it is. (Yoda on parenting?)
    Beautiful sweater!

  271. What Genevieve and so many others said. I’d love to see your Olympic team tracking its progress here while the Ravs do the heavy lifting for the millions.
    Your Bohus is beautiful! I love everything you write, but I love most of all the posts where you are enmeshed in an actual knitting project, especially one that’s still a bit beyond my reach.

  272. Personally? I think you should let Ravelry host its Olympics – but, with a twist. One of my favourite things about watching the Olympics is the commentary – and I think you could do that here, if Ravelry would let you (and why not?). ‘Here, we have one of the finest new knitters, who currently writes her charming Blog X. She is attempting a particularly ambitious Y. Here, we have an update on the awe-inspiring Project Z, attempted by this stalwart of the knitting community in an attempt to face his own personal knitting demons. Knitters, watch this space!’. It could be funny, supportive, wise, personal – all the things we know and love from your blog and books, and more than anything educational. (I do appreciate, however, that it wouldn’t be no work).

  273. I think that Ravelry is now the appropriate place for the knitting Olympics since it’s going to be HUGE. Have a Team Harlot if people are into that, but give yourself a break and let other people carry the load.

  274. please please do knitting olympics (if your to busy then ignore the next bit)- i missed the olympics 4 years ago but i have just gone to uni and have converted all my friends who now all read your blog and it would be so cool and i would make a cardi which would rock because all i ever make is socks and im goin to teach my m8s to make socks for olympics and you rock and it would be so cool. ok, moment of madness over, wild apples is very pretty x

  275. I’m not competing as I competed 4 years ago because deadlines are my worst enemy.
    If I had to choose though, I would go with the original rather than a spin-off from the original. Just keep the original simple… less work.

  276. Well, I don’t have enough time (or money) to go out and buy all the supplies necessary for the yarn I would need to make a sweater or something big and challenging to do during the Olympics, whether or not it’s here. I have some stashed yarn, yes, but I’m not sure I want those particular projects to be quickly knit up… I think I’m skipping out on it and knitting along slowly on whatever I’m doing at the time. 🙂

  277. I fell in love with tiny needles when I bought an addi turbo lace needle from Lettuce Knit and produced a a pair of socks using Tina’s STR Lettuce Knit colourway. I’ve never looked back. Bring on the tiny needle projects. I am ordering a Bohus kit. I’ve never done an inch of colour work or stranded knitting in my life, but the colours are calling to me. I may LOOK at the kit for a long time before starting to knit it. It may end up as part of my SABLE-I don’t care. At least I’ll have your pictures and blogs to which to refer should I ever get around to the actual knitting. At my knitting speed, the most I could contribute to a Knitting Olympics would be a pair of socks-bring on the Rocking Sock Club World Domination tour. Also, bring on the shiraz (someone also mentioned malbec). Cheers and red wine, Hazel.

  278. Yes, it’s okay to give the Olympics to Ravelry. (Pass the baton?)
    Even Olympic-caliber athletes have to sit out the competition in a wheelchair sometimes. They don’t like it but it doesn’t keep the whole team off the field.
    I am particularly glad for the insight into knitting Bohus. I’m not ready.

  279. Leave it on Ravelry. Groups have been forming for at least several months or longer, and I think you would be duplicating, and then you and Ravelry wouldn’t match, and then people would be mad. (you know how people can be when they are stressed out after 17 days of knitting a hard project at top speed)
    But I do suggest you start a Yarn Harlot Ravelympics group for your fans. It would be great to have you update there (not that you don’t have enough to do with blog and twitter and books).
    This would be a great nostaglia moment for those of us who participated the last time.

  280. A person can get spread too thin. For me it’s better to do a few things very well rather than try to do everything poorly.

  281. The sweater is beautiful and if knitting one on such small needles, floats your boat, knit on.
    The Knitting Olympics was a great idea and I can see how it would be a huge amount of work for you. Let it continue on Ravelry and maybe you can just play along without all the work this time. More fun, less stress.

  282. As an original participant (although I didn’t make it out of preliminary rounds and therefore failed to get a medal) I remember all of the work you put into the event and all of the additional stress it caused. My inclination would be to let Ravelry hold the official site – and create a TeamHarlot site somewhere with one very important requirement to be a member – a donation of $5 to Knitters W/O Borders.

  283. I totally agree with all the beautiful sweater comments. I also agree with you about knitting them on smaller needles. I did a sweater like that (which used different weight yarns for the color work) and I love that sweater. Don’t fear the little needles, should be part of Yoda’s mantra.
    Sometimes it’s good to get things started and let it grow and move out of the house and get on with life (with you cheering it on).

  284. There’s a reason the Olympics move around from country to country. They were in Yarn Harlot land four years ago (is that “Harlotdonia?”). This round they’ll be hosted by Ravelry. In four years … All we know is that Chicago won’t get them in 2016. Sigh.

  285. Look at it this way: you did the r & d, and have passed execution on to Ravelry.
    Gives your r & d team room to think up something completely different…

  286. First off, beautiful knittng.
    I like Ravelry. I’d just rather do the Olympics here. Last time I was too shy and my challenge was too basic – learn to knit, which I did – but I’d like to earn the medal now. Selfish of me.

  287. That is a beautiful sweater – thank you for sharing it with everyone. I agree with the people who prefer fine needles – much easier on the hands than really huge ones. I’m currently makeing a mans gansey in fine yarn, on 2.25 needles – its a great project,easy on the hands, and looks impressive. maybe I’ll try a Bohus design next – ps does it involve (eek!)steeking?

  288. Oh, Bohus… I’m not jedi enough (yet) for one of those.
    As to the Olympics, personally, I plan to start something in conjunction with the opening ceremonies, finish it (hopefully) by the closing, and feel great about it if I manage it (and even if I don’t). Likely without the hoopla of groups, internet, or other input, though I may observe it from time to time.
    Sounds like you’ve had a lot going on, and you should do what works for you. If you run one, I’m sure I’ll be writing in for my medal once I finish, but really, wasn’t the original idea about a personal challenge? I’m not sure why it’s turned into such a massive internet blow-out in the knitting community.

  289. The last paragraph says it all. Go get your breeches and climb aboard the horse, she’s already out in the paddock. 🙂
    And enjoy just being a knitter maybe? One among many and very welcome. I’ll be cheering you all on.

  290. Beautiful start to your bohus! Thanks for sharing those photos. I’ve been reading all (well almost all) the posts and wavering… yes, go with your gut… I would attempt to join if you ran KO and will try to watch on Ravelry. I liked the way you encouraged knitters to go for a personal challenge and personal best last time. But you have had QUITE the busy year so I also support the idea of letting it go to Ravelry and spending time updating Knitters without Borders instead (karmic gifts or not). On the other hand the Olympics actually are in Canada this time, and may not be again for a long long time… See? Still wavering…. Thank you for everything you have done for we knitters this year and past years.

  291. The horse not only is out of the barn, but it’s in the next state. Relax and enjoy watching your idea give pleasure to so many without you having to lift a finger. (You can, however, lift a glass…or two or three.)

  292. I think they should create the country of Harlotstan just for you that exists only during the Ravelympics in honor of your creating the challenge. My sweater from 2006 still is worn proudly.
    Go Team Wales!

