Needles Raised

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So here we are, poised on the edge of greatness. Thanks to the monumental efforts of S.Kate, Emma, Kat and Ken (Really, I swear that I didn’t think this would take 5 people to manage) the list is pretty up to date. We currently sit at almost 4000 knitters with more coming.

I think we have added everyone who got their names in before the cutoff, and because we are nice (and crazy about knitters) we have kept adding as we can manage and I’ll continue to do that, as knitting and working allows. (Speaking of that, if you’d like a chance to hear a speech I haven’t written yet and get me to sign a book, I’ll be talking, signing and knitting (Hardangervidda) at the Tacoma Sheraton at 7:30 tonight. C’mon down. Show me your Olympic stuff.

Kat has brilliantly created an Olympic frappr map for all of us to use. If you like, take a minute and we’ll paint a picture of knitting olympians all over the globe. (That aughta scare a few non-knitters.)

Today, thousands of knitters stand sit poised to knit their way to greatness. For most of us, this is a close as we are going to come to they Olympics…Welcome to knitting as a personal sport.

A sport is defined as a physically and mentally challenging activity carried out wit a recreational purpose for competition, for self-enjoyment, to attain excellence, for the development of a skill or for some combination of these traits.

Today at 2pm, (your local time, wherever you may be) or while you watch the Olympic flame being lit in Torino these thousands of sporting knitters will all lift their needles and begin a personal epic, an odyssey of excellence, and a phenomenal period of sixteen whole days in which they will strive to improve themselves as knitters, however they personally define it. These knitters, having created their own challenges, pay tribute to the real athletes who (inexplicably) find their greatness in ways other than those of wool.

It is my greatest pleasure to imagine a wave of energy released at that time, streaming through the world, rushing poignantly from the needles of women and men of excellence paying homage to the old and mighty idea of challenge elevating the human spirit.

It is not whether you fail or knit. It is not whether you get a sweater or you simply learn what wonder you can achieve when you think about knitting for sixteen days. It is the magic of the combined effort of thousands of knitters all making the smallest of movements with their hands, adding up to the greatest epic of craftspeople all knitting for one goal, at one time, ever known.

(Cue the music…)

The Knitting Olympics Athletes Pledge

I, a knitter of able hands and quick wits, to hereby swear that over the course of these Olympics I will uphold the highest standard of knitterly excellence.

I will be deft of hand and sure of pattern, I will overcome troubles of yarn overs and misplaced decreases. I will use the gifts of intelligence and persistence (as well as caffeine and chocolate) and I will execute my art to the highest form, carrying with me the hope for excellence known to every knitter.

I strive to win. To do my best, and to approach the needles with my own best effort in mind, without comparing myself to my fellow knitters, for they have challenges unique to them.

While I engage in this pursuit of excellence and my own personal, individual best, I also swear that I will continue to engage with my family in conversation, care for my pets, speak kindly with those who would ask me to do something other than knit, and above all, above every stitch thrown or picked, above every cable, every heel stitch, every change of colour, I swear this:

That I will remember that this is not the real Olympics, that I’m supposed to be having fun and that my happiness and self-worth ride not on my success….

but on my trying.

Let the games begin!

344 thoughts on “Needles Raised”

  3. Lovely pledge! I will have to keep it in mind while I’m trying to make small talk at this huge family gathering tomorrow night. (And no, they won’t let me knit during the party.)

  8. Thank you – thank you – thank you for those kind words of encouragement. I was starting to freak out at the challenge of completing Bobblicious in 16 days!! What was I thinking? I’ll be lucky to make a proper bobble in that time. I wasn’t sure if I would be “banned” from your site for not finishing. Whew – I feel SO MUCH better now!
    LIGHT THAT TORCH – BABY!

  10. LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!!! And a heartfelt thanks to you, S.Kate, Emma and Ken for all your hard work in getting the names listed and making this (probably) fun filled 16 days happen.

  12. Bring on the flame! Let the KNITTING BEGIN! Thanks for all your efforts and good luck with your knitting! 😀

  14. OMG I’m in with an early comment. I’ve had to explain to 15 people here at the office why there’s a big ball of brown-grey yarn with two knitting needles sitting on my desk. Just waiting for 2 p.m. cause casting on is all I’ll have time for this afternoon, but tonight honey, I’ll be knitting (and possibly cursing/drinking Merlot) up a storm!

  17. Can I join the Knitting Olympics? Thanks! If not, I’ll be an armchair warrior.
    KB knitting a pair of felted clogs for her husband

  18. Thanks to everyone for their hard work. What a neat feeling to be part of a worldwide community of knitters, all wishing to better themselves and their craft. Good luck to all the participants….let the games begin!

  19. Yay! So well written, Stephanie, and as always so funny too! I’ve been telling my family and friends about this – that I’m in the Knitting Olympics – and they all look at me as if at last I’ve gone totally over the edge of sanity. They may be plotting an intervention as we speak. Thanks for organizing this and thanks to all of your helpers too. It WILL be fun!

  20. to the athletes: you guys all seriously rock my behind. hard. i adore each and every one of you! KNIT ON!!
    to stephanie: thanks for dreaming up what has become such a monumental, worldwide effort. for the next 16 days and beyond, we’re all sisters and brothers in this effort. how freakin cool is that??! AWESOME!!
    a*

  21. I know it’s too late but we really got inspired at my office today because we’re getting a new logo so I’m going to design and knit a wallhanging. Never created a pattern before so that’s my challenge. Knitting it will be the easy part.

  22. With my silly vision, I thought I had only SIX days and was thinking, boy, this will be a sprint! With SIXTEEN, I can actually rip a bit. Whew.
    Love the pledge. Love the sentiment. But, what about Nancy Bush?????

  23. Lunch hour has been pushed back to 2 PM in honor of the occasion, and tonight will be spent in front of the TV, knitting and watching the Opening Ceremonies, while chatting on IM with a fellow Knathlete. Fun, but also a potential recipe for disaster. We will proceed with caution.
    Thanks, Steph. This is probably the most fun I’ve had thus far as a knitter. Of course, in 15 more days, I will be cursing you, but know that I do it with love.
    And my boyfriend thanks you for the caveat requiring that I speak to him.

  24. I wanted to give you a late notice that I decided to join in on the Knitting Olympics!
    I am going to knit a Jayne Cobb hat from the telivsion show Firefly!
    Here is a pic http://www.bookish.dk/images/jaynehat.jpg
    Here is more information on it http://dryope.typepad.com/superfly/jayne_cobb_hat/
    For Firefly and Serenity fans it is a huge deal. I have never knitted a hat before and I thought now was the time to start. I have the confidence in myself and my best friend is proud of me.
    I knitted my first project for him and he has seen my knitting grow into something more. I will send you pictures of the finished product.
    Thanks and good luck!
    Namaste,
    Lisa the Diva
    send me an e-mail to alter me on information concerning the K.O. and how I receive my gold metal if I finish.

  27. Woo-hoo! The knitters are ready to take over the world!
    I will be casting on at 2pm, joining my daughter in front of our new Wallace & Gromit DVD. (Me and Gromit, always with the knitting.)

  28. Thanks for the pledge, Steph. I will try to remember that it’s supposed to be fun. And I made an “olympic flame” button. Oh, and also a “team martini” button because it’s just so ME.
    Good luck!

  29. Glorious and inspiring. I wish I’d brought my project to work so I could cast on right at 2pm. Oh well, the Olympic flame awaits tonight!
    (Wish I could hear your unwritten speech – it will be great!)

  30. I was just thinking what am I doing with my 2 yr old? Wallace and Gromit, I wonder if I can get to Target before 2? He liked that movie in the theatre.
    GOOD LUCK LADIES

  33. Thank you Stephanie, S.Kate, Emma, Kat and Ken! It’s awsome to think about all the beautiful knits that will be created over the next couple of weeks.

  34. The map thing was AMAZING!!! I am a complete spectator but am so excited to see all of you experience the thrill of victory!

  36. TACOMA–city of my childhood. If you can, zip over to Point Defiance Park while you’re there. It’s the second largest city park in the nation, after New York’s Central Park, and I guarantee you’ll see not just a live fern, but real, actual, live flowers. The big benefit to living in the Northwest is that we have no true winter, but it still gets cool enough to wear wool sweaters.

  37. YIKES! I mean yay! The Games are on!
    Ruth, bless her heart, talked me out of utter insanity and into a baby sweater. And she is hosting an event on Sunday. She is clearly destined for Olympic glory.

  39. Thank you Stephanie and others whose dedication to Knitting Excellence and Fellowship have created these Olympic games. My personal event will begin until after 5pm PST, due to the fact that I am not currently allowed to knit while at work, but at 2 o’clock I will certainly take a moment to visualize my needles, my yarn, my pattern, and all my fellow knitters as they cast on and begin their journeys!

