OlympicSox2008

monday 9/08/2008

2008-09-08T15:27:00.001-07:00

Hi folks.
all the names and addies have been send to Crystal Palace Yarns, and so prizes will be going out
shortly!
thank you for participating.

ps, check back soon, as i'll have info about our "carefree holiday (or not) KAL".

blessings, :L

Medal Announcements: Category 10

2008-09-04T21:04:00.000-07:00

#10 Charity Event - 3 or more prs baby socks to donate
participants: Jody, Julie, Kim

Gold Medal goes to Julie!!

Jody & Kim : Silver

Kim S

Medal Announcements: Categories 15 & 16

2008-09-04T20:52:00.000-07:00

#15 Triathalon type events- sox with 2 or more patterns, like lace & cables
participants: Debi W , Pe MAZ

Gold Medal to Pe
Silver Medal to Maz

Bronze Medal to Debi W

#16 Happiness Event - sox in any color you fancy
Participants: Debi W, Maz, KnittingChic, Pe
Gold Medal to KnittingChic

Silver Medal, Maz

Bronze Medals: Debi W and Pe
Pe

Medal Announcements: Categories 7 and 17

2008-09-04T20:42:00.000-07:00

#7 White Lace - Tennis, Basketball
Silver Medal to Pe - lovely!

participants: Pe

#17 Equestrian - lace
participants: Lorraine, Debi W, Pe
Gold Medal to Debi W
Silver Medal to Lorraine E [Gold medal in #2 and #11]

Silver Medal to Pe [Gold medal in #7]

Medal Announcements: Category 6, Water Sports

2008-09-03T20:46:00.000-07:00

#6 Water Sports - blue sox
Participants: Cathy, Debi W, Wildflower38, MAZ, Jody

Medals:
Gold - MAZ, for sheer beauty
Silver - Debi W for Dara Torres socks
Bronze: Cathy & Jody
Special Award - Wildflower38
the honorary "Michael Phelps Award" for your nephew's 'never-ending socks'.

MAZ:

Debi W:
Debi also wins an "honorary mention" as psychic knitter, for naming and dedicating the socks before Dara won.

Cathy: , These socks also medalled in #3 Crystal Palace yarn, using Maizy.

Wildflower38 Special "Michael Phelps" Bigfoot award
Jody:

---------------------------

#5 Taekwondo/Judo - white sox (with colored "belts": could be cuff band +toe+heel in colors)
2 participants signed up, but socks did not qualify.

Special Peace Event

2008-09-03T19:03:00.000-07:00

this category is dear to my heart.....

#11 Peace Event - sox in 2 or more Tibet Colors: Red, White, Blue, Green, Yellow
two special medals - knitting books medals from organizer
participants: Adrienne
& Lorraine Two Gold Medals!!

i have for your consideration - new scarf book
or new "icelandic knitting book"

L

Medal Announcements: Categories 3 & 4

2008-09-03T18:09:00.000-07:00

#3 Sox in Any event with Crystal Palace yarn (special event)
Gold Medals to Cathy & Debi W ! Bronze medals to Debi W & Radka!

Cathy using Maizy sock yarn
design by KyleAnn Williams - free at CrystalPalaceYarns-free patterns Gold Medal!
Debi W. Gold Medal!
design in "stained glass colorway" in panda soy (design by Laura A) available from Judy at theknitter.com
Maizy original design by Debi W! Bronze medal!!
This original design was awarded a Gold Medal in Category 2.

Radka's lovely socks in Panda wool are also Bronze Medal - and they
earned Silver in category 18 !!

#4 Marathon &/or LongJump: sox with longest leg or foot
Gold Medal to Barbara for the llllllllllllooooooooonnnnngest socks
Silver Medal to Wildflower38
Barbara M

Wildflower38 These are size 14! so they are bigger
than they look and that's some very gorgeous knitting!

Medal Announcements: Categories 2 and 18

2008-09-03T17:28:00.000-07:00

Category #2 New design in Specific Event with Crystal Palace Yarn special award

Gold Medals to Both Lorraine E and Debi W !!

Lorraine E Panda Cotton, Color-circus New design: "The Road to the Olympics"

Debi W. Maizy sock yarn

#18 Blue Lace = Synchronized Swimming

Silver Medal to Radka C !! congratulations! (Panda Wool)
participants: Radka
Silver Medal!
Because these socks were knit with panda wool from Crystal Palace Yarns,
they also belong in Category 3 !
nice work!

Medal Announcements: Categories 1 and 12

2008-09-03T17:20:00.000-07:00

Category #1
Sox in Your declared Country's Colors:

Gold Medal to Jody Team USA & Bronze Medal to Kim S. Team Canada
Jody for Team US Gold Medal! Congrats!!

Kim S for Team Canada Bronze Medal
finished in correct colors

#12 China Event, China inspired motif
Gold Medal to Bianca Boonstra Team Holland
Panda Silk and Panda Wool by Crystal Palace yarns
new "Silk Road design" inspired by China
participants: Bianca Boonstra Gold Medal!

note: These are going up as a category is finalized and we have pics ready to make clear announcement.

blessings, :L

Info about the Prizes

2008-09-03T15:16:00.000-07:00

Susan Druding of Crystal Palace yarns is donating Crystal Palace Sock yarn to the winners.