  293. You will always be the knitting olympics founder but in the words of Bowie:
    Ch CH CH CHANGES… if Ravelry already has a plan, then let them roll with it; & you can place your focus where you feel most needed.

  294. I’m an athletic supporter(!), not a participant in both the Olympics and knitting Olypics. Give yourself a break and enjoy somebody else doing the work!
    Wow–you get some mean comments. I’m sorry about that. I’m glad the positive outweigh the mean spirited.

  295. I think the knitting olympics will happen if you do nothing. I think most of us here are hoping that you will participate and cheer and blog. Should you personally put thousands and thousands of names on one list for us to browse through? Please, no. I can’t imagine there would be less participants than last time.
    Perhaps you could set aside one blog post for people who aren’t participating on ravelry to put their project and links into the comments section, rather than re-posting all that information yourself. The only prize for a gold medal should be, well, a gold medal. I had a lot of fun in the 1st knitting olympics and I’m looking forward to the 2nd Winter Knitting Olympics this year and already have my eye on my Ravelry team!

  296. I’m delurking to add my two cents. As a member of the knitting community who is not on ravelry, I was looking forward to your yarn olympics, especially since I had just learned to knit four years ago and didn’t compete. That being said, if it adds stress to your life or feels redundant or inorganic to you, then I’d say let ravelry carry the torch (as they say :)) If that’s the route you choose, perhaps you could give us updates on your project and your team and readers could chime in our their progress?

  297. What I have been reading in your blog in past few weeks is that you are exhausted and overwhelmed. Last year, I was exhausted and overwhelmed but kept going because I felt guilty not doing so and other people were counting on me and what I was doing seemed really fun. But the result was that I ended up herniating a couple of disks, which forced me to sit still for about 6 months(smart body!) But, it still impairs my life and I wish I hadn’t let myself get so exhausted and overwhelmed. Not that that will happen to you, but I’m just saying, that’s what happened to me.
    If your desire to run the Olympics is anything other than the fact that you have plenty of extra time to do it and it would make you really happy, then I would walk away from it if I were you. Captain a Ravelry team, blog about it, but until your tweets stop being about how tired you are, probably, in my humble opinion without knowing you or anything, you should slow down a little and not bite off more than you can chew comfortably.

  298. I would much rather have your Knitting Olymics (the one, true KO!) because I have not gotten sucked into the b/l/a/c/k/ h/o/l/e/ borg of Ravelry, and I’d have nowhere to play. Last time I was on a trip to Thailand, and took two big balls of sock yarn and a tiny US#3 circular, and came back with a huge modular scarf and two days to spare. I wonder what I can concoct this time?

  299. I knit a Bohus once. You’re right. It’s Very Yoda. Now you make me want to knit another. Like I don’t have enough to do. Thanks for that. 🙂
    Since you are so busy (“Still Swamped”), I suggest letting Ravelry take over the Olympics. Compete, and perhaps run a Team Harlot (with a group and message board?) for all your loyal readers. You really don’t need the stress of doing it from scratch, and like others have said, it’ll always be yours, whether you run it or not.

  300. I think the sign of a true leader and innovator is one who can implement an idea and then joyously stand back and watch it grow as others contribute their talents to the cause.

  301. I say choose whatever gives you more knitting time; plus, people who want to comment here about what they’re knitting for the Olympics are going to do so anyway, even if the bigger party is on Ravelry.

  302. As much as I’d love to participate in Knitting Olympics, I’ll be doing
    Lambing Olympics this year. We have nine pregnant ewes who are due to deliver starting Valentine’s Day. So I’m going to try to be reasonable here, and If I Do Anything Whatsoever, it’ll probably be a hat or mittens. Or maybe I’ll finish my Christmas knitting.
    As for you, Dear Harlot, weren’t you just saying that you have a lot going on with your family right now? You will always be the originator of this brilliant idea. I’m sure there are Ravelers who will be more than happy to take the torch & carry on.

  303. Maybe, as The Founder, you could give an opening comment/post/blog? Sort of like being the Grand Marshal of the Rose Parade. The parade may have different types of floats and bands and what not every year, but it’s gotta have a Grand Marshal.
    :)K

  304. All the comments regarding “go with your gut”, “think of it as a child going out into the world”, and “Team Harlot on Ravelry” are dittoed by me. I also have had personal experience with an idea that I’ve had going viral and having very mixed feelings about it.
    The comment I liked best was from Joanie at 6:34 pm regarding “competition is better on Rav, but the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, the commentary, the backstory, and the athletes’ personal profiles work well here”.
    It doesn’t have to be an all or nothing thing. Maybe you can let go of the busy work parts you don’t enjoy as much and only do the parts you love. Or maybe you love the busy work. We just want to play along with you, not make more work for you.

  305. I love the idea of doing the Olympics on Ravelry. I am all about keeping it simple and being kind enough to yourself by releasing unnecessary burdens. Let it go and watch it fly.

  306. I say let Ravelry spread the workload between moderators. The organization of it is already in full swing. If you really want to be part of organizing it then maybe start your own Ravelympics team over on Ravelry. or… just find a team(s) to join and an event(s) to do and join in on the fun.
    I love that you started this four years ago… but I do think Ravelry is a better fit for the organization of it.
    By the way your Wild Apple already fits into the WIP-Dancing event… and yes, there is a Bohus team…

  307. I’ll be disappointed if the Knitting Olympics only happens on Ravelry, because Ravelry is just kind of a big clique. I’m not a fan of cliques, and I wrote Ravelry off a while ago.
    I don’t even bother trying to follow Ravelry links anymore — I got really tired of seeing a message that basically said “you’re not one of Us and even if you were you’d have to be logged in to see this top secret picture of a sweater.” Bleh.

  308. Are you one who starts things? Or are you one who continues things? They are rarely the same person. I know if I had to slog on year in and year out with something I started years ago I’d want to step in front of the bus. But that’s me. However, you’ll have this same question with the next Sock Summit, etc. You are starting so many wonderful things that you can’t possibly continue all of them along forever. You’ll die of exhaustion–or never write again and we wouldn’t want that. Choose the ones you really want to continue and let the others go.

  309. For myself, I can have all the Yarn Harlotty fun of the Knitting Olympics by reading your blog posts about your own adventure. Let Rav handle the rest. Really, do you want to be constantly updating spreadsheets with the names of thousands and thousands of knitters? (Remember that? Remember?) Besides, you can’t beat the Bob pin they came up with last time for finishers…

  310. Is the Bowie reference to “Changes” or “Heroes” – ’cause I have both songs in my head now. And did Rams mean to channel Dr. Who or does she just like to use French phrases now and then? So many questions. Why is that Bo person such a beeyatch? Harlot rules.

  311. I enjoy your blog so much, would hate to see your time taken up by the Knitting Olympics when a Ravelry GRoup is doing the same. I would be great if you joined the fun there and let us hear about what you are doing to celebrate the Olympics here on your blog. Just keep knitting, sharing it with your fans, and letting us all see a little bit of our knitterly selves in your blog and books.