  40. The number of knitters competing in the Knitting Olympics is a tribute to the Yarn Harlot, this and many other blogs and lovers of all things wooly the world over!I am leaving work (I really am sick) BUT am not/never too sick to KNIT! Let the games begin.

  41. Thank you so much for bringing us all together. It’s a rare quality, indeed, to have the thought of this lovely event, and then – like some kind of hero – to make it happen (many of us would’ve thrown in the towel well before ONE thousand names!). Thank you for looking out for us with your link to tips for good hand health, and for this post today for good relationship/mental health! Cheers!!!

  42. How awesome is this event! I have told a number of friends who all think I am crazy, and even woke up the folks at my LYS who had not heard of the knitting olympics.
    On to the start line… flex those fingers… deep breaths… we can do it! The crowd goes wild cheering for Stephanie, S.Kate, Emma, Kat and Ken as they enter the stadium followed by over 4,000 of the knit world’s most dedicated athletes.
    Let the games begin!

  43. Whee! Go Team Canada! said the girl in red and white Team Canada yoga pants. (I just feel more patriotic in red and white, don’tchaknow.)

  44. I, Amy of Amy – either Samus or some lace project on the knitting Olympics page, have decided that the project is Samus.
    Thank you so much for doing this – Stephanie, S.Kate, Emma, Kat, and Ken! You are truly a group to be in awe of.

  46. Getting my couch ready to watch and support my fellow knitters out there. No, I did not join in on these Olympics, but will knit something in the same spirit! Let the games begin!

  48. Sign me up! Is this how I do it? I am ready to start a diagonal stripe scarf out of some beautiful mohair. I should be able to knit and watch the games at the same time. My daughter and I will visit my mother next weekend where we will sit and knit together. 3 generations of olympic knitters!
    Carole from Cleveland, Ohio

  49. Yay!!!! Thank you to you Stephanie, S.Kate, Emma, Kat, Ken and all those who made blog buttons! How awesome is this? Almost 4000 – wow! I’m so excited and can’t wait for that torch to be lit… Let the games begin! Here’s my shout out from Seattle – best wishes to all Knitting Olympians! Hooray!

  52. I want to joint the knitting olympics! (Late, but I just found out about it today.) I’m going to make a pair of lace socks. I’ve never tried lace before. Such a fun idea. Hurray!!

  53. Rock on, fellow knitters! I’ll be cheering from the sidelines with my four on-going projects and stash…
    Be strong of heart and cheerful of mind!

  54. Ok, so yesterday in my store (I own a small bead and yarn shop in Minneapolis) I was talking to a knitting customer about you and the Knitting Olympics and how I could hardly wait to cast on. She told me she works with a lady who reads your blog daily and is also signed up for the Olympics. The poor woman shook her head at us both. She was born lacking ability for true fanaticism, I guess.

  55. Thanks Stephanie and all your helpers. I can’t wait to get started in 20 minutes!! Here’s to all you fabulous knitters (especially team Wales)You Rock!

  58. I’m joining this event, at least in spirit. I am referring to it as the “stitch olympics”. I say this, because I will be “competing” in crochet. Later this afternoon I will begin a project I’ve attempted before and failed.. and I will use stitches and “fancy” needles that I have not before employed. Thanks for the inspiration.

  59. I’m so ready to get started! I just emailed my mom about this to let her know I’m not alone in my crazy knitting obsession. Knitters of the world unite!! I can’t believe its finally time. Good luck everyone! And happy knitting!

  60. I am at work today and won’t see the opening until this evening, in central time zone, as NBC runs it at 7. I will, however, feel the energy of those who can knit at the actual time. Hooray for all of you for your courage and to Yarn Harlot for bringing us all toether in this great time in history…..Needles HOOOOOO Team USA……………S

  62. Soooo excited. One hour and 14 minutes until cast on. Spent the morning preparing dinners for the next week. They don’t think I am going to stop knitting to cook them dinner every night, do they? Thanks for a fantastic idea – I have never felt so connected to other knitters before!

  63. I think I’m in love with you. And S.Kate. And Emma. And Kat. And Ken.
    Thank you all. This is one of the coolest things ever.

  64. I have my pattern at hand and I plan to study it religiously at the appointed hour. (much less conspicuous than knitting at one’s desk) Casting on will have to wait until I get home tonight.
    By the way my husband and I were discussing the “sport” aspect of knitting and he thinks that they ought to start ESPN 8 to televise it.
    Boys!

  65. So excited…only 14 minutes to go…where did I put that KidSilk Crack…sons’ dinners made…cats fed…only 299 stitches to cast on…why did I think I could knit Birch in 16 days…4,000 other knitters…inspirational stuff from our leader…this is going to be so much fun…good luck everybody! Go Team UK!

  66. Here goes! 🙂
    Actually, I’ll be casting on at 8PM EST while watching the opening ceremonies on delayed broadcast… at 2PM, I’ll be teaching 5th grade band, then I have to go buy the yarn (shhh…), so waiting for the 8PM broadcast seems like a reasonable alternative.

  67. What a great pledge, Steph. You totally rule. I’m spending a few minutes before we officially begin hunting for addis.
    May the Games begin! Needles up and at the ready! This is so amazing, imagining all those knitters as bonkers as I am. Wow.
    and Krista’s Gretzky’s comment is too funny for words! thanks!

  68. Amy of “Amy – either Samus or some lace project” (from the Knitting Olympics page) again!
    OK, so I put down that I’m knitting Samus, when really I’m knitting the shawl. Not thinking straight today at all!.

  71. Great pledge!!! Love the map. Somehow I ended up on map as MALE & cannot figure out how to correct it. If anyone knows how to do that, please let me know (I’m sure it’s probably something simple that I missed – but my frappr profile is correct & shows a red balloon for me.)

  72. Fellow Olympians: Remember to take breaks, do warm ups, stretches etc to take care of our joints, stock up on chocolate and other necessities within easy reach, remote control handy etc 😉 I have not told anyone I am doing this so that will be added personal challenge…
    Have fun all, thanks for sharing.
    bets

  73. Ready to cast on & can’t wait to finish the work week! My whole family’s been nicely supportive of this and not pointed out what a weirdo I am. Loving it!

  75. *sniff* I got all teary-eyed reading your post. And I’m at work. It just makes you proud to be a knitter eh? Tendonitis be damned. I’m feeling better so as long as it does not flare up, I am SO ready to cast on tonight. Everyone please remember to do some warm ups before knitting like a maniac. I do not want to see unnecessary injuries plaguing the teams.

  76. “knathletes” lol. I love it.
    best of luck to everyone. when i tell people what we’re doing, they look at me like i took the short bus to work, i’m glad i have company.
    for the next 16 days may your needles never dull, you glass never empty, and your box of chocolates never leave your side. “happy” knitting!
    ps, i heard Gretzky’s wife had her 50 on Steph…

  77. I went to a Knitting Olympics kick off party past night to train with fellow knitters for the Knitting Plympics last night at ImagiKnit in San Francisco – I didn’t know we had to email to enter officially – my freind and I are participating and I guess we are renegade knitters in the olympics – if there is any way we can still get officially entered we would so love the Olympic Knitting Committee!
    PLEASE CAN WE ENTER?
    Amy aka. NeonApple — My First Baby Cable Sweater
    melissakayli — First Pair Of Baby Booties

  81. Yarn, needles, pattern, M&Ms, goldfish crackers, coffee, wine, apartment reasonably tidy, kitty litter changed, take-out menus handy. . . . yep–I’m ready! Let the Games begin!

  82. Brava. Fabulous job — many thanks to you all for carrying the torch… or needle… or wool… for lighting the flame!

  83. Hi there. I just found out about these Olympics, seems my grand daughter thought I was too old to be a yarn harlot. If she only knew . So I’m unofficially signing myself up to knit a beautiful scarf for my favorite daughter in law! If I’m not too late sign me up, if I am I’ll stay unofficial!! Geri in cold OHIO.

  84. I was with Amy, Melissa, and few others at ImagiKnit last night, doing a little pre-Olympic training. I, too would love to be officially entered if possible. I’m making the Knitting Pure and Simple Neck Down Weekend Pullover.

  85. OK, if it’s not too late, I’m in. To complete 1 sock from the Six-Socks Yahoo group, complete with beads and lace, by the closing ceremonies.
    Got the beads at lunchtime today (and have been studying the pattern for days!)
    I’ll be joining Carole’s “Team Martini”, in spirit, anyway (no pun intended), but sadly, I’m blogless.
    That will be my ancillary challenge….if time permits, to build a blog! 😀
    karen w in michigan

  86. I second the “YIKES, I mean YAY!!” Just arrived home from the Mary’s Yarns, with pattern, sock wool, and needles in hand. Nothing like cutting it close – 35 minutes ’til 2 p.m. here in southern Ontario. LOVE the map. Thanks to all who have brought us to this moment.

