2006 Loom Knitting Olympian
Eligibility: Any knitter who, embracing the "Citius, Altius Fortius" ideal, would like to challenge themselves while embracing the Olympic spirit, and is just whacked enough to play along with the Yarn Harlot (adapted to Loom Knitters).
Concept: You must cast on a project during the Opening Ceremonies of the Winter Olympics (Feb 10)- and finish before the Olympic flame goes out (Feb 26). That's 16 days!
02.24.06
The CaliKing Afghan will have to be finished after the flame flickers out - it only made it to Twin size. I have other obligations that are taking me out of town... C.R.U.I.S.I.N.G. the Caribbean for Mardi Gras - The challenge was fun & inspirational!
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02.20.06
WHAT WAS I THINKING??!@#*! I've just cast-on the 4th strip - only three MORE after this... if I don't crash & burn before Friday. That's my deadline due to some unavoidable, although enjoyable, commitments that have arisen.
I think my main obstacle was the size of the afghan, although I love looming... I enjoy finishing more ;) In between "strips" I side-tracked myself into a pair of "turned heel" sox and a matching hat to send to my son in CT. They were fun because I used Thick & Quick and was able to finish all three pieces in about 2 1/2 hours.
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02.16.06
Half way through 3rd strip. Oh, BTW each 6 1/2 ft long strip is 145 rows. I've been playing on the Internet... need to destress before attempting to detangle my yarn {grrrrr!} Take The Muppet Personality Test to see which Muppet you represent!!
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My results: Animal
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A complete lunatic, you're operating on 100% animal instincts.
You thrive on uncontrolled energy, and you're downright scary.
But you sure can beat a good drum.
"Kill! Kill!"
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02.15.06
Okay, almost ready to finish strip two. It's time to go count the rows on strip one. I should be able to cast on and put a serious dent in strip three tomorrow. Will post picks later.
After the Olympics, if you're still looking for projects to support, try these two patriotic efforts:
The Ships Project
Sending "Hugs from Home" to America's Deployed Troops in all
branches of the military. | Soldiers' Angels
Hand and Foot Coverings Needed for Wounded Soldiers on Medevac Flights Back to the US. |
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02.14.06
Happy Valentine's Day! My KK Basics class did not have a turn out today, so I went shopping instead {teehee}. I bought some "Thick & Quick" to loom some turned heel socks for a class and some Lion Suede to work up a purse for another class. Of course, these projects take a back seat to my Olympic challenge. If I don't finish this afghan my DH will never let me live it down!
Don't forget to send me your Yarn & Loom organization tips for my Scraproom remodeling project featured below!
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02.13.06
I finished the first strip last night. Almost two skeins is making a 6 1/2 foot long strip (black piece pictured on right). I haven't counted rows yet, but I will when I get closer to the end of strip two.
Strip two is now on the loom (tan or bone color) pictured to the right. Completing a 6.5 foot length every other day should keep me on track. Of course all this knitting is in between regular housework and sheetrocking my Katrina damaged home.
I've finished taping and floating my craft room, which is the last of the rooms to complete. I should be reorganizing and setting up my scrapping area soon! Now I'll need some ideas from all you "Loomy Knitters" out there to incorporate my new hobby organized into the grand scheme of things!!
Anybody want to share their yarn and loom organization tips, tricks or suggestions? Please send them to: ScrapbooksbyMoi@yahoo.com
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My "Scraproom" - (August 27, 2005) Before Katrina | 
After... used for storage (it FILLED up quickly!) |
Begin Sheetrocking (February 2006) | 
...more sheetrocking |
02.12.06
Well, this morning I've spent more time "surfing" & messing around in HTML than looming. I ordered a "Cool Tool" from Dream Looms because I've discovered that my hand cramps when looming for long periods of time. I hope to get it before the flame goes out so I can try it on this project, if not there will always be more projects ;)
I've reconsidered the length of my strips for this afghan. I think I'll go a lot longer... with a 6'4" husband it can't be "too" long! I have enough yarn to use two skeins in each strip, so I'll see how far that takes me. I've also decided to take a "Basic Crochet" class. The instructor assures me that learning to single, double and triple crochet should be plenty enough to add ruffles and edgings to my projects without adding too much frustration. That's why I love looming - the frustration to satisfaction ratio is low... little frustration LOTS of satisfaction!
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02.11.06
I've completed 2 feet of the first strip. I'll need seven, 5 foot long 6-7 foot long strips for this afghan, so I'd better "kick it up a notch"! Weekends are my slowest knitting days because I want to spend the time with my family. Once they go back to work & school on Monday I should make better time. I hope to finish the strips in 14 days leaving me the last two days to piece them together.
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02.10.2006
Cast-on was delayed due to power outage, but I'm in the game now!
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02.09.2006
Counting Down... Warming Up!
- Read everyone's post
- Found out there are at least 3 Michael's KK instructors on this Team - Holla!
- Decided on a project (First non-baby sized afghan - challenging California King Size!)
- Chose colors and decided on design (7 stripes - 4 black, 3 tan)
- Swatched a few different stitches to give hubby a choice (It IS half his bed too)
- Purchased 14 skeins of Simply Soft - 8 Black, 6 Bone (Hoping this is enough - Its a REALLY big bed)
- Set up a carrying bag to hold ONLY this project's supplies - May need to loom in several places in order to finish by the 16th
- Waiting very impatiently for tomorrow's big event to begin
Okay, I'd better do some housework, stock the pantry and fridge, cook dinner and wash some clothes, now that my "Priorities" have been 'd ;)
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