Cue the Olympic theme.
Yes, I’m doing the Ravelympics this year — somehow I’ve always missed it before. For those who don’t know, the Ravelympics is a speed event. You cast on a project during the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics and try to complete it by the time the games end. My current medal chances? Cautiously optimistic.
I decided to knit a jacket/cardigan that caught my eye a number of years ago. It’s called Val, and it’s an Elsebeth Lavold design. It’s not a particularly popular pattern from what I can tell — on Ravelry, mine is the sole project. I’m not sure why. I like it.
It’s a short jacket, one button, with cabled front bands that turn into a collar. The sleeves are also cabled. I’m making mine by holding two yarns together: Rowan’s Kidsilk Haze in Hurricane and Miss Babs Yummy Monochrome Sport & Sock Yarn in Denim. I’ve made a few slight changes to the pattern. I’ve lengthened it a little bit and omitted the one by one ribbing at the bottom in favor of a hem. I’ve finished both fronts and the back and will cast on the first sleeve tonight.
Here’s what it looks like after crudely basting the side seams and basting down the collar. I used extra blurring on the pictures because they are definitely not medal worthy. The second photo is probably most true to color.
Close up of the button I plan on using:
Wish me luck!
PS from Susan — Good luck, Surly! It is beautiful.
I for one decided against the Ravelympics this year. Four years ago I did “medal” by finishing Rogue in 12 days. I WORE my sweater proudly before the end of the Olympics at the Birkebeiner Ski Race in Hayward, WI. It felt like a mini-Olympics being at the largest cross country ski race in North America. But this time around, I just could not suffer through something with a deadline. Too many knitting deadlines of late — knitting ain’t much fun if you are always trying to beat the clock.
Sally, I don’t know why it is not more popular. I like it very much and I am very impressed that you have made so much progress in 1 week. The color is stunning and I love the collar. Good luck! (I always wanted to be the first one to comment.)
Comment by Marsha — February 23, 2010 @ 7:16 pm
looks great! I’m struggling along on the Farmer’s Mkt Cardi-what was I thinking, yards of ss(great for watching Olympics) but too many fiddly finishing things! I may be a RNF(run not finishing)
good luck!!
Comment by pattie — February 23, 2010 @ 7:36 pm
Pleeeze put some shorts or a skirt on your model! I’ve been reading your blog for a year now & it just drives me crazy. Thanks. 😉
Comment by Pat — February 23, 2010 @ 7:37 pm
Gorgeous color and pattern! Elsebeth Lavold gives good cables 🙂
Comment by kmkat — February 23, 2010 @ 8:12 pm
I love it! I have only recently become a huge fan of Elsebeth Lavold, and this is one of her patterns that I especially wanted to make. Like you, I seem to have just missed getting into Ravelympics in the past. You inspire me to try both.
Comment by Astrid — February 23, 2010 @ 8:40 pm
Sally, I love this blue — go win one for the team!
I am with Susan on the Olympics this year — lots of TV knitting time, but no deadline. Bliss.
Comment by Pam — February 23, 2010 @ 8:48 pm
The color is gorgeous, the cables are delicious, and the button is divine.
Perhaps it’s just not “popular” on Ravelry due to being an older book?
Comment by Cheryl S. — February 24, 2010 @ 2:39 am
This is exquisite – color, cables,design.
I REALLY like the button – it would be perfect for a vest I’m working on! Any chance that you know if it’s available anywhere – I will need 2.
Good luck on the deadline . . . I see a gold medal in the future!
Comment by Pixie — February 24, 2010 @ 9:34 am
(from a lurker in the background) It is beautiful and seeing it makes me want to knit it! Good luck getting it finished. (and I love the blog btw).
Comment by Jennifer — February 24, 2010 @ 11:41 am
I love that sweater, yarn and button combination. Just lovely! I have had to withdraw from competition this year. Some family issued arose and I had to remember that I am a mom first, a ravelympian second.
Comment by Doris — February 24, 2010 @ 2:17 pm
It’s a winner, whether you finish before closing ceremonies or not. But I’m betting you will!
Comment by twinsetellen — February 24, 2010 @ 8:36 pm
This sweater is lovely it should be more popular and someone has to get it rolling. Why not you?
Comment by ~ ~Ahrisha~ ~ — February 24, 2010 @ 9:29 pm
Great choice Sally. The collar is spectacular and the gold medal will fit nicely around it. I am tempted to start a Val for myself.
How do you estimate gauge when using two yarns together?
Comment by Nancy — February 25, 2010 @ 10:13 am
I already medaled in the Ravelympics. This time I picked a pair of socks. I knew I could finish them easily in the time available. I’m now working on a second pair of socks for a yarn company. I think I may finish them by the end of closing ceremonies, but its more of a goal than a deadline.
Comment by Lorraine — February 25, 2010 @ 10:18 am
This is absolutely beautiful!
Comment by Linda — March 5, 2010 @ 12:10 pm