  87. Hi! Am I in time? The opening ceremony will be in half an hour and I found out there is NO dutch knitter so far… so I decided to join last minute. Officially aknowledged or not. I will knit a pair of Opal Tiger socks for a 6 year old boy.

  88. THANKS to all of you girls who made this happen! It�s the greatest idea. Dear Stephanie, can I use the knitters pledge on my blog?

  89. We are watching the olympic warm-up on TV and my little girl (only 3) wants to know when I will be on! I think I might have gone a bit over the top in the hype for the knitting olympics and confused her.

  90. Love the map! I’ve always wondered if there are crazy people (other than me, of course) in the area.

  92. I wish it were time now! After your wonderful motivational speech, I’m reading to leave work early, leap onto my couch and cast on joyously at 2:00 p.m. As it is, I’ll have to wait until 8:00 – but at least then I’ll have wine!
    Best of luck to all!

  93. OOh! OOh! It worked! I have a blog! Now to add that Olympic Button. As soon as tech support gets out of bed (he works the night shift).

  94. The Gods of Olympus have smiled down on me! My husband is out of town tonight (and he’s NEVER out of town on a Friday night!) AND it’s going to snow!!! I can knit and not worry about a single thing this weekend.
    Everyone, put the needles down and FLEX everytime someone sets a new Olympic record or a personal best time or a new World record!!! Say no to Repetitive Motion Injuries!!!

  95. If you have time please add me too, Please. I am knitting 1 pair of socks for each of my 3 boys since I keep promissing them socks! I will be on team Canada.

  99. I am so excited. It’s really too bad that I have to work today until 6:00pm, but as soon as I am outta here, I will be casting on my very first D.P. needles project with a cable pattern. I could not be more pleased with my choice, and I can’t wait to see what all of you knit, too! Good luck to all of us and thank you so much for making this happen, Ladies!!!

  101. I am so ready to cast on! Before I left for work this morning I gathered up my yarn, needles, pattern/chart and set out a bottle of wine, the cork screw, and a wine glass. Now I just have to get through the rest of the day at work!
    Cheers to Stephanie, S Kate, Emma, Kat & Ken! You rock!

  104. Cheeseheads Unite!!!!
    Wisconsinknits.blogspot.com
    and if at first you don’t succeed!!…rip it out and burn it, use bigger needles, hide it, felt it, destroy it….but keep smiling!!!

  105. Needles at the ready! Poised on the brink of greatness! I know that you had no idea what you were starting, but this has elevated itsef into a MOVEMENT!!!!! Knit On!!!!!

  110. I would totally get in the car and drive 1.5 hours to start the Knitting Olympics with you (I cannot imagine a better way to start them!), but alas, I have no car today.
    When you need to unwind (hee!), walk down a few blocks to the Glass Museum. Next door is the Blue Olive martini bar with White Cosmos to die for.

  113. Ooooo, I can hardly stand it! I can’t cast on until 4:00. Maybe I can go home sick from work.

  114. Ah heck, Stephanie – you’ve got me all misty and stuff.
    I’m so overwhelmed to be a part of this, you’d think I was actually going to Torino or something! I’ve swatched, I’ve got two copies of my pattern made, my prior commitments are just about cleared, and I’m ready to go.
    Citius, Altius, Fortius!!

  115. hi steph. my signup seems to have been missed in all the activity (and with 4,000 knitters that’s hardly a surprise!). i’ll be working an a FI sweater of my own design.
    thanks again for all the hard work running this thing, and good luck with your own sweater!

  116. Hi,
    I am so excited. I spent the morning deciding on my pattern and swatching. I will be doing the Lucy Shell Shawl from Beyond Wool, using just linen.
    Ready to start — good luck everyone!!!
    Thanks for the fun.
    Lynn

  118. Flame on! Will only be able to work for a few minutes before I have to get dressed to do the show tonight, but I promise to make them worthwhile! Knit on, everybody!

  119. Phooey, this work thing just gets in the way sometimes! I’m silently cheering on everyone who was able to start around 2 pm est. and I’ll be joining you later in the day!

  120. If it’s not too late to be added, I’d like to join as well and will be doing a shawl. If it’s too late… I’ll be trying unofficially then.
    Good luck to all the knitters and cheers to the organizers!

  121. Ok. I can no longer resist the pull of this select group of 4000+ and will also commit to knit a suitably complex lace shawl. There.

  123. I too am ready to go and have taken the pledge and my hands are itching to get into the wool! All other projects have been adequately prepared for the absence of my company for the duration of the olympics, there were a few tears but I think they all understand this is for the greater good and I am not abandoning them and shall look forward with great anticipation to picking each and every one of them in two short weeks! Good luck everyone!

  125. Brilliant! This is wonderful. I love the image of a 4000 knitters picking up their needles in an east to west wave across the globe.
    Hours to go for me on this western edge of things. Can’t wait to begin. THANK YOU, Stepanie, S.Kate, Emma, Kat and Ken – This is TOO MUCH FUN!

  126. Um … Steph? My hubby notices that marital relations are not included in the Pledge as activities that must continue. He hopes this was an oversight on your part? He’s already planned dinners that he can cook for the next 16 days … he figures he should get *something* out of it.

  127. Dearest knitters, I am so excited to be knitting with all of you. Steph, thank you to you and the others who’ve made this possible.
    Lets knit, everyone! The Games have begun!
    (Go Tean DPN, go!)

  128. I was an only child and a lot was expected of me in the way of performance. Consequently, I never compete because winning is too important – and so I never participate (in case I succeed!) Does that make any sense?? I just hang back and watch from the sidelines.
    But if it is not too late, I want to belong….and I will give it my all to deserve to be in all the knitting Olympians’company.
    I will be knitting a clapotis – and I WILL finish it and I WILL wear it with that “Je suis belle et ca ne demande aucun effort! attitude.
    Thanks Steph for all your grace…

  130. YEEEHA!
    With a team of 4000, we can’t lose. I’ll be working away on my sun circle cartigan cheering my fellow team mates on and trying to figure out why shooting a rifle and cross-country skiing make sense together as a sport.

  133. Is it too late to sign up? I just got inspiration yesterday, and would really love to make a pair of Jaywalkers. 🙂

  136. Oh, I’ll bet I was too late to enter! I just found you yesterday when I was looking for instructions for a pattern. I would really love to join in this if I still can. I’m going to knit a pair of socks from Knit Picks called “Almost Argyle”. I’ve only knit one other pair of socks and have never knit from a graph before. So it should really be a challenge for me!

  137. Yes, please count me in. My beads have arrived!!!!! I’m doing my first beaded sweater from Lili Chen’s book on beaded knitting and crochet.
    Just in time for the opening ceremony.
    good luck to all.

  138. Ooooo! It is albost tibe! I have a code id by head, but that wodn’t stob be frob castig od! We are mighty knitters!

  140. Thank you Stephanie for thinking this up–LOOK what you started– and HUGE thank yous to these lovely people you have helping you!! What a giagantic job!
    Thank you for toiling away into the wee hours of the night!
    Nearly 4000, people! What a force we are!
    All hail to knitters everywhere! Good luck everyone!

  141. And here I am, still at work, slaving away over a hot keyboard, my yarn in my bag, (on the off-chance I could get away) and a deadline. Such is life. Thank the CBC for re-runs and go Canucks, go.

  142. Yes. Truly and honestly, thank you for sparking such a great thing. I feel so special being a part of something so big.
    btw – 1 hour down, 3 inches of the back of my cardigan done.

  143. WHAAAAHOOO!
    Best wishes to all knitters out there – let’s spread the passion of knitting!

  145. I have to wonder, with more than 4000 of us, do we qualify for the Guiness Book of World Records? Granted, there are always more than 4000 of us knitting at any given time (day or night).
    Knit on! And good luck to everyone!

  147. Is it too late to join? I want in – I will be knitting a sweater (cardigan) my own design – go to go buy more wool – goo dluck to everyone

  150. Bravo to you, Stephanie, for (inadvertently?) creating what has become a real movement. I have been regaling all my non-knitting friends with stories about the KO, including the great buttons and ambitious projects to be undertaken. And I’ve exhorted my knitting friends (and the Stitch ‘n Bitch group in Denver) to take up their needles and join in. It’s so nice to connect with other knitters in what feels like a single effort – my thanks!

  152. I’m going to be knitting along either way, but if it’s not too late, I’d love to be listed and included in the official count. My biggest knitting accomplishment would be to finish some projects – notably Hopeful and a skirt – my first two garments!! And if I have time, I’d like to finish my first pair of socks too.

  153. Ok, it’s now 3.17pm – I took off from work early – was ready at 2pm and cast on! I’m taking a break – had to watch the Canadians march in (love the outfits!!) and sneak a peek here. OK, enough of a life – back to the knitting!

  154. WooHoo!! The games have begun!! There are three of us in my office and we had a celebratory casting on together in the lunchroom at 2pm, me waving a lighter as our own little flame. One of the girl’s father works in the building, and brought his camera so he could take a picture of us… how cute is that??