  312. If something is a great idea, it will take on a life of its own and just keep on going, despite us and because of us.
    My suggestion is that you sit back and enjoy your Bohus (lucky duck!), let Ravelry host the event, and pick something impossible to knit for the ‘Lympics so we’ll have something to read about while we’re working on our own crazy project.

  313. Wow! There’s a lot of love out there for you! I’m in Hell, MI….I will be watching the Winter Olympics and want you to know that I will be knitting right along. Only doing socks as I am really new to this Knitting thingy. I admire your tenacity, your love of life and your ability to call a skein a skein and your incredible sense of humor!

  314. That sweater looks wonderful — the colors are almost enough to make me forget the needle size. Almost.
    I’d love to do an olympics here, but seriously, if you are swamped, we don’t want to tire you out running it. A tired Yarnharlot is not a good thing.
    And I’ve now found some new TV shows for you that work while knitting — A-Team and Baa Baa Black Sheep! They’re mindless fun, and the plots don’t distract from concentrating on charts.

  315. Now that I have read many of these comments, and actually looked at the Ravelympics group on Ravelry, I have to say that no way will I post to that particular forum, nor read it! Waaay too much going on! I have joined 2 Ravelry teams, and will check in on what people are doing in those 2 wee groups, but for overall coverage, inspiration and encouragement, I would love to just check in here and see what you and yours are doing. If you have a longer lead time, you can get names up like you did before, and the fact that I am on Team Cardigan (though knitting socks) won’t stop me from being on Team Canada as well.
    I really enjoyed doing this 4 years ago — I was on Team Canada, but was living in Cambridge UK and on their local team as well, and there was a school break at that time so I did some of my knitting in Paris! Great all around!

  316. Totally not a dumb sentence. I love it.
    And I’m with the group that thinks the Ravelympics are the way to go. Less work for you, and better facilities to showcase what everyone is doing. I nominate you as some kind of Ravelympics official, though . . . an honorary something, where you’ll be able to be applauded for coming up with this idea in the first place. :o)
    I wonder what text-based applause looks like . . .

  317. bi-craftual? you just crack me up!! I love that.
    When I started to read “how clever I am to notice now that the barn door’s been open for a while” I thought you were saying you just noticed that your fly was open! lol That’s what we say in Connecticut (well my family, at least).

  318. Love the sweater.
    Lose the stress. You have a full plate. Let someone else organize it.
    But I do hope to see you compete for the Canadian team. I wonder if they have a Southern California team where we can knit bikinis or something more suitable for our 75F weather? OK, today might only hit 67F at the beach. Brrr.
    I have cable. You can sit on our couch in Redondo Beach and knit with me.

  319. Stephanie:
    Don’t give one misguided individual the nanosecond of attention they so obviously crave. They don’t speak for me or mine.
    Although I’d miss this blog terribly, (I don’t tweet and Ravelry overwhelms),do what’s right for you and yours. Your true friends – both close and in the virtual world – will understand. Take care.

  320. I must be al least Comment # 894………
    Steph, I haven’t read all the comments, but even 100 or so in it begins to look like all of your little flowers want you to be happy, healthy and enjoying your life and your family. Is this a surprise? The consensus seems to be that you had the idea, birthed it, nurtured it, and now it’s let-go time as it goes out into the world (aka ravelry). It would be really nice if ravelry would acknowledge your invention, but this might not happen, and so be it. Back up a little and do more of the thing that started everything – your blog, the books, the calendar, all your KALs, etc. And that would be knitting. Do enough of it to feel that your equilibrium and well-being is being comfortably restored, and you can be the mellow person you want to be. You owe nothing to anyone but your family, AFTER yourself. This can be a big responsibility, too. But don’t take on anything that will endanger the pleasure that your family gives to YOU. Your gals will be gone one day, and then you can re-arrange your priorities if you so choose.
    This is the pot calling the kettle black, as it were. I continually have to take a time-out to review all the things I’m involved in – antique dealer, tax preparer, grandparent, traveler, reader, knitter, Indian Studies at college, plus more – stop one or two of them, say “NO” once or twice, and take a deep breath. My son says my motor is always running and my speeds are sleep and full speed ahead. He reminds me to slow down once in a while – it helps, if however briefly. I will be 73 this year….
    Cour-age, mon petite!

  321. As Yoda might advise, “to your heart listen”. (Or something like that.)
    I only hope that people remember that YOU are the Pierre de Coubertin of the modern Knitting Olympics movement.

  322. You know, if you still love the Knitting Olympics and are too overwhelmed to participate this year yourself, I bet someone here would volunteer to run 2010’s for you. Then, if you want to give it up entirely, port it to Ravelry. Ravelry members will be discussing it there regardless.
    I consider ravelympics a great offshoot, but I heart the shiny gold medal you sported on your blog! 🙂
    I have never participated in the K.O., but the medal makes me want to. I especially loved how you were in line at the bank that day and the teller was calling it crazy that people would do that.

  323. You were the founder (the I.O.C. of the Knitting Olympics, so to speak), but you have enough on your plate.
    Let Rav do it. As you said, they seem to be set up for it. Plus, even if you DO do it, the groups will form on Rav anyway!

  324. “Wild Apples” will be the sweater I make when I grow up into a Real Knitter. I love it, I’ve lusted after it for years now… and I’m so happy to see someone else who likes it too. Someday…

  325. Someone looked at a SIZE 8 circular needle that I was using and asked how I could use such small needles. Some people don’t get the zen. 2.5mm needles rock, especially if you are using Knitpicks which you introduced me to via your blog.

  326. I think it’s totally fine to let Ravelry “take it over”. It seems very huge now and frankly kind of a beast to manage. I would like to suggest a Yarn Harlot team. Hope all is well, and I appreciate your continued blogging and humor even though things are a bit tough for you and yours right now.

  327. Do whatever YOU like. Just because you started the Knitting Olympics does not mean you entered into a lifelong commitment to keep it going. If it pleases you to hand it over to enthusiastic Ravelry members then so be it.

  328. I say you keep doing what you need to do in your life and let the olympics begin at Ravelry. It sounds like you have enough on your plate as it is without adding another stressor. After all, isn’t that what knitting is for–drinking wine an de-stressing. BTW, it was 10 degrees in Memphis this a.m. so I can only imagine what temps you are used to–brrrrr! Have a grand weekend.

  329. Hope the Bowie you’re hearing isn’t “Scary Monsters”. My 19 y/o dug it out of the vintage vinyl collection in the garage. Awesome album when I was in my 20s, now I don’t care for it so much…

  330. Everything that Nancy says, above, a few comments ago, seems to sum up the situation. You are tired and overwhelmed by stuff just now, and maybe for some time. Do go with your gut feeling and let go, just for now. You have nothing to prove to your little swamp flowers; we love you and want you to do what’s best for your equilibrium, health and stamina. By the way, that was a long and entertaining drive-by post!

  331. I really enjoyed the Winter Knitting Olympics when you started them, but I also enjoyed the Ravellympics in the Summer. It sounds like you’ve made a decision already but my 2 cents is this: you had an awesome idea and gave it to the world (of knitters/crocheters) and now it’s on it’s own in the world (on Ravellry).
    I think maybe you should be the Canadian Team captain on the Ravellympics…

  332. Firstly: you are not crazy. I have two sock-weight sweaters on the go, right now (a Honeybee cardigan and a yoke pulli) and several in my past. I think teeny-needle sweaters are fantastic and look great and that those of us who take them on are a breed unto our own. Also, I do make bread from scratch, at least some of the time, and is it crazy that I want to take up cheese-making?
    Secondly: I think that Ravelympics certainly has a life of its own, but that doesn’t mean that we wouldn’t follow you, Steph, wherever you lead us.

