My blog about knitting, teaching, and being a mother to two energetic young boys.

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Gold Medalist!!!

I've done it! I've earned the Gold Medal in the Yarn Harlot sponsored Knitting Olympics! According to the rules, I had to cast on a project that would be somewhat of a challenge during the opening ceremonies. I then had to finish the project before the Olympic flame was extinguished during the closing ceremonies.

My friends - I have done it. When I opted to join the Knitting Olympics, I knew it would be work. When I finished the sleeves ahead of my "schedule", I thought - no sweat. When I wasn't even halfway through the body as of Tuesday, I began to sweat bullets & doubt I'd make it. I was sure I'd "trip & fall" as the finish line approached.

But - I'm happy to report that as of 5:00 AST, during my finishing class (how apropos!) I wove in my last end & tried on my new sweater.

Introducing my "Olympic Eastlake"

Pattern: "Eastlake" by Norah Gaughan - **Errata available**

Yarn: Dream in Color, Classy - "Happy Forest". A great, superwash 100% Merino wool. Oh how I love this yarn! I first met this yarn when I knit the Baby Tulip sweater. So soft & sproingy.

Needles: US5 for the ribbing & neck; US7 for the body...

Mods: I took a leap & transferred the pattern to be knit in the round rather than in pieces so I could A) Avoid as much purling as possible & B) Avoid seaming as much as possible. I just knit in the round to one row past the eyelet row. The pattern includes a funky neckband extension - I'd certainly leave that out if I were to knit this again. I'd also learn how to use short rows to knit the sleeve caps for a better fit.

Happy to be done - perhaps now I can get my house back in order. At least the dilemma of what to wear to work tomorrow is solved! :0)

~Ciao

7 comments:

Holly Jo said...

You do realize you have posted about TWO sweaters in the month of February? You absolutely rock.

Eastlake looks fantastic on you. Love the color.

pdxknitterati/MicheleLB said...

Looks great! And mmmmmm, DIC Classy. Love that stuff. Congratulations!

Leah said...

Wow! I just ordered the pattern for this very sweater. I love yours! The yarn is great and the sweater. They work nicely together. And the fact that it was all done in the allotted time! Amazing!

Pat said...

Congratulations - you Eastlake is just beautiful - such gorgeous green!

Mrs.Q said...

That's gorgeous! Well done!

elizabeth said...

Oh, I love that sweater! It looks great on you!

Katrina said...

It looks fabulous on you!!! Excellent work, my dear.