  157. Well urged, Harlot–I especially like the part about talking to our spouses and taking care of our children being part of the KnitOlympian Oath… (By the way–for the person who is knitting the Jayne hat–I actually am using Serenity as a lesson plan movie for my three classes… and for the person who is going to get Wallace and Gromit to occupy her toddler? It works!!!! And watching the little dude dance to that catchy little tune is worth the $20…) Rock on, Knitters! I’m looking forward to meeting you all at the Harlot’s (web) place in order to share the thrill of victory, and (for you sock knitters…) the agony of da-feet.

  158. Go for the GOLD knitters (yarn that is)…. Mom, I’m sure glad you didn’t take that hair restoration stuff..wouldn’t want you to be banned from the games for using performance enhancing substances. BTW, if i were betting, I would place my bet w/ Wayne Gretzky himself! Go Mom Go!!
    Win Place or Show your making us proud here in NWFlorida!

  160. KNITTER DOWN!!!
    Before the cast on!! AHHHHHHH I have smashed my finger on opening day.. I know what that guy they always show crashing and burning on the skiis while the announcer says ‘the agony of defeat” feels… OWWIIIIIEEEEEEEEEE
    WAHHHHHHHH
    I wanna cast on but it HURTS!

  161. Why oh why didn’t I think of bringing my yarn and knitting to work and taking my lunch hour at 2pm to cast on & start? You are all so clever! I was going to wait til I got home this evening to start. I only live five minutes from my work, so perhaps I’ll take a ten minute break and run home….

  162. I want to enter the Knitting Olympics tonight in honor of my granddaughter Tamara who is a medal winner in the 2004 Summer Olympics. Let the games begin!

  163. Stephanie, I have never posted before as I have only just found you online a few months ago and you have bazillions of others who post, and who am I to clutter up your blog? Right?
    Until the Knitting Olympics. I am flat out amazed. Floored, even. The idea, the work of so many…wow. I’d like to be a part of this, too, if I can, even though I know it is too late to go on the list. I’ve held my hand to my heart, repeated the Pledge, and I’m casting on tonight for the opening ceremonies : one sock. Small, I know, but for me to do one sock in 16 days on tiny needles is nigh on a miracle. But I can do it. Thanks for inspiring me to.
    Cynthia

  164. Thanks you Stephanie, S.Kate, Emma, Kat and Ken, for adding me to the list as late as I learned of the event. And thanks for putting this together. I think it’s truly amazing.
    Good luck everyone, have fun, and happy knitting!

  165. Woohoo! I still haven’t cast on yet, as the toddler nap time didn’t cooperate, but I am knitting in spirit and shall cast on and begin knitting in fact at the earliest possible moment.

  166. I want to participate in the Knitting Olympics but can’t figure out how to sign up from your blog site!
    Anyway, I’ll be knitting a moebius shawl with silk yarn.
    Thanks!

  167. I accidentally added my comment to the map three times. I was so excited to see other knitters in North Dakota that I just went a little crazy. Whoops.
    In any case, happy knitting! I can’t wait to get home from work and start my sweater!

  168. Thanks for organizing this!.
    I want to participate in the Knitting Olympics but can’t figure out how to sign up from your blog site!
    Anyway, I’ll be knitting a moebius shawl with silk yarn.
    Thanks!

  172. I love the frappr map. Pins were popping up like crazy while I was filling out info. Got to go. Stitches need to be cast on… Have fun everyone!
    Elizabeth
    (Any Vermont knitters out there??)

  173. Steph,
    You know I love you…but I have discovered that you have stolen the hearts of 2 of my best test knitters for the next 16 days.
    Anyway…go team Canada!!! (and when this is all over J & W you better get back to work PDQ…..gold medals or not gold medals).

  174. I know I am late and understand if I can’t join but I would love to if I can. I am knitting the Norwegian Stockings from Folk Socks.
    Good luck to everyone!

  175. You are good! I’m all for the part about not stressing, and I’m especially loving the caffeine and chocolate part. (I’m not sure I want to deal with pets/family, but that’s a whole ‘nother story!) I didn’t officially join, but I just so happen to be ready to start a new project today, and I’m going to try to finish it within the Olympic time frame. Good luck to you and all the participants! I just hope y’all still have time to blog!

  178. Whoo hoo! Great speech Stephanie. Last week I requested my 15 min. break be scheduled at 1:50 so I could cast on at the official time. Well…I got to work and I was scheduled at 1:00-gasp! I had to finaggle a bit and ended up getting it all worked out but I think my coworkers think I’m a bit off in the head now. Of course, my loud pronouncement of “Today is The Day…Knitting Olympics!!!” as soon as I got to work probably didn’t help things. : )

  179. Adding my sticks to the game, even if unofficially. But add me in if you’re still doing that. I’ll knit a poncho. Best of luck to all!

  182. Yeeeeeeee Haaaaaaaaw! As in the opening of Cast On with Brenda D. “Knit like the wind!” (to be read in your deepest voice)

  184. wait a minute … wait a minute. I have to “speak kindly with those who would ask me to do something other than knit”?? REALLY?! But that’s just for this 16 days, right? Only until the Olympics is over?
    Cuz otherwise, I don’t know about this whole pledge thing! …;)

  186. Hi. Sorry I’m late, but I got the bug! I hope you can add me in. I’ll be knitting socks. Thanks for the fun.
    Sonia

  188. Steph, I have to say, I never realized how remarkable a person you are, but to get together 4000 knitters like this and reach even the press is amazing and awe inspiring! Thanks so much to you, S. Kate, Emma, Kat, and Ken for making this possible. 😀

  189. Is it too late to sign up? I’m a Canadian expat living in NZ and was content to watch from the sidelines… until team UFO was born! First UFO off the needles will be BIRCH!
    GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

  190. What an inspirational speech! I can’t wait to start when I get home — but I promised by 7-year-old son that I wouldn’t cast on until we sit down tonight to watch opening ceremonies on TV… he’s still trying to get me to make him a sweater as my challenge 😉
    Knit on!

  191. We’ve begun here in Cambridge with a whoop-de-doo at a pub, beer and chips and knitting. A friend came and cast on 110 stitches on her very first circular needle, and it was pretty scary, but she persevered. We watched the very odd opening ceremonies (might have made more sense with sound?) and it was all big fun time. My first hurdle is that I think I will run out of yarn….

  193. i’m in i’m in – i’m a little late – maybe not – hasn’t started yet – but cutting it close. I’M IN!
    I’m gunna knit a purse.

  194. If it’s not too late… when I get home, I will go through the unstarted projects that have been piling up and pick something.

  197. Beam me up!! I’ll be knitting a handspun cardigan and making polymer clay ivory buttons to go on it.
    Thanks for doing this! It will give me something to do while I pretend to ignore the Olympics!
    Jane in MA
    waiting for the blizzy to hit tomorrow night!

  199. Can I still get in on this – I know the flame has been lit – but I have finally decided to committ. I will be making a baby blue romper with matching hat and booties. And…I’ll be doing it in the western method (not the combination method as I usually use). This will be a true challenge indeed!

  200. *sob* that post was so well written, I got a lil teary there! Just the thought of casting on the same time as thousands of other knitters around the world is just mind boggling and heartwarming.
    Knit on fellow Knit-athletes!

  201. Let the knitting begin! Do you know how many actual needles there are right now warming up for this event? Between 6 and 12 thousand, I estimate. Is there a category for this in the Guinness book of world records? Thank you, thank you Stephanie, for dreaming up this great idea and putting so much time into organizing it.

  202. Right, be nice to the non-knitter (but supporter!) boyfriend. Everyone do their best and let’s wave our FOs at the closing ceremonies!

  203. Hi Stephanie, I’m the Ann on the Olympics list without any project listed. I did finally decided on the Cabled Shrug from IK, Fall ’05. On your mark…

  204. If it’s not too late, i’m in!
    I’m knitting a baby afghan from Designs by Judity Knit on the Diagonal in Manos Del Uruguay cotton blue pallette. Good luck to all the good sports out there! Laurie

  205. I haven’t signed up officially before, but I’m going to attempt to complete a pair of felted clogs for one of my sons. Of course, it’s already 4:30PM my local time and I have yet to go get the proper needles. Uhoh!

  206. I’m working a split shift today so I came home at 5:30 and had just enough time to cast on 77 stitches for my “artful sweater” Vogue Knitting, change my uniform and go back to work till 11:30 tonight. Yay! Let the knitting begin.
    By the way I’m the Holly that thought she was going to knit Rogue (ha ha ) or a nice cardigan (nope).
    Good luck everyone.I know I’m going to need it.

  207. How wonderful this is! Except for a week’s workshop every year at Harrisville, my knitting is a solitary activity. But starting today, when that flame was lit, I feel that I’m a part of something big…all of us knitting alone, but knitting together.
    Thanks to all of the organizers who made this possible: you really did something to change the way I experience my world!