  333. I didn’t participate in the prior Knitting Olympics because I couldn’t decide what to knit in a timely manner. Since I have about a month to think about it, I think I can join the activity this go-round. I will happily be part of whichever venture you choose to do, because I can’t imagine it being a proper Knitting Olympics (under whatever name) without the involvement of the founder.
    Do what makes you happy.

  334. I hate, that like so many things, the Knitting Olymoics that was born and raised here has been usurped by “the corporate world”. It is kind of like packaged cookies instead of homemade, a family dinner in a huge restaurant, store-bought socks . . .this is getting painful. If the Knitting Olympics (and they will not be the same on Ravelry) move, perhaps something new and equally creative and bonding and fun can be born here this year. I was struck by your closing remarks on decision making as I wrote a blog post myself yesterday on that very process. I don’t know that it is particularly profound, but know that you are not alone in the task of making decisions. It might be worth the time to read it. Whatever you decide, you have support here.
    Kris

  335. It seems to me that you might have forgotten all the angst, stress, etc., that you went through that first year. I know it was fun, and people really liked it, but do you *really* need the stress? I’m thinking of it kind of like kids. You have them, you raise them, and they go away and have their own kids. You get to play with the new kids, but without all the stress from the original. My vote – let it live on in Ravelry, and go play with it on special occasions.

  336. Let Ravelry take on your baby and run with it. You are definitely the founder of the Knitting Olympics. Take joy in this thing that you have created. Sometimes we do have to stop and realize that we have taken on too much.
    But as other have said we will always read and hope for another Sock Summit in 2010. 🙂

  337. And I’m already planning the colours for some knitted swamp flowers, probably mossy greens and bloods with a zing of chartreuse, maybe on a felted bag. Perhaps it will be my Olympics project. Thankyou rams.

  338. I have not read the posts so these are my thoughts, not influenced by others.
    To me, the Knitting Olymics will always be the child of the Yarn Harlot. You were the North Star for 16 days. Knitters everywhere were clanking needles, scrutinizing patterns, winding yarn and shouting their favorite four-letter words when things didn’t go quite as planned. Yet, there was a calm as we hunkered down with our challenges and pushed ahead. There wasn’t much talking yet we knew that we were not alone. There was a feel in the air as I knew that countless other knitters were sitting on their couches, feet curled up, and moving needles at lightening speed. That’s solidarity…that’s ethereal.
    However, Miss Yarn Harlot, you are a mother, wife, friend, sister, author, and knitter. If your plate is full, it’s OK to say “no”. Or, find a comrade willing to do the dirty work for you:-)

  339. Funny, as I was just looking through my archives and came upon the Knitting Olympics post and wondered if you were doing it again.
    I don’t spend a lot of time over at Ravelry, just pattern searching, I don’t have time for forums etc. But I would play no matter what. You do what feels right for you.

  340. I think you are right – Ravelry is the place for it. You birthed it, and its grown up and moved away from home. That’s a good thing. You can be the proud parent who no longer has to drive the child to piano lessons, but instead can hear her perform at Carnegie Hall.

  341. I really, really, really understand about your being swamped. I’m in the midst of co-chairing 2 informational fairs taking place on 2/26 and 3/1 in 2 separate locations and have only 1 person working with me. I have been looking forward to doing the Knitting Olympics with you since I missed it the last time around (very new knitter and didn’t know about it)though, and understand that it would make for more work.
    One way or another I’ll participate, but would rater participate with you. I love Ravelry, but sometimes it just gets too busy over there for me.

  342. It sounds like the most graceful option is also the one that doesn’t involve taking on more work. This is a win-win situation!

  343. Obscure Bowie reference: Up the hill backwards, it’ll be OK. In other words – it might be harder than it should be, but you’ll make it. Hang in there – I’m right there with you.

  344. I thought you said that you were not going to “fill” your plate this year. Leave some room on this years plate, in case of an emergency.

  345. Personally I’ve joined Ravelry but it really doesn’t inspire me… YOU DO!
    I totally overestimated what I could achieve at the first Knitting Olympics…. and have been waiting for this one, going to aim much lower this time…
    I remember how much organisation there was for you and would hate to put you through that. But can we be Team Harlot in here, and just leave you comments to let you know how we are doing? Your cheerleading is very much appreciated. Maybe I can get that aran cardigan out I started it in 2005, meant to finish it for the last olympics…. completely messed up a sleeve and stuffed it back in the bag… I peer in at it nervously now and then…. it hasn’t peered back at me yet.

  346. putting my 2cents worth in again, take time to be with those you love, Joe, the girls, your mom and sisters, dad, brothers. You need to spend time at home resting your psyche.You wore yourself out, rest and let it go, like someone else said it will there in 4 years.Sit in the tub , have a glass of wine and relax. Last year you really took on alot.We’ll still be here your faithful readers .Wishing the best for you. Kris

  347. Good heavens! I should think knitting a Bohus sweater would occupy all your spare time and then some! You need more? Not to mention whatever “it” is you’ve just gone through. Were it me, this current project would probably go the way of my last sock – frogged because I was too stressed to concentrate, and Nutkin is certainly not a hard pattern, but by the time you’ve had to tear back about every third row…
    Not to change the subject but in re: this same sweater, I’m eager to see if all those little balls of yarn are for one sweater or two. Still looking for the red and orange, purple or whatever it was in those little balls on your windowsill.

  348. Throwing in my change with the rabble, let it go. Rest, recuperate, rejuvenate. Join in on the fun, without the pain-inducing, crazy-making organization obligations. (Dig my crazy alliterations!)

  349. Olympics moved beyond Greece.
    Races moved beyond running.
    Knitting Olympics can move beyond YH, the Enabler, star commentator would be valued.
    I’m with Karen at 5.26
    One of your many ‘little flowers of joy’ – though the ‘little’ could do some exercise to be smaller.

  350. Knitting Olympics, with no need for effort from you?
    Sounds like a WIN to me. Doncha think?
    Hope the rest of your life is easing up. Thinking of you.

  351. Wild Apples is lovely…and having knit a sweater on needles that small (albeit for a much smaller person that myself) I agree that it is fun, and very cathartic. Nice work.
    As my Mother used to say (and everyone else’s I’m sure) “If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it”. Ravelymics is already up and working, and though you were (and always will be) the original founder of The Knitting Olympics…it’s a lot less work for you to just participate in Ravelympics rather than re-invent the wheel on your blow in…oh, 30 or so days. So pick your poison…”Sock Challenge” or “Insane Lady Knitting Full Sized Sweater on Tiny Needles Challenge”?

  352. the Olympics was something to be enjoyed, was it not? Doesn’t sound like you would really enjoy being the boss of this one. Does sound like you should join the Canada team or the Beer Drinkers team as a contestant and knit say… a bohus for Joe??? Have fun for a change and let someone else do the work!

