15th July 2012

Text

Ravellenic Games Approach

So this year’s Summer 2012 Ravelympic Ravellenic Games are quickly approaching! The opening ceremonies start at 7:30 pm in London (that’s London time) and that is when anyone crazy enough can “compete” in knitting/crochet/spinning events from their homes (or a pub or wherever) while watching the games.

I love the Olympics more than any other sporting event, though I cannot chose which 1 event is my favorite (or even which season). The best of the best in the whole world (well, of the allowed countries) coming together to compete in pure athletic ability. Want to see amazing human ability, watch the 100m or 200m sprints. It is almost inconceivable how fast those people run. My jaw hangs slack the whole time.

So, in the spirit of the games, I chose to participate in knitting events to challenge myself while watching those who define the levels of human ability and self challenge. I hope to watch the games this summer with friends, colleagues, knitting strangers, at home, in pubs and public places, and even streaming during lunch breaks.

So, how will I compete while cheering on the best of the best? That is an excellent question!

1. I will knit a pair of simple socks in one of my most coveted yarns. Toe up, and hopefully matching!

2. I will knit a shawl. (here comes the hard part.)

For the shawl I will either knit a lace half-circle shawl called Vostok in Classic Elite Silly Alpaca Lace (silver) that I am considering as a wedding shawl (no, I have no actual wedding details yet). (Photo from pattern page and from Webs page. Seems to be from flickr and copyright of user DisgruntledOwl. It is an amazing photo and certainly not mine.)

Or I will knit the currently super popular shawl Color Affection (that has been dubbed the Color Affliction by the Yarn Harlot) (This photo from pattern and copyright veera. It is being used from the blog 100% Rain where you can also buy the pattern.)

So, the question becomes, which one to knit?! I think the lace would be a huge challenge but lots of fun. It would be hard to do while in transit or while actually watching tv. (Socks would be fine in these situations.) The striped shawl is beautiful, looks like fun, and seems like it would actually be quite useful as the temperature drops. It also seems like something I could finish in the allotted time along with a pair of socks. (Note: allotted time: 16 days (really 16.5 or so) during which I have work and other commitments. Yes, I do plan on taking some vacation days in there for Olympics/Knitting/Relaxing.)

It has been mentioned by me and my betrothed that perhaps rushing through a lace project of that complexity that I hope to use for a wedding might be stressful. I also feel very excited by the garter stitch stripes. Very excited.

Thoughts?

Tags knittingknitting olympicsRavelryRavellenic Gamesshawlengagement