  208. so i just heard about this (in time to watch the opening ceremonies in like 2 hours) and i decided to join in as well!
    sorry it’s so late, and it’s ok if i don’t get added to the list for a while (or at all, really, since i’m doing this more as a challenge for myself) but i’m going to be knitting a PANTA from the pattern translated by some of the girls on craftster.org, and can be found somewhere in this thread http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=51351.0
    happy knitting! let’s do this!

  209. OK. I admit it. I have Olympic fever! Is it too late to enter? I don’t have a blog but I have recently become a big blog reader. I will be knitting a hat and scarf in Manos. Margaret.

  210. My thanks to Stephanie, and all of the other organizers and helpers, who have inspired us all to strive to be our best. I must confess without this challenge I would probably be knitting along on a variety of projects. But now I have a new purpose: try something new and actually complete it in a timely manner. As a newer knitter this in itself is a challenge.
    Diane

  212. today at starting time i was, of all the possible places, stuck smack dab in the middle of a seminar for lawyers with a bunch of federal and state appellate judges and some very serious lawyers.
    not easily deterred, i whipped out my new crystal palace sock needles, and began working. since this first pair is for my three year old, i made good progress. no one had the guts to say anything to me either.

  213. I just found out about this but I’ve bought my yarn and I’m casting on tonight! I’m making the To Dye For sweater from SnB (although I’m not dyeing it myself; I used the excuse to buy some hand-dyed mohair I’ve been ogling for some time.)
    I hope I can still join! Wheeeha!

  214. I’ll be knitting a pullover which I started at noon here on the East Coast (12:30 in Newfoundland) Anne in PEI

  216. I want to sign up for the Knitting Olympics. I will try to do one sweater sleeve. I am a very new knitter — wish me luck!
    Thanks 🙂
    Judy

  217. Hi,
    I know I’m late in getting my name to the list, but I would like to join. I have my yarn, I have done a guage, and I’m ready to go. I will be knitting the Yoga Wrap from the new Vogue.

  218. I was explaining all this to several of my coworkers and the men were laughing- Philistinies. The women are cheering me on and looking for me on the web list. Since I have next week off- mom having surgery out of town and hubby keeping kids while I’m gone- I should be able to do this, uninterrupted… knitting knirvana. Good luck everyone.

  220. Ack! I said I was going to make Noa (and I’m down on the list for Noa) but realized I didn’t have enough yarn in stash. Ack again! No time to buy yarn. Instead, I’m making a felted Lopi tote (pattern from Hello Yarn). I’d rather compete than skulk to the sidelines!
    So…Go, Team USA! Go, Team Canada! Go, Teams Lace and Cable and Caffeine and whatever! GO, KNITTERS!!

  221. Let us knit! Congratulations and best to every knitter. By our craft and art, we make the world a better place, not only in these Olympic days. Raise your needles high and let the games begin!

  222. Hi, I’ve decided to join, sorry so late! Hope I can still get in. I’m making a bolero jacket from Vogue Knitting Summer 2005. My previous efforts at a sweater were atrocious, so maybe this will be better.

  223. ICELAND, Steph! There is a olympic knitting team in Iceland. Can you believe it. For some reason this impresses me tremendously as proof of the Knitting Olympics as a truly international event. Knit on!
    Thanks to Kat for making the Frappr map. It’s been fun to watch it populate today.

  224. I’m jumping in late to this, but still in time to raise my needles at the proper moment tonight! I’m knitting a Charlotte’s Web shawl, my first time knitting lace.
    I love this idea!
    Diane

  227. I am a teacher at Beaverton High School, in Oregon. This year, some of the kids started the first Knitting Club and I’m the representative teacher. I suggested we all do the Knitting Olympics. Students are making blankets for puppies/dogs, and kittens/cats at the Humane Society! The knitters are mostly beginning knitters, so this was a major commitment from them!

  228. Citius, altius, fortius!
    I decided I had to leave a comment, so I won’t feel like a fraud at the cast on party tonight (west coast!)
    I didn’t make the deadline (silly me, I believed you!) but I am competing in my own way by making a sweater of my own design for the first time ever!
    I love the energy you’ve unleashed all over the globe by proposing this challenge. It’s beautiful!

  230. Wow – 4000 plus! I’m amazed and actually really proud to be a part of this kind of “global warming”! I have to say, reading the Pledge just now, I choked up a little bit – actual tear came out of my eye, I swear. Same thing happened at cast-on this afternoon; I do believe it was the smoothest cast-on I’ve ever done and probably the most mindful too. I’m very much “in the zone” on this project and I think being part of the larger Games has a lot to do with that. Thanks again Stephanie for getting us all together on this – you own the podium. 🙂

  231. Three generations of knitters would like to be added to the knitting olympics
    My mom – Jean Schneider age 81 – who is working on a ruffle scarf in Classic elite Raspberry Wings – she learned how to do a wrap and is quite pleased with herself (knitting almost 70 years)
    My daughter – Frances Allen – almost 15 – who is prolific and working on mastering mosaic knitting
    (knitting since she was 5)
    me – Jofran Pastor 47 (also knitting since I was 5) am swatching ans struggling on a sheepsdown sweater for my dear husband – i am determined to have the sweater planned out and a sleeve started.
    whew thanks for reading
    Jofran

  232. 2:00? i didn’t know we were supposed to start at 2:00! i waited for tonight during opening ceremony show….but i’m rockin and rolling now! two socks…here i come!

  234. Sorry to chime in late! I’ll be joining the Knit Olympics 2006.
    I’ll be knitting the KnitPicks Amhra’n Gra’ (Love Song) sweater. It’s named from the Gaelic and has 6 different cable designs throughout, including the sleeves!
    My first sweater. 🙂
    Patron saint of Knit Olympics, Harlot, pray for us!

  235. I’ll be joining as well, in spirit, even if I’m not added to the list. I’m knitting the Lilies of the Valley Shawl from Fiddlesticks, for my grandma’s 90th birthday present. Hopefully I’ll finish it before the closing ceremonies, but definitely before her birthday, in May.
    If there’s a team Israel, I’m on it, otherwise, USA (NYC,NY) works too.
    (Looks like I started late too… at the opening ceremonies at 8:00)
    Galit

  236. I’m gonna be joining as well. I know I’m a tad late, but I had to finish up a scarf today and didn’t want to start planning my next project in fear of abandoning my scarf. (Its a CRIME SCENE: DO NOT ENTER SCARF in intarsia, towards the end a martini and my friends are the only reason it got finished)
    For the olympics I”m going to be knititng a shawl/cowl design from knitty.com http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring05/PATTcleaves.html but probably modifying the sleeves a little bit so they’re not as poufy looking. And possibily breaking the motonany of one project with my first pair of socks.

  237. Whoo Hoo…it’s started finally. I understand how they feel now just before an event starts! Sheesh, I could barely sit still. By the way, the Knitting Olympics made the Portland, Oregon paper last Wednesday. My yoga mat bag has started!!!

  238. Good luck everyone! I waited until tonight when the flame was actually lit (is that a word, lit?) Anyway, this is really exciting and my spinning wheel has seen it’s first evening of some serious spinning. This is going to be a real treat.
    Thanks for coming up with the idea Steph and hope you are having a ball in Washington.

  239. Thanks Stephanie & The Executive Team… I hope you each have perfect knitting karma for this monumental effort at bringing oneness to our planet.
    No TV so I cast on to the movie Miracles (about the US hockey team’s gold)… very inspirational. And, as a side-note, we got 2 kittens today. I’m packing my stash up tomorrow, until they are old enough to respect it!

  240. While watching the ceremonies last night I was almost hearing the clicking sound echoing in the universe… Like the whole globe was wrapped in soft yarn.
    Good luck!

  241. Woo Hoo! Let the games begin! Safe & Happy knitting everyone!
    Stephanie… so absolutely great to get to meet you and listen to your speach this evening.
    Lana

  242. This is such a great idea; thanks! I’m entering two events: knitty.com’s Claptois and sewing buttons onto two cardigans that have been waiting far too long.

  243. Just thought you’d like to know that there are 879,000 hits for “knitting olympics” on Google!!! and all of them are THE knitting olympics!!!!

  244. Steph, it was wonderful to hear you speak tonight in Tacoma. I haven’t laughed that hard in weeks. I’m now busy knitting at home. Good luck with the Hardangervidda.

  245. Like you Wendy, i’ve also had four attempts at lace….oh dear. Not the great start I was planning!

  246. Well, I don’t know about the rest of you but I got way too excited and I’m almost done with my mittens. The second one is half way done and after it’s completed, I only have the thumbs to finish.
    This was not my plan, to have finished when the Games just started. I guess I have to pick another Olympic project! 🙂
    Pics and the story of my mittens will be posted in my blog some time tomorrow afternoon!