  353. I was contemplating a Ravelympics post last night and was going to write the Yarnharlot founded Knitting Olympics has morphed into…but then I couldn’t remember if you were the founder or not, since I’ve never actually participated or even really read much about it.
    I’m relieved to find I didn’t hallucinate that knitting fact.
    I think perhaps you could use the time to simply be, and knit, on your own.
    Have you checked out that Ravelympics? It’s insane!
    I’m on a team and I have no clue what I am even doing — my project I know, but I mean the registering, the posting, the points. It’s a big mess of incomplete information -0- or else, so much information I don’t have time to scroll through a bajillion posts.
    Lady. You do not want to take that on!
    I don’t know how much beer/wine that would entail. But I have a feeling it would not be worth it in the end.
    Your baby has gone forth and multiplied beyond all expectation. I think it would be easier just to meet for drinks than to host a family dinner at this point!
    ;-D

  354. While I did partake in the Ravelympics 2 years ago (because it was new and shiny and I was swept up in the moment), I was eagerly waiting for the ‘real’ Knitting Olympics where I’d get my real Yarn Harlot medal.
    But I understand when you’re this swamped you might want to let it go. I’ll be a little sad, but as I’m visiting Vancouver during the Olympics this year I’ll soldier on bravely!

  355. I my humble opinion is that anything that gets you out of entering yet more data in Excel spreadsheets is a good thing.

  356. Save yourself for Sock Summit II on the East Coast. (No pressure, now. Just sayin’) Or a book of Travel Survival Tips. Or just essays while traveling. Any new books in the future?

  357. I’d rather do the KO with the YH, but I also think you should do what makes you happy. You can’t take care of those you love if you don’t take care of yourself first.

  358. Ravelympics is practically already set up. I mean, Casey knows what to do, right? Why not just start a team over there and let your peeps join in? You can design (or have a design made) your own medal for people on your team, separate from the Rav medals.
    I’m not saying I didn’t enjoy your Olympics (and to be honest, I think you pretty much started it). I’m just saying that it’s already started over at Rav, and uh, there’s only one Mt. Olympus.

  359. I like to knit with fine yarn on small needles, too, but everybody keeps telling me how stupid doing that is.
    I usually do it anyway.

  360. First the Bohus is lovely as you well know. Have yet to take the plunge myself but someday…
    Knitting Olympic has morphed to Ravelympics and I’m fine with that (kind of). I did like the simplicity of your Knitting Olympics. No teams, no events, just pick a project and knit. Watching the games was an integral part of your vision. Get a medal from Yarn Harlot if you succeeded in finishing by the time the flame went out was all the prize we needed. (Not that I blog or even “won” a medal.) But just as there is no such thing as a true amateur in the Olympics anymore, there may no longer be a simple Knitting Olympics.
    Moaning over. Do what fits best into your life now not four years ago. Hugs and Happy Knitting, Alice

  361. I think the idea of starting a Team Harlot on Ravelry and to be a member you need to make a donation to knitters without borders is brilliant. You can always post about how your team is doing without making yourself crazy. Family comes first.

  362. Please do the Knitting Olympics via your website. Not every knitter I know who reads your blog is on Ravelry. Nor do they want to be, for various reasons. Besides. You can add the words “The Original” to your Olympics, even if there are others.

  363. I understand if you are too swamped as I’m the other one co-chairing informational fairs with Vange (several posts earlier).

  364. I, too, have read but not commented before. You inspire me! I’ve just begun my first attempt at learning colorwork, and I don’t think I’d have gotten up the nerve without you and this wonderful community you’ve created. Thank you, and a joyous New Year of knitting.

  365. I’ve been waiting for your Knitting Olympics. Last time I knit a vest and I finally moved far enough north that I can wear it and not be too hot. :-)Please do your Olympics again!

  366. I liked the way you and your helpers handled the Knitting Olympics 4 years ago. Kat created the list of all of the teams and it was very easy to join the one or ones that interested each of us. Not everyone belongs to Ravelry and I have a harder time on that site as it is so big and vast. But, I am not your boss and you are the one who needs to decide if you have the time and energy that it will require. Do what you want to do.

  367. Have fun with it, and let Ravelry take the organisational strain? Sounds as if you have more than enough to be getting on with at the moment!

  368. Have fun with it, and let Ravelry take the organisational strain? Sounds as if you have more than enough to be getting on with at the moment!

  369. I agree, your Knitting Olympics seem to have evolved into a Ravelry project. It’s something to be proud of, but don’t waste your time and energy duplicating it.
    As far as the Bohus sweaters, it wouldn’t be the tiny needles freaking me out, it would be the steeking. I’ve never steeked for the same reason that I’ve never felted–the idea of spending all that time knitting something and then deliberately destroying it sends cold chills up my spine.

  370. Why don’t you take this time to take care of yourself. With all of the stressors you’ve had over this past year it’s important for you to put yourself at the top of the “important” list. As others have suggested let Ravelry carry on your tradition. Join a team. It would be fun to have you participate as a team member (although with your knitting expertise you’ll embarrass us all!)and just be a regular “Joe”.

  371. I loved the Knitting Olympics when I participated four years ago. There was something magical about the whole experience – picking a team, working towards a goal, enduring the chuckles which slowly turned into interest and eventually support from my family and work colleagues and friends, seeing the write-ups in the papers, etc etc. It felt like we were all entangled in one big wooly adventure. But times have changed for all of us I’m sure. So know that you started something amazing, decide to do what’s best for you at this moment in time, and feel good about whatever you decide. Clearly, you’ll get tons of support whichever way you go. As for me, personally, I’m happy to have participated in the 1st Knitting Olympics and would love to be on your team whether it be Knitting Olympics 2 or Ravelry. It’s all good!

  372. I echo Linda M at the top’s suggestion on letting the Knitting Olympics happen with your participation but not necessarily you in charge. Why do the work when you don’t have to?
    Remember, you are not alone in liking knitting on sweaters on small needles.

  373. “Things change, ideas shift, grow and move, or they wouldn’t be ideas, they’d be statues”. The first time I read the sentence, I read the last word as “statutes” and I thought it was brilliant and funny. Then I read the next sentence(That’s a really dumb sentence.). Finally I went back, reread, and saw what you actually had typed. At any rate it gave me my chuckle for the day and I really think that “statutes” might fit. Cheers and red wine, Hazel.
    P.S. Olympics? Do what YOU want to do.We can whine a lot, but when push comes to shove, it’s your call. Do what’s right for you. We won’t hold it against you. Hugs.

  374. Ravelry or here – we’re with you. We want life to be fun for you – it’s already fun for us, having you here. 🙂

  375. Can’t read all the posts, but offer one of the gifts of my adult life: loving and caring for people includes yourself. You also get to have time to let new thoughts percolate, new family issues settle, adjust to a newly heated home (I do fondly hope). Let others who need to do more pick up the ball and run–it is good for them, for you, and you can enjoy dreaming up a new idea, or not. Your Bohus sweater is absolutely gorgeous. Itty bitty needles make the best sweaters, most wearable, longest lasting, most flexible, best detailed! And with the most thoughts between the stitches. Thank you for sharing such glory.

