Hemlock Ring Blocked

Yesterday was my birthday. I worked. I spoke on the phone with many family members and friends. I also blocked Hemlock Ring. Twenty six is looking a lot like 25.

In addition to Hemlock Ring, I also put down to knit a small Ishbel for the Knitting Olympics. I've finished the stockinette portion of it and I'm on to the lace part. I didn't get a picture before it got pretty dark out tonight so that will have to wait for another day.

I also haven't mentioned my new favorite podcast on here, yet. It's A History of the World in 100 Objects, put out by BBC Radio 4. Every weekday, the director of The British Museum discusses one object from the museum's collection. He describes the object, significant features of the object and how it fits into the history of the world. It's pretty much my daily fifteen minutes of history geekery. Podcasts and audiobooks certainly contributed to the speed

Knitting Olympics

I've decided to do the Knitting Olympics. I'm for sure knitting Hemlock Ring. I cast on Friday night during the opening ceremony (which I liked better than the overly-showy Beijing one). I had already finished the central flower by Saturday morning.

Tonight, I finished the first skein of Eco +.

I also put myself down to knit a small Ishbel and since I think I'll finish the Hemlock Ring by the end of this week I might even be able to finish it.

Before setting the Burridge Lake Aran Afghan aside for 16 days of knitting frenzy, I did finish the first panel.

I also got a few repeats into the second panel.

I should be done with the knitting in time to absolutely in no way want to be seaming a wool afghan on my lap.

Crossing the Finish Line

Done on time! I bought my buttons and went straight over to Knit'n from the Heart to sew them on and then turn in my sweater for voting on the Olympics contest there. I think I finished about 15 minutes before the deadline. For now, I'm going to take a little break from knitting.

Finish Line in Sight?

The bulk of the knitting on my Ravelympics project is complete. I took this photo prior to steam blocking and tomorrow I can start the button band and/or neck band. (Hopefully) better pictures to come! I also still need to buy buttons.

Ends, Ends Everywhere

I've started the front and if I keep up at this rate I at least hope to have the main body complete by the end of the week. That'll leave me with the sleeves, button band, neckline, and finishing for week two. I'm trying not to lose momentum.

I haven't watched too much of the actual Olympics but I've caught a bit here and there. I find the Montenegro Men's Water Polo team particularly fascinating. It's their first Olympics and apparently it's a huge sport for them. I completely stumbled upon their first qualifying match against Hungary which ended in a tie and now I'm hooked. Go Montenegro!

Baby Got Back

I've divided for the armholes and I've only got about two inches left of the back before I shape the neckline. I'm totally amazed at how quickly I've managed to whip through this pattern. I'm super excited to get it done and I'm kind of sad I decided to enter it in Knit'n from the Heart's Olympics contest because that means that I have to hand it over by 5:00 next Saturday evening instead of getting some wearing enjoyment out of it first.

To break up the monotony of beige sweater pics, I've decided to go back to including music.

This is "Marry Me" by St. Vincent, the moniker of singer-songwriter Annie Clark. It's a gorgeous song. I wish I could have found a decent live version because she mimics the trumpet sounds herself when performing. Bonus, the song's name (also her album title) is an Arrested Development reference.

Behold, Bodice Lace

I might just get this crazy sweater done in time.

The lace pattern is pretty simple but interesting enough to get me through the 50 inch rows (purling the wrong side is a different story, though). In about 2 inches I can separate to shape the armholes. I think I got three rows done at lunch today so in the grand scheme of things it probably barely made a dent but all of it adds up. Dinner's been made and consumed so it's back to knitting!

Weekend Knitting

I haven't gotten as much knitting done this weekend as I would have liked but I have made some progress. I only have an inch of stockinette left on Hey, Teach!

And I finished Rose's Wristwarmers (granted, all I had left on those for the weekend was the thumb).

Will I finish my sweater on time? Maybe. No big plans for next weekend, so that should help.

Let the Games Begin!

I caved. I'm totally knitting Hey, Teach! for the Ravelympics.

I got the yarn at Knit'n from the Heart where their cottons are 20% off right now. I might also enter it in their Olympics competition, too, although their rules are a little more restrictive. Either way, going by the finished ones on Ravelry it might just be a quick knit. Remind me I said that when I'm out of time and still getting pissed at my first button band.

I'm going to try to blog my progress often so, if nothing else, this should get me back to more frequent updates. Might even do a music post again here and there if something strikes my fancy. Now I just wish it were Friday so I could cast on.