Has everyone already heard about Stephanie's Knitting Olympics challenge? You pick a project that is challenging for you, cast on during the Olympics opening ceremonies, and aim to bind off during the closing ceremonies. Whew!
I was fence-sitting for quite some time on this one. I tend to not like deadlines, because they impose themselves so frequently at work, why would I want additional ones for my craft time? On the other hand, this is a nicer deadline than most of my work ones. And deadlines aren't all bad, they allow me to try new things within a reasonable time period (like my lifetime), something I probably wouldn't get to otherwise. Witness my carved dog stamps from Myra's postcard swap: I had that stamp carving kit for the better part of a year but never got around to it until two or three days before the deadline.
I finally decided to join in. There are 1800+ people signed up, so if I don't achieve my goal I won't be singled out and spotlighted, right?
The rules include choosing a project that will be a challenge for me to complete in 16 days. (See full rules here.) I'm going to be attempting the Sweet Mary Jane cardigan from KnitPicks. Here it is:
Cute, no? I picked this pattern because she looks just like me so I know it will be a good match. Alright, I'm just kidding on that. The only similarity is that we both have black hair. Still I thought it looked cute and for a total cost (yarn + pattern) of only about $10, I can afford to take a chance on it. This is a challenge for me because I've never knit a sweater for myself or for any adult, only baby sweaters. (Eek, what was I thinking??? Calm, deep breaths... OK, better now.)
I also decided to join because I wanted to make a team button. So here's my Team Northern Arizona button (the background is a picture I took of the Grand Canyon a few months ago):
Cast-on starts Friday, 10 February. I'll attempt to post progress reports. Wish me luck!
Very cute! Also one of the (many) reasons I wish I could knit. I'll have to content myself with cheering you on!
Posted by: Anamaria | Friday, 03 February 2006 at 05:42 AM
I love that sweater!! I'm not anywhere near talented enough with knitting to accomplish something like that. I still curse at a plain scarf! hahaha
Posted by: Marie | Friday, 03 February 2006 at 12:16 PM
I love this idea! If only I knew how to knit. What a gorgeous cardigan you chose. You'll definately get a gold medal for that!
Posted by: myra | Friday, 03 February 2006 at 12:25 PM
such a cute sweater!!! It's a great pattern, what yarn are you using!? thanks so much for stopping by my blog :D
Posted by: Amanda Woodward | Friday, 03 February 2006 at 02:39 PM
What a pretty pattern! What yarn in what color are you going to use?
Posted by: Bettsi | Friday, 03 February 2006 at 05:44 PM
Just wanted to let you know that I've also signed up for the knitting olympics and will be making the Sweet Mary Jane Cardigan as well. I'm using Grape Jelly. This will also be my first adult sweater and I'm very nervous about making it for myself. Doubt I'll finish it in 16 days, but hey...it will at least give me a nice boost on the project, right? Good luck!
Posted by: katilo | Monday, 06 February 2006 at 09:55 AM