  247. Think of me here, in Tasmania Australia, up at 6:10am casting on. And I am NOT a morning person. I am so pleased to be part of a global community of knitters. What are we going to do next? What a voice we could have, what a difference we could make! Any ideas? KFWP (Knitters for World Peace)…KAP (Knitters Against Poverty)? Let’s go.

  250. Well, I’m probably too late to join the olympics officially, I did cast on this morning (Saturday) for a Clapotis in Silk Garden to be gifted. I’ll be knitting while watching, even as an unofficial olympian! Good luck — what a great turnout.

  251. Hello
    I thank you for organizing these knitters olympics ! I would like to be listed on the french team ( I couldn’t get a chance to mail before…) with my “first socks ” challenge !
    my blog is filsetmots.canalblog.com & you have my email address…
    I really enjoy your posts and projects!
    Thank you in advance,

  252. I didn’t sign up for the knitting olympics but I started my project yesterday too. My first attempt to use circular needles and I’m making a hat… so far so good, only problem is I didn’t want to put it down to go to bed last night.

  253. I am sorry to say, that I have to bow out of the Knitting Olympics. Monday night, a lot of little hints (tingling, numbness) added up to a big pain in my right wrist (CTS aka Carpul Tunnel Syndrom). I thought that if I choose an easier lace shawl for the Olympics, I would be able to go on, but, after yesterday, I can tell you that it is just not going to happen. My knitting was slow, sloppy, and painful. I am blue 🙁 I really, really wanted to do this.

  254. Oooh! I did a false start and started casting on before the flame was lit (10 pm TV). During the ceremonies, I just assumed the flame was already going…Don’t disqualify me! I saved the day by telling my hubby that it was”just a swatch” and I didn’t actually cast on for my Lace scarf project until the torch lit everything up.
    WooHoo! Great pledge and I am sooooo ready!
    Godd luck everybody!

  255. I empathize with the lace novices – I am casting on, AGAIN, for socks. For a sock. I’m not sure my hands are adept enough for these tiny little needles…..but in true Olympic spirit, I’ll keep working at it.

  256. I never officially signed up but now as co-captain of Team FO, you can add my name to the list, only if you get the chance. It’s OK either way.

  257. Frappr doesn’t recognise my home town. 🙁 Jedburgh is a Royal Burgh, but obviously Frappr doesn’t go that small. Sorry. My challenge has begun: I found the UFO (socks) which I’ll be working on for the next few days.

  259. It’s after midnight. Read about the event in the Oregonian… started a sweater for a child with the pattern from GUIDEPOSTS magazine.

  260. I swear I could hear a faint multi clicking sounds of thousands of knitting needles off in the distance! I wish all the best. Let you know that I am on the sidelines cheering you on.
    I myself at this time knew that I was too busy. So I will be joining you along the course knitting in spirit when I am able. Meanwhile – see the goal, keep it in your sites, and GO FOR IT!!!!
    I was telling someone in our office about it, and since we were working on a state list of olympians for the website- she was wondering if we could also get list knitting olympians for our state or if there was team for our state. I didn’t see an official team. But just the thought that we may have featured this on the website with the athletes just made my day!
    Again – Go! Go! Go!

  261. The Map is so cool!
    I have already had a knitting mishap. Had to tear out after my 4 or 5 first rows, because I didn’t like the look of my gauge. I had swatched, but I still wasn’t happy once I started the ribbing. Had to go down a needle size. Good news is, I had the smaller pair of needles already. So I am off and running again! GO knitting Olympians!!

  262. I cast on yesterday at exactly 2 during english class! My first pair of socks-Jaywalker baby! Huzzah!
    Let the games begin!

  263. Hi!
    So sorry! Meant to comment before the Olympics…but can I still join? I’m making a pair of thigh-high legwarmers with cables (my first!) for a friend.
    xo
    Tweed
    knittedporn.blogspot.com
    yarnchest.blogspot.com

  264. I have taken my pledge.
    I have cast on my mitts.
    I have knit … and stopped when it hurt so that I could knit some more.
    I further pledge not to respond to wrist pain by increasing pain killer/anit-inflammatory dosages so that I can knit more, but to rest my wrist for at least 15 minutes before resuming my frenzied activity…

  265. As luck would have it, I had a knitting lesson yesterday at 2 p.m.! How serendipitous. Except, it was soon apparent that I was only qualified for the Special Knitting Olympics. Still, I strive for success, having just frogged and started my third attempt at a dpn cast on. I figure the first couple tries were akin to taking a spin on the “practice” ice.
    Best of luck to all the knathletes! Nora in CT

  267. Given your pep talk there, I think I have two options for myself. Quietly resign from the Olympics, or change my choice. After casting on last night and shedding several tears in realization that there is no way given the conditions of my life I can accomplish what I delusionally said I would before- I realized I needed to do something.
    At the opening ceremonies in TO last night I won a pattern for socks, and a ball of yarn. I don’t knit socks. I have never knitted women’s socks. I think it was the universe’s way of telling me to face reality and try a somewhat more managable and realistic challenge.
    So, given that it is only the second day… I was hoping you could grant my wish to change my choice, from Rowan’s Butterfly (delusional krista at the silent k with two children under 5 and hadrly any lace experience), to Basic Sock Pattern
    (knit on the tiniest of needles, but at least I can still be a good mom to my kids if I knit this)
    OK. It’s people like me that make running this thing a nightmare, so I apologize.
    Thank you so much for this crazy idea! It was awesome last night to be in a room full of Olympian knitters. And if it’s too late to change my choice, kindly could you remove my name from the list?
    In pure knitting awe, Krista

  268. I’m a late starter, but I will cast on a pair of miniature striped sock earrings on 4-000- dpns, using one ply of various Persian tapestry yarns. I will also cheer on those who have already started their clicking and those who come behind me. Hurrah.

  269. I should have added that I’m in Windsor, Ontario Canada where there are many keen knitters, and I’m a dedicated member of the Windsor Knitters Guild.

  270. Steph,
    I can’t tell you how thrilled I was to meet you. I was the one who semi-stalked you in the lobby of the Tacoma Sheraton. I drove 2 hours from Portland and braved the bridge closusre on I-5 to meet you. You made my day, my week, my year! Yes, I also bought some yarn, but that’s beside the point. I can by yarn in Portland, but you are THE YARN HARLOT. I hope you will be in Portland soon.
    You reminded me that I can start my Olympic socks. The flame was actually already lit. OH MY GOD! I’m already 2 hours behind! So I started as soon as I got home. That put me 4 hours behind, but I will prevail.
    By the way there was a nice article in the Oregonian about the knitting Olympics called Knitting for Gold. You can check it out on line. I would give you a link, but respoonding to you blog is about as computer savy as I get.
    Love you. Love the blog. Hope to see you again soon.

  271. I’m really glad I read that! Suffered a setback in the way of crapo needles and had to make some changes. New yarn, new needles. I will not be deterred! Lace knitting will NOT beat me! I will make this Ene’s shawl if it’s the last thing I do!!!Bring on the coffee!!!!Yeeehawwww! P.S. Any lace knitters out there who have advice for a lace dummy, I’d be much obliged if you’d share your expertise.

  272. Well, I found an 8 circular last night and decided that if I could master a provisional cast-on, I’d join in. I spent most of the opening ceremonies messing up, but just after the flame went up I successfully got 60 stitches on the needles and I’m now working on Tubey.
    This will be my first knitted garment that isn’t worn on around the neck, on the head, or around the neck.
    So count me in!

  273. I started the afghan during the tv ceremony since it was way after 2:00 pm. I now have ten novelty and regular yarns in earthtones, wild yarns, fuzzy, knobby, sparkly yarns. Since I want the afghan to be reversible, I am making the pattern up as I go. Seed stitch one color yarn for 4 rows on 17 circulars, then I put in a couple of rows of stockinette in a different yarn….then I look at it and decide what I can do next which is pretty much reversible and what yarn looks good next to the other. So this is both a stretch and fun for me, thanks!

  274. I would like to officially join but it is not necessary to put my name on the list since I am so late. In the strategy of Venezuela and Ethiopia I am forming Team Kenya since I am overwhelmed by the huge number of Team USA members 😉
    I cast on a toddler sweater during the opening ceremony.

  275. Knitting Olympics:
    I cast on for my first pair of socks last night. It’s a personal challenge as I had vowed to never, ever make socks.
    However, in a tit-for-tat exchange with my favorite knitting teacher, I agreed to the socks while she agreed to make something for herself (no small challenge)from yarn already in her stash with a pattern of my choosing. Pretty gutsy on her part, but at the end she will have a sweet new top to wear in the spring!
    OBTW, I loved your book: Yarn Harlot; and have loaned it to a knitting friend for some LOL experiences, and one tearful one.
    Good luck to everyone from Beaverton, Oregon.