  376. I agree with other posters that if you want to do it, you should. I would love to join it again.
    And I also agree with the others who are drooling over your Wild Apples — GORGEOUS!!

  377. I haven’t read all the comments, but I am noting that there are over 400 of them. Allowing for conversations, and the fact that not everyone posting would join the KO, you could still expect a very large number of contestants if you launched it here, because almost everyone would rather do this that the Ravelympics, although happy with Rav if you don’t. I just mention this because your blog is much more widely read (and loved) that 4 years ago, so the KO would likely be a significantly bigger job. I know you’ve probably already thought of this, but just in case not….
    Scanning the comments, I get the sense that we are all pretty much on the same side: no one wants you to take on something that would exhaust you, or stop you from writing or having time with your family or sleeping, ever. So go with your heart.

  378. I think you have enough in your life to be dealing with right now. Ravelympics will still give people their competitive knitterly fun, which you can take part in without it taking over what time you have at the moment. Be kind to yourself – you’ve done plenty for all of us lately, and I (among many) probably don’t think to thank you often enough for it.
    Enjoy your wild apples – it’s beautiful and the slower progress can be really calming too.

  379. With Ravelry, you can enjoy all the fun stuff about Olympic knitting without any of the stress of planning anything. Sounds like a win to me! I haven’t participated before but it’s got me thinking about a little stash busting marathon instead of something big.I have a lot of babies to knit for right now and hats have been on my mind a lot too, so to speak.

  380. Keep us posted on the Olympics but let it go. Life sounds busy enough. Maybe a team for Tricoteuse Sans Frontieres and those who participate make a contribution?? Knit something for charity as their goal?? Just a thought…
    Great sweater.
    Yes, the process. Just had a long talk with a friend who was about to embark on mega-afghan with crappy yarn that in swatch was driving her crazy. Convinced her to switch and be happier in the process of knitting it.

  381. A couple of things. I wait patiently for your posts. The thing I noticed, with you and others whose lives get the better of them sometimes and they declare “don’t look for me daily” that all of a sudden your posts come more regularly. Weird – eh? It’s almost by giving permission to yourself to ease up, you’re okay, and all is fine with the blog!
    Re: Knitting Olympics. Why wouldn’t you let it live it’s life in Ravelry? I agree – knitting seems winter olympics friendlier. But I had to chuckle that you’d even consider it, when but on Christmas Eve you told us your life needed you in it? Have some Merlot and let the Ravelry take over.
    How’s that?

  382. Hi Yarn Harlot!
    I love the blog, and I love your spirit, but I have to say that I would support you choosing not to parody the Olympics this year because of the negative affects that the Olympics have on Canada. More information is at this website (www.no2010.com), but the gist of why the Olympics is a farce is below:
    10 Reasons to Resist 2010
    1. Colonialism & Fascism
    The modern Olympics have a long history of racism, from its early founding members (i.e., Pierre de Coubertin, a French Baron who advocated sports as a means of strengthening colonialism) to recent IOC presidents. The 1936 Berlin Olympics empowered Hitler’s Nazi regime. Both the 1988 Seoul and 2008 Beijing Summer Games helped legitimize authoritarian regimes in Asia. The 1968 Mexico City Olympics (where over 300 student protesters were massacred by soldiers, days before the Olympics began) also helped legitimize state terror. IOC President Avery Brundage, an infamous US racist and Nazi sympathizer, didn’t even acknowledge the massacre. But when two Black US athletes raised their fists in a Black power salute on the medal podium, he had them immediately stripped of their medals and ejected from the Games! Another well-known fascist IOC president was Juan Antonio Samaranch (IOC president from 1980-2001), a former government official in Franco’s fascist regime in Spain.
    2. No Olympics on Stolen Land
    BC remains largely unceded and non-surrendered Indigenous territories. According to Canadian law, BC has neither the legal nor moral right to exist, let alone claim land and govern over Native peoples. Despite this, and a fraudulent treaty process now underway, the government continues to sell, lease and ‘develop’ Native land for the benefit of corporations, including mining, logging, oil & gas, and ski resorts. Meanwhile, Indigenous peoples suffer the highest rates of poverty, unemployment, imprisonment, police violence, disease, suicides, etc.
    3. Ecological Destruction
    Despite claims to be the “greenest Olympics” ever, and PR statements about ‘sustainability’, the 2010 Olympics will be among the most environmentally destructive in history, with tens of thousands of trees cut down & mountainsides blasted for Olympic venues in the Callaghan Valley (near Whistler) & the Sea-to-Sky Highway expansion. In the summer of 2007, a record number of black bears were hit on the Sea-to-Sky Highway, with at least 11 dying (attributed to loss of habitat). Massive amounts of concrete used in construction have also caused millions of Salmon to die in the Fraser River, where tons of gravel are being mined to make concrete.
    4. Homelessness
    Since winning the 2010 Winter Games in 2003, Vancouver has lost over 850 units of low-income housing; during the same period, homelessness has increased from 1,000 to over 2,500. It is estimated by 2010, the number of homeless may be as high as 6,000. Since the 1980s, Olympic Games have caused the displacement of over 2 million people (Fair Play for Housing Rights report, 2007). In Seoul 1988, some 750,000 poor were displaced, in Atlanta 1996, over 30,000, and for Beijing in 2008, an estimated 1.5 million have been displaced. Yet still today Olympic officials talk about ‘sustainability’ and ‘Olympic legacies’!
    5. Criminalization of the Poor
    To ‘clean out’ the poor and undesirables, Olympic host cities routinely begin a campaign to criminalize the poor. In Vancouver, the city has launched Project Civil City and new by-laws to criminalize begging for money, sleeping outdoors, etc. It has also included hundreds of thousands of dollars for increased private security (i.e., the Downtown Ambassadors). New garbage canisters on streets make it more difficult for the poor to gather recyclables, and new benches make it impossible to lay down. These measures fit with government plans to remove poor downtown residents to mental institutions, “detox centers” on former military bases, and the ‘fly-back’ scheme by police to return persons wanted on warrants in other provinces. This is nothing less than a process of social cleansing!
    6. Impact on Women
    Events such as the Olympics draw hundreds of thousands of spectators and cause large increases in prostitution and trafficking of women. In Vancouver, over 68 women are missing and/or murdered. Many were Native, and many were reportedly involved in the sex trade. In 2007, the trial of William Pickton occurred for six of these murders, and he is to be tried for an additional 20 more. In northern BC, over 30 young women, mostly Native, are missing and/or murdered along Highway 16. The 2010 Olympics and its invasion of tourists and corporations will only increase this violence against women.
    7. 2010 Police State
    Some 12,500 police, military and security personnel are to be deployed for 2010, including Emergency Response Teams, riot cops, helicopters, armoured vehicles, etc. The RCMP plan on erecting 40 km of crowd-control fencing along with CCTV video surveillance cameras. Special security zones will be established to control entry near Olympic venues. For 3 weeks, Vancouver will be an occupied Police State! And once the Olympics are over, there is no guarantee many of these security measures will not remain (i.e., CCTV).
    Repression also involves attacks on anti-Olympic groups & individuals, including arrests of protesters, raids of offices, surveillance, media smear campaigns, cuts to funding programs, etc., all in an effort to undermine anti-2010 resistance. This repression has already been used against anti-poverty & housing groups, environmentalists and Natives, in Vancouver.
    8. Public Debt
    VANOC and government officials claim the 2010 Games will cost some $2 billion. However, this amount doesn’t include the Sea-to-Sky Highway expansion, the Canada Line Skytrain to the airport, the Vancouver Convention Center, or the lower mainland Gateway Project. Including these costs, since they were necessary to win the bid and had to be completed by 2010, makes the true cost of the Games some $6 billion, which must be paid for through public debt, money that could’ve been spent on social services, housing, drug treatment, healthcare, etc.
    9. Olympic Corruption
    The modern Olympics are well known for their corruption, including both top IOC officials involved in bribery scandals (i.e. Salt Lake City 2002) or athletes found to be using performance-enhancing drugs (such as steroids). Yet the IOC still claims the youth need an inspiration and a “model” of good sportsmanship! Despite published reports of bribery scandals involving IOC members and host cities (i.e., The New Lords of the Rings, by Andrew Jennings), the Olympics continue to be seen as an honorable & noble enterprise, thanks to the corporate media.
    10. Corporate Invasion
    Government’s and business use the Olympics as a means to attract corporate investment. In BC, the Liberal government has ‘streamlined’ application processes, cut taxes, and offered other incentives to increase certain industries such as mining, oil & gas drilling, and ski resorts. This includes large increases in transport systems, including new ports, bridges, expanded highways & rail-lines. This is all part of their Investment to 2010 Strategy. The results have been dramatic, record-breaking increases in these industries, resulting in greater environmental destruction and more corporate power & influence over our daily lives.
    Many of the main corporate sponsors of the Olympics are themselves responsible for massive ecological destruction and human rights violations, including McDonalds, Coca-Cola, Petro-Canada, TransCanada, Dow, Teck Cominco, etc., while others are major arms manufacturers (General Electric & General Motors).

