Knitting Olympic Prep

There are approximately 3,000 Knitting Olympians stitching the global community together. Thank you Stephanie for spurring us on to compete with ourselves.

Supplies are crucial to adequate preparation. Mine include Trekking XXL yarn in color #104, a luscious mix of blues, some Brittany 5" DPNs and the book Sensational Knitted Socks. I've taken my measurements and chosen my pattern, p. 37 Elongated Corded Rib. Why is this a challenge (critical for the K.O.)? It will be my first sock that is fitted to my foot, first to have a pattern continuing from the leg through the instep and foot, and will be done on 5 (rather than 4 DPNs). I also have to get my tax paperwork in order so this will be stretching it!

Worked on increasing my stamina by knitting at least 4 hours a day and going for a daily 1 mile walk on steep terrain with my neighbor Berrin, a two-year old husky. It could be that he just likes the dog biscuits I keep on hand. I like having someone else along to be on the alert for hungry black bears. Beadlizard's advice on speed knitting is also well worth checking out.

Clearing The Calendar – means finishing OTN projects. Last night it was this super soft Patons Allure scarf which is destined to be a Threads of Compassion donation. This morning I wove the tails into the Lion Homespun prayer shawl pictured above. Sometimes I don't know who a shawl is intended for while it is being knit, but within a couple of days the recipient becomes clear.

This afternoon is my "Sit & Knit" group at the LYS. I've really come to look forward to this and only wish it were more often than every other week.

Happy knitting and good luck Olympians - athletes and knitters alike. Go Team DPN!!