  276. I missed the cast-on ceremony yesterday, because the yarn shop didn’t have tiny dpns, but was able to borrow a set from my sock-knitting neighbor today, and have begun-a day late-my first sock ever. I am very excited! Of course, I’m only a fraction of an inch in to it-will post again when/if I survive the heel…
    Hugs to all knathletes! Happy knitting!

  277. Hi! I just finished my OlympiKnit (hey, a new word). I knitted a pair of colorwork mittens, there’s pics of them in my blog.
    Was I the first one to finish???
    Now I’m just waiting for my gold medal button 🙂

  278. Steph, S.Kate, Emma, Kat and Ken, thanks so much for making this all possible. The Knitting Olympics is the greatest idea ever and you guys are so super to stick with posting names.

  279. Yippee! The felted flap hat is gonna be done – I swear it is, and Canada has a gold medal already (Jennifer Heil in women’s freestyle moguls – it was a sweet run!) – just cause I know you’re not getting the CBC down there in Tacoma!
    Lisa in Hastings

  280. I am a seven year old knitter working on a ribbed scarf. It will be my second scarf ever and the first time I will have purled. It will also be the first time I will have knitted something all by myself.

  281. Well, I am in cast on and rocking through the socks…first time with DPNS, first time making socks…then its on to a pink purse for a five year old on her birthday then its a scarf and see how many wips I can get through…I cant thank Ms. Stephanie enough for coming up with this! My friend Anette (after drinking margaritas) was Telling people Hey This is my freind and she is in the knitting olympic! How cool is that?! I have a cheer leader! Woo! Hoo!

  282. I wish I could come see you while you’re in Tacoma, I would love to actually meet you. I live about 1.5 hours away (with no traffic), but I just can’t make it over there to see you.
    Hope you have fun at the Fiber Arts festival.

  283. I know it’s too late, but I want to participate in the Knitting Olympics. I’ll be knitting a felted initial bag (Letter Have It) from the book Stitch N’ Bitch Nation.

  284. I know it’s too late, but I want to participate in the Knitting Olympics. I’ll be knitting a felted initial bag (Letter Have It) from the book Stitch N’ Bitch Nation. If I can’t be an offical participant, I’ll be knitting along following the spirit of the Knitting Olympics Athletes Pledge.

  285. Just had to write again and tell you that your Knitting Olympics made the front of the “Living” section of the Portland “Oregonian”!!! Not only that, the newspaper is sponsoring a contest of their own along the same lines. You are to participate in the Olympic Knitting, then send a picture of your completed object via email and they will give prizes [yarn gift certificates!] to the top three.
    Steph, you are now for sure famous in NW Oregon!
    I hope you can find it online or something… it appeared February 8.

  286. Wow – Steph, you have created such an internet buzz that you were picked up on the newsgator “Latest Buzz” sidebar. It is everywhere. My family (nonknitters) were talking about it, not even knowing I was doing my own Olympic knitting.

  288. Hello! Sorry I’m late getting my info in. I’ll be knitting two charity afghan blocks. Knit on, everybody!
    Emily

  290. Wow. Knitting Olympics is a phenomenon!
    Currently cross-stitching (it is cooler for the Australian summer) so I’ve not signed up but I’ll be barracking from the sidelines 😀
    Good Knitting & Medals to all you brave Olympians!

  291. Is anyone else regretting not swatching before the Olympics? Would that have saved me from casting onto the handle of a wooden spoon in an effort to get a loose enough cast-on for lace?

  292. I didn’t start swatching until the opening ceremonies Friday night, but I enjoyed a gorious afternoon and evening of knitting Saturday. Today (Sunday), I found an error and had to rip back most of a sleeve … it’s been the Thrill of Victory and Agony of Defeat at my house … but I’m loving every minute. (Photos on my blog)

  293. Hooray the olympics! Imagine my chagrin that I’m not on the athlete’s page. Oh well, given the slew of knitters involved I’m not surprised I got missed, and I’m forging ahead anyway. Good luck to everyone!

  295. Hi –
    Just need to amend the project. Rmembered that I have a bay shower to attend next week. Have to get the baby items done by next week. Two sweaters, a bonnet and a blankie. Wish me well.

  296. HEY STEPH FIBER RETREAT SO JEALOUS .WE HAD NO FUN ON FRIDAY. THEY MADE ME DO RUDE THINGS .I HAD NO CHOICE,WE WILL HAVE ANOTHER PARTY WHEN YOU GET HOME.IT WILL BE FUN.MAY BE MORE FUN THAN A FIBER RETREAT.(SO JEALOUS) MAY BE NOT. LUV YA DENNY

  297. Thanks so much for adding me to the list of athletes- I’m excited to be in such esteemed company. 😀 I’ve already had to make a late-term athlete substitution: the pattern for my peplum cardigan has disappeared, and it would take me quite some time to acquire another one. I’ve substituted in Sesame from MagKnits, and am trucking along on that one a little behind, but should finish strong 😀

  299. Argh is right! they don’t call it cobweb weight for nothing – I’ve already started over once and am living in fear of the next snarl and carpal tunnel. At least I have my very own Yarn Boy! And I think we need commentators -“Wow! Didja see that yarn-over!? Great form!” Good luck to Knitletes the world over, you are an inspiration -especially that little 7-year old, the world’s youngest Knitting Olympian.

  300. Hi Stephanie!
    I’ve been kicking around the idea of a “Team Alternates” – for those who didn’t sign up b/c they didn’t think they would be able to compete
    (sort-of a pinch hitters group). A group for those that couldn’t commit for various reasons… but now might be able to go for the gold.
    Anyway, I posted more about it on my blog, in case it sounds interesting to you. The whole Michelle Kwan/Emily Hughes deal is what got me thinking…

  301. Didn’t sign up because I couldn�t make up my mind until the last moment – finally chose the Antique Sweater from Ella Rae�s first book using Araucania Magallanes. Was so much fun doing the mutual cast on during the opening ceremony. Thanks Steph and Co. for creating this memorable event!

  302. The agony of defeat. ba bum ba bum… those of you who grew up with Wide World Of Sports knows that sound.
    I was so confident, maybe over comfident. I was clicking away for 2 days. I thought to myself I’m actually making a hat. My first time using circular needles. Well… its all twisted. I wondered how did I do that, the whole thing with the circular needles felt akward anyway.
    I was so discouraged, I think my husband could see the disappointment in my face because he offered to rip it out for me. Maybe I should stick with projects that are flat and square. Well I’ve read through my magazines and books it appears that I must have twisted my cast on. I don’t know how I did that, the whole thing seemed twisted when I was holding those circular needles.
    Oh well, good thing the Olympics are 16 days because at this rate I’ll have the hat finished in time for the summer olympics in 2 years.

  303. I’m not seeing this as defeat – but rather as a reinterpretation of goals. Like switching from luge to bobsled.
    See, I had a lovely ball of Douceur et Soie for my Branching Out scarf, and as I cast on and started knitting… my hands started to itch. It’s unbearable. Now, why lovely mohair-silk blend does this to me I don’t know. So instead I’ve switched projects. I’m making two of the Jayne hats from Firefly. Two hats, one of them absolutely giant for my friend with a massive head and enormous curly hair, and 14 days to go. I already have one about a third done. Wish me luck! I’ve never done pompoms before!

  304. Help! I have opened a blog on blogspot and I am having troubles. Frankly, it is driving me nuts. Could someone who uses this blogger help me? It won’t even take my user name, and I wrote it down. (not like I just told myself I would remember). Any one who can help would be appreciated. Thanks
    Bonnie

  305. This is so awe-inspiring, to be part of such a group of people. I do solemnly swear, indeed! Despite a nasty cold the socks went on the needles Friday night, and today my sweetie volunteered to host my progress on his blog. So, should anyone want to take a moment to stretch tired fingers, my own struggles will be documented at http://www.globalspin.com/. Good luck, everyone! Go Team Wales!

  306. I want to be part of the knitting olympics! I’m trying to knitt a babyjacket with plait pattern. That would be my frist try!
    Love
    Caroline from Austria

  309. During the afternoon and evening, the heel wasn’t going quite as I thought
    it should, and there was much mumbling and grumbling about how this whole
    project was stupid and I didn’t like HAVING to work on it when I didn’t
    FEEL like it. You can imagine. But I sat myself down and MADE myself
    work on it, and — finished it. And then, as I had had to cut the yarn at
    the ankle of sock1 to do the heel, I decided to do the toe of sock2 and
    get right past that aggravation. (It actually went ok — practice does
    make things easier.)
    So — in the olympic spirit of facing challenges, and working even when
    (no, *especially* when!) you don’t feel like it!, and improving both
    your current performance and your ability to perform well in the future —
    I am succeeding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    🙂
    Thank you, Stephanie, for inviting us to join you on this Olympic Journey!
    — Vicki in Michigan http://ineedorange.blogspot.com/

  311. Dear Harlot,
    I am SOOO sorry, but the URL I gave you when I initially signed up for the Olympics (carpeyarnem.1mach1.com) is down. Not working. I tried for HOURS to get it back, but I give up. If you and your IT cronies are interested, my new URL is carpedeyarn.blogspot.com. I am knitting Birch in lime.