  383. First of all, you rock!
    There is a new thread on Ravelympics forum saluting you for creating the knitting olympics in the first place. Join in the fun, and give yourself a break. You did so much this last year, so you have a right to sit back and watch your baby stand on it’s own.
    Thanks for everything.

  384. I think you should give yourself a break and let those on Ravelry arrange the Winter Olympics. Then you can just join it and enjoy it. You do plenty, plenty for us all!

  385. Steph…maybe this is God’s (or the Universe’s way) of giving you “permission” to not do Knitting Olympics. Sometimes, we need a nudge to give things up. Take the move as a gift of wonderful breathing space…and for heaven’s sake, don’t do what I do and go find something else to fill the void. Let yourself be a bit. No doubt you’ll come up with something even more awesome that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to do.

  386. You are Xerox. Or Kleenex. Or Scotch Tape. Or Velcro.
    The idea of Knitting Olympics came out of your brain. I was not part of the knitting blogosphere during the Turin Games, although I was a knitter at that point. I did not participate in the Ravelympics in 2008 for various and assorted reasons.
    I eagerly await the announcement of your decision on this issue. I’ve been waffling on my participation in the Ravelympics pending some kind of announcement from the “3M” of the concept (3M makes Scotch Tape). Please don’t take that as pressure. I just prefer to defer my final decision until I have all available information 🙂

  387. Thanks to Evelyn for the mention of the pin! (I was the illustrator.) If you do end up doing it, I volunteer my services to make you a really kick-ass badge.

  388. No, no, no, no, no!
    You MUST run the knitting olympics! You simply must! I’ve been waiting for two years to compete!
    And it’s clearly all about me!
    (kidding)

  389. I think you can be proud of the fact that your fabulous idea has grown up and beyond your blog and into the knit-o-sphere in general. And then you can sit back, have a beer, plan a kick ass project, and look forward to not moderating it all by yourself. Your idea has grown, darling–you must be so pleased.

  390. this would be comment # 2 from me. I’m still on with the if you’re too busy/swamped let it go but I have to admit I didn’t clue in last time and I was looking forward to it and you are the connection. So, want to be the captain of Team Harlot? too big?
    Team Canada? still too big? Team Toronto? It’s all up to you and I’m sure we’ll all have fun and get into it however it works. So hmmm socks from the toe up? socks with pattern work? both? Viper pilots? hmmmmm

  391. I am a member of Ravelry and several groups there, though I rarely if ever participate. I’m not overwhelmed really, just don’t have the time that others do to post.
    I started knitting because of you, and participated in the first onlympics doing my first non-scarf project. I had so much fun and my family asked me constantly how it was going and cheered me on. My husband recently asked if I was going to do it again.
    I am. Like so many others I’ll cast on at opening and hopefully cast off at closing ceremonies. I’ll continue to read your blog, but don’t need my name to be added to a spreadsheet to participate with you. If it feels right, let Ravelry handle all the hoopla. Blog what you are doing and we’ll occasionally comment our progress and those on Ravelry will do the official teaming thing. Enjoy the process of the Knitting Olympics without the headaches.
    I’ve been stuck on socks forever now, so I think I’ll try a cardigan or maybe a sweater. Or maybe I’ll make my new granddaughter to be a sweater or blankie with colorwork. Not sure which project yet, but I will indeed be participating in the Yarn Harlot Knitting Olympics, whether its via spreadsheet or just knowing that you are knitting away furiously on a project that challenges you, just as I am. It the spirit of the thing. Thank you Stephanie.

  392. I agree with some of the posts. You shouldn’t borrow trouble. You have done so much in the knitting community in the last year, sit back and watch your ideas grow in that community for a while. I like to think I’m a knitting flower that you have cultivated with your awesome blog and never ending support that I can drink and knit at the same time.
    I did the Ravelympics and they were fun. I wasn’t a knitter the last winter games but I did hear about knitting olympics in my local paper. It was huge I’m told. It’s one of the reasons I started to read your blog.
    I would gladly trade knitting olympics for awesome posts on this blog during the games. I can’t wait until that beautiful sweater is finished. Personally, I like color work because no matter how small the needle, you always feel like you are getting somewhere when a row is finished. One step closer to seeing the whole pattern. Good luck on whatever you decide this year!

  393. Just want to say I am in awe of your ability to say things that really matter – reading your new year’s eve post was just perfect. Thank you, thank you, for being so honest.

  394. Sounds to me like you were 90% the way down the path when you wrote the post.
    You seem, at this distance through the ether, that you know what time it is.
    As a pupil of Yoda, you already know the path. 😉

  395. The Knitting Olympics baby you gave birth to has grown up, and you’re the proud mother. Time for you to relax and enjoy the fun and not have to worry about all the hassle of running the thing. I have been reading the thread on Ravelry where people are getting on the bandwagon to persuade you to light the Ravelympics torch. It may be too complicated to actually broadcast the event (webcam or whatever), as some are suggesting, but you should at least do so in spirit. Thank you for launching this wonderful, crazy madness!

  396. Just so you know, the Claire who posted on 1/7/10 at 6:14 p.m. is not the same Claire who posted on 1/9/10 at 1:12.

  397. I vote go with your gut too! I heard about you from the Knitting Olympics last time so didn’t participate and have been looking forward to this one. We could have a team Harlot via Ravelry then we can enjoy your baby but you don’t have to do the work.

  398. It is so nice and very flattering to see one of your ideas/projects grow, mature and change. Though, sometimes, we might have an inkling of “Hey, that was my idea first!” Let it go! Set it free! Let others run it. Then you can free up your time and peace of mind to be creative again with new ideas. Occasionally, one can get bogged down with one project and have new, great ideas that we don’t have time to nuture, because we are still maintaining the original one.

  399. The Tour de France Knitalong successfully transferred to Ravelry last year. No-one was able to take on the work of co-ordinating the original blog based version, so it would not have continued otherwise.
    Lots of former and new participants still wanted it to happen and could all contribute a little. Ravelry allowed for a collaborative structure and the shared version worked well. It was a much smaller set up (one group and team threads) but still fun for everyone.
    I am both grateful to the originators of the Knitalong and pleased that a good idea has taken on a life of its own.
    Let the Ravelympics help you get some more of your own life back!

  400. The Wild Apples Sweater is gorgeous. I’m sure you have enough on your plate without adding Olympics. Whether you are participating on Ravelry or here or not at all we will all be rooting for you.
    I love your writing style because there is always a line or two that really makes me laugh and nod in agreement. In this one it was about Tracy and Law and Order. Thanks for sharing your life with us and making me feel like I am not the only crazy knitter out there. 🙂

  401. I began my knitting career during your 2006 Knitting Olympics. They, and you, will always hold a special place in my heart and fiber history.
    But … I recall some mad crazy-busy woman that had holes in her house whose life was filled with businesses and adventures and family and things that take an inordinate amount of time to accomplish. I think this woman could take a break and enjoy the Ravelympics, knowing that her original brainchild has morphed into that site, where she can participate, but doesn’t have to lead the charge.
    Since you asked.

  402. I’m sure you don’t need my opinion, I’ve only been knitting for little more than two years.
    That said, I’d like to share my appreciation to you for your love of all things yarny and the people who go with it. (Your One Row Handspun Scarf pattern was my first official project for myself.)
    After reading many of the comments that have gone before, it’s obvious that you can choose what you want to do with a clear conscience.
    Blessings,
    Donna

  403. Doing the Olympics again sounds like a great idea and it is obvious that many would join in.

  404. Barn door. Horse. I think you’ve got it. Life in 2010 can be simpler.
    Give yourself permission to let go. You are in my prayers.

  405. The Knitting Olympics is happening at my house, and a group of us are gearing up for the torch. I will never watch the winter games without a knitting challenge in hand. Your initiative and creativity in 2006 is all I need. Thank you!
    We’ll take care of getting our own medals.

  406. The Knitting Olympics is happening at my house, and a group of us are gearing up for the torch. I will never watch the winter games without a knitting challenge in hand. Your initiative and creativity in 2006 is all I need. Thank you!
    We’ll take care of getting our own medals.

  407. Agreed… Let it go. You have birthed a wonderful thing, and it has found its home. You give so much of yourself, including the olympics concept. Simplicity is a good thing to pursue in ’10, and I’d suggest that, well, this is a nice way to start the quest that results in a win-win-win for all involved. It’s ok – give yourself permission!

  408. I agree with Cheryl about your birthing the knitting olympics. I will add that in your fine tradition of mothering, you have now loved them, wrapped them up warm, and sent them out into the big world under your caring eye. These olympics were your baby- be proud and watch them grow!

  409. I don’t like the Ravelympics. I think it’s a jolly free-for-all and if it makes some people happy that’s fine, but I don’t like that people can join any old team they want and put many or few projects on their list.
    I like the idea of a cozy list of folks in a smaller venue.
    If you’re swamped, don’t do it. The Ravelympics are still there for us. If you want to do it and need help, give a holler.

  410. We’ll whole-heartedly support you in the decision that is best for you and your oh-so-full life. Why? Because we’re crazy about you.

  411. I think that horse may have indeed wandered over to Ravelry. No need to rustle it back, because you have plenty on your plate it seems. Thanks for reminding me the baby shower for my impending niece was 4 years ago–the start of your Knitting Olympics and my first shawl. Good memories, but we’ve all moved on.

  412. I don’t know. It’s such a Yarn Harlot thing. Nice and cozy. Unless it’s too much for you. It was so much fun with you and you had such a nice certificate to print out and all. I vote Yarn Harlot!

  413. I think that the idea of the Knitting Olympics moving to Ravelry is a testimant to how great the idea was and how strongly people want to be a part of it. As with all truely good ideas, they grow until they almost take on a life of their own. You will always be the founder and master of ceremonies! It’s okay to let Ravelry do the heavy lifting.

  414. I like your simpler Knitting Olympics,too. I’m not a member of Ravelry and I would guess there are others like me. As Mary Erdman said, ‘It’s such a Yarn Harlot thing. Nice and cozy.’
    But I don’t want you to do it if it entails extra work for you. You have enough on your plate.
    (How’s that for wishy-washy?)
    A big hurray for the Winter Olympics!

  415. I know I have been accused of living in a cage, but really…I didn’t know that the Knitting Olympics weren’t going to take place until I just read your posts today. I am a wee bit sad, because quite frankly, the Knitting Olympics was where I first learned to stretch my knitting skills…I think I’d only been knitting a few months when you had the KOs and I knit a cat bed. It was all new to me — moebius, knitting in the round, and felting. This year, I’m not sure what I was planning on doing, but I guess it doesn’t matter, because it’s not being held. Don’t get me wrong — the Ravelympics are a great idea, but it’s kind of like butter and margarine…and I prefer butter.
    Signed, Pouting in Pennsylvania

  416. The way that I see it, Knitting Olympics was your idea. You made it happen, and a great deal of a lot of fun (and cursing too) is rightfully laid at your door. That said, Ravelry really is a good forum for the Knitting Olympics to take place.
    I think ideas are a bit like children. Once you let them loose in the wild you can’t really control their fates. You could decide to take this any number of ways — you could choose to be annoyed that your really clever idea has been railroaded, or you could decide to be honored and proud that so many people think that you are so clever. Or, well, you could be both, because both are completely valid responses.
    In any case, no matter what you do, there will be people happily knitting during the Olympics and posting about it on Ravelry. I will myself — but I certainly won’t forget where the idea came from.
    At the end of the day, I just hope that you are alright about this, and can feel some of that pride, without too much of the perfectly natural, “HEY!” that might be lurking in there with it.

  417. I’ve been reading your blog for several years — at least four, because I did your first round of Knitting Olympics — and this is my first comment evar.
    But I wanted to say, this next round of Knitting Olympics is something I’ve been looking forward for at least two years. So whether you do it formally or not, I’ll be doing it on my own and attributing the idea to you. 🙂

  418. There is another blog I read Confessions of a Pioneer Woman. She is having a give away where 2 people will have $500 donated to the charity of their choice helping in Haiti, also for everyone who comments on her blog she will donate 10 cents divided among the top three charities, it looks like Doctors without borders will be one of them. If anyone is interested in helping on her site too here is the link. http://thepioneerwoman.com/blog/2010/01/a_different_kind_of_giveaway/comment-page-477/#comment-721223
    now I”m off to see how much I can afford to donate

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