  313. We have 69 middle school girls already hard at work for the knitting Olympics. We knit 4-inch squares and then assemble them into blankets for local hospitals. The girls have pledged 265 squares – 4 blankets – to be completed by the end of the Olympics. Thanks for putting this together – I have never seen the girls so motivated!!
    Thanks!
    Melissa

  315. Is there a knitting “Special Olympics” (no offense to anyone), but I’ve had to frog my project twice. YIKES. My DH is saying things like “it doesn’t matter if you make it to the podium…blah, blah, it’s all about the journey..etc”, He’s also resorted to ringing a cowbell (like the ski race fans)while he sits on HIS side of the living room when I knit. Dong-da, Dong-da, Nice. I kind of wish I hadn’t told him about this now.

  316. I cast on during the opening ceremony to make a really long black scarf with a pattern I invented. It’s got frills along both sides and everything. Do I qualify? I’d really like a gold medal. I’ve never won a single medal in any sport.
    From Sweden with love,
    BM

  317. I bet no-one will read the 315th comment!!! Any way, I must congratulate you and all the athletes. As you really need an audience too, I will stay in the gradins, knitting when I get the time, the energy and/or the feeling, without pressure. I already have my own little olympic to play this year. I have a third little one to care for since november… Hey! Our family has now 5 rings!! 😀

  318. Stephanie, it was a GREAT speech. I laughed aloud among so many who understood this obsession that we share. The room was packed and your delivery was perfect.
    Plus, you’re extremely gracious, considering the need to use the facilities when knitters pounce on you poised with pen and a book for you to sign.
    I told Thom about the comment regarding us … Science Fiction (I’m not limited to Trek thankyouverymuch) knitters and he had a good giggle over that.
    Thanks so much for coming to Tacoma and for my new title: The Queen of the Geeks

  319. I just found out about your Olympics. Is it too late to enter? I started a challenging project for myself last night– my very first purse and of my own design!

  320. Well, I am not entered in the Knitting Olympics, but for some strange reason while I was watching the opening ceremonies, I felt compelled to knit. I think there is something karmic going on here.

  321. hey steph – my bestfriend – who taught me to knit by the way – says I have to email you with a change – becasue I started knitting early so instead of cables baby blanket sweater, hat I need to be tiger striped opal rainforest socks which I did cast on during the opening ceromonies! Can you believe she threatended to tattle!

  322. hooray! we’re off! 😀
    FYI, there is a Flickr group for the Knitting Olympics
    http://www.flickr.com/groups/knittingolympics/
    also, I’m a dupe in the athletes list…
    this entry can be stricken from the record:
    “Stephanie M. – probably the leaf lace pullover”
    as you have me documented properly with link and everything directly above! 😀
    Thanks for all your hard work, ladies of the Athletes List!

  323. Steph! Where are you? I’ve been anxiously waiting for a blog to let us know how you’re doing on your hardangerjelkjr;eljred (can’t remember the name – I’m sure that’s close). I completed sleeve 1 of the PW sweater today. Yeah! I’m 1/6 of the way there – oh oh! that means I’m behind. I’d better get knitting. Please give us an update soon!

  324. OK – I changed events – and I have a substitute! They allowed Brode Miller to change equipment and allowed the US Figure skaters to sub for Michele Kwan…..
    My yarn was not right and didn’t have an appropriate substitute in my stash – so am changing to Breast Cancer pattern socks….have to sprint to catch up – but with Team DPN spirit I’ll do it!
    Thanks for your encouragement and inspiration!!

  325. This is my first OLYMPICS knowing how to knit! I’m so torn…I’ll be knitting away, and hubby yells, “OH MY GOSH, LOOK AT THIS!”
    I shall stick to the project at hand…no matter how hard the Russian falls on his tooshy on the ice!!!

  326. Time Magazine mentioned the knitting olympics quickly in the current issue in an article on other olympic activities. THey also referred to it as a group of crocheters, and called the knitters couch potatoes… but it was mentioned. Perhaps someone could send some jpgs of people knitting athletically.
    I also stopped by Arcadia Knitting in Chicago yesterday. Thanks for mentioning it a few months ago. Lovely shop! Bought a set of Denise needles as a treat.

  327. We should all e-mail Time Magazine. We’re NOT couch potatoes, and we certainly aren’t crocheting in the KNITTING Olympics. Does anyone have an address for sending them our (all 4000 of us) comments??!! Let’s overwhelm them.

  328. I, too, had a false start with a stitch pattern, but am now on track. Not only that, but will be driving to Toronto on Friday, so will have lots of knitting time while hubby drives. Should we regard Toronto as the Athens of the Knitting Olympics?

  329. hey knatheletes-
    i may have to pull out due to coming down w/ the flu (103 degree fever-not good!)but i will try to press on and get as much done as i can-i have missed 1 1/2 days of knitting but i wll do my best to catch up-if i can’t do it, press on my fellow knitters! and remember the fallen among you….

  331. This is so wonderful!! I thought and thought about what to make during the Olympics. I even made a swatch. But then I looked around and I had 7 – yes SEVEN – projects started! So the ‘event’ I have entered – the one most difficult for me – is “The Finishers Event” and so I will attempt (before the flame is extingished) to finish a wool sweater (sz 4), a pink cotton baby sweater, a felted red wool purse, a bright washable sz.4 sweater, a pair of toddler socks, a sleeper set (crocheted, does this count?) and a scarf (also crocheted)!! Yikes!! Where are my needles!!! Let the Finishing commence! Can anyone beat this one???
    Debrah
    Portland, ORegon

  333. What inspirational words!
    I actually started my project a touch later than the official 2pm start time, but am ticking along nicely (making a camel-hair cable scarf for the partner-in-crime). But oh no! I’m not on your 4000+ person list yet, een though I signed up before the cut-off. If I complete it in time can I still earn a gold medal?

  334. I heard about your “knitting Olympics” on my local radio station and think this is really cool. I crochet and have taken your task as an inspiration. I have a huge bag of yarn and set the goal of using all of it up to make as many “cat mats” as I can during the Olympics. The cat mats will be used by the local Humane Society to line the cages of cats for a little warmth and comfort. I’ve used up 7 skeins already and only have about 15 to go.
    Not a real amabitious task, but one that’s good for the cats.
    Good luck to you all. And what a great idea!!
    Robin

  335. Re: Knitting Olympics Clarification…
    I am doing EZ’s Pi Are Square Shawl, but I am wondering what the rules say about switching projects? I have an injury to my elbow-due to my wonky lace technique, I assume. May I officially change my goal to knitting a pair of socks? I have never knit/finished socks before, so it would be equally challenging, yet not so hard on my elbow. Please give me an official ruling as i do not want to be DQ’d.
    Thanks!
    Jennifer

  336. Somehow my attempts to join keep failing. But, I did start my Olympic Opal socks. Fraternal twins this time. Happy Knitting and Good Luck to all! Thanks for the great idea Yarn Harlot!

  337. I’d like to join the knitting olympics, if only a bit late. I’ll make a ribbon twist scarf. I just started it yesterday.

  338. For the Knit-lympics, I am going to try making intarsia wristbands for my two little boys. I have never done intarsia before, and this seemed like a good opportunity to take the plunge and do something a bit more complicated than monochrome or stripes. Why wristbands? Well, they’re simple, they’re quick, and I have CFIDS, so I never know how much of anything I’m going to be able to get done at any given point in time. I wanted to be able to finish at least one of them. So there it is. I suppose now I’d better go post something in my Livejournal about it.

  339. I heard you on CBC today and I MUST compete.
    Paula
    I will be making a baby bunting for a coming grandson.

  340. I heard you on CBC today and I MUST compete.
    Paula
    I will be making a baby bunting for a coming grandson.

  341. Where do we tell people when we are finished with the KO? I can’t believe I got 2 socks completed in 8 days!!! Woo Hoo!!! (I’m the Michelle making the pink ribbon breast cancer socks)

  342. I know it’s late to join but I did cast on a pair of lace socks during the opening ceremonies and I plan to have them done by the deadline. I’ve got progress pics on my blog and calluses on my fingers.
    I’m in North Carolina, BTW.
    Ginger

  343. I did it! Finished the cashmere tee. I’m starting another project right now….perhaps I’ll finish before the light is extinguished 🙂

  344. I did it! Finished my feather and fan shawl this morning! Thank you for letting me play! I had a great time, used up a lot of my leftover yarn, and have a nice new shawl for winter evenings (and it matches the bedspread my fiance and I are making, and the cover I made for his back support pillow).

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