I will be sending her your name and addy and any "special note" - as in "vegan yarns only", etc.

will keep you updated on this, but please email me your name and addy, and any necessary
notes - no wool, etc. Email Dr. Laura

also, if for some reason you DON'T want yarn (or a straight-jacket) then i have knitting mags and books as prizes from my own stash

Finished Socks

2008-09-03T13:01:00.000-07:00

European Size 38/39
Summer! by Ingrid Hiddessen
events: #14 # 15 and #16

Finished socks

2008-09-03T12:30:00.000-07:00

Today I finaly finished my blue Esther socks. Panda wool, 2.5mm needles. Too many distractions to get them done sooner. School started last week, a KAL started during the Olympics, had work done at my house (roof, insulation). Whew!

at last- the last

2008-09-02T14:23:00.000-07:00

Here is my final pair of baby socks. Category #10 and #6.

When I learned that I could add a late entry I had already donated this pair and the fushia baby socks. The blue piar had already lost it's mate. So, I made three of these little darlings! I think through this contest I have come to love baby socks! Instant gratification and a fun gift to give. Thanks for the fun and good luck ladies!

Jody

Judging in Progress

2008-09-01T00:52:00.000-07:00

Laura and the other judges asked me to post a message, to inform you that judging for the Olympic Sox is in progress. We have to wait a little while to see who have won gold.

In the mean time, don't forget to email Laura your address and email information.
Send it to...proflaura@firststepinternet.com

Wow, pretty socks!

2008-08-28T10:30:00.000-07:00

All of the socks are so pretty. I love the last post. What color was the yarn?
My LYS sells Crystal Palace and you all now have me wanting to buy that brand next. They are all fabulous! I hope to one day make socks that are so wonderful. I can not wait!
Jody

Debi's stained glass socks

2008-08-27T16:55:00.001-07:00

Well, i have to admit to feeling VERY honored.
this is a design i did for the August kit of the month, for www.theknitter.com
and it uses the new panda soy Stained Glass colorway.
there's a fun cable that's simple but pulls strands across to help the yarn show off!

and Debi W used this patt and yarn to do one of our entries!! so i will add her to the "late" list, but using Crystal Palace yarns.
woo hoo!

i love the gladiolus blossum too! wish i hadn't forgotten to plant some! your garden must be great to still have them this late in the year.

i do feel late entries are still eligible for prizes... and will do some prize announcements soon!

blessings, L

The OlympicSox Saga ends

2008-08-27T16:09:00.000-07:00

Hi folks,
well that sure was fun, hmmm?
i have been a bit quiet here, between deadlines and sick cats and inability to watch more than
clips on tv. but what i saw and heard has been wonderful!

but now i want to do a wrap up.

bianca kindly made me a spreadsheet, but i'm finding it's missing some key info.

please, all of you participants, drop me an email
proflaura@firststepinternet.com
?? anyone know how to make that a live link? if i use it won't work

1. your name and email

2. your address for prizes

3. what # you entered and final pics if you need to -

i have prelim pics for Peggy, but no final... there are a couple of others with no finals.
any final socks are still eligible for consideration [not gold].

thanks!

L

I Agree lots of Fun

2008-08-25T12:04:00.000-07:00

I totally agree this was a lot of fun. Lots of knitting done quickly. Hope everyone got done what they had planned. I know I did and more.

Thanks, Debi

Thanks for the fun contest

2008-08-25T11:48:00.000-07:00

Wow, this was lots of fun. I have only made one class sock then the three baby socks for this contest. It was a real challenge to learn how to even upload pictures! Hope all of the teams you wanted to win did. There are really pretty socks finished on this blog.
Jody

Reached the Finish Line

2008-08-25T05:39:00.003-07:00

I finally finished my road to the Olympics socks. I didn't make the deadline for Ravelry, due to misreading the rules. They were working on Beijing time. I was working on easter US time. I finished at 9:00 pm during closing ceremonies.

The yarn was Crystal Palace Panda Cotton, color fruit salad. I thought it looked like a mass of athletes in uniform. Needles were US#1/2.25mm. I designed the pattern. Here's a close up of the stitch pattern.

They qualify under CPY design, lace pattern, and Tibet colors.

A dose of second sock syndrome

2008-08-24T20:08:00.000-07:00

My progress as of end of closing ceremony. Half a repeat on second sock done. 4 more repeats to go. I'm using Panda wool color 4107 bluebell and 2.5mm/1.5US dpns.

End of Olympic Games

2008-08-24T15:37:00.000-07:00

and for The Netherlands it was a surprising Olympics for sure. 7 Gold, 5 Silver, 4 Bronze. For a small country, it is not a bad score :-)

3 down 1 to go

2008-08-24T14:51:00.000-07:00

Here is my 3rd sock. #10 and #16

First sock #1 and #10

Second sock #10 and #16

Last sock By 11:00 tonight? will be

Blue water and #16

Down to the wire for me!

Love, Jody

Second done! Third progress.

2008-08-23T20:57:00.000-07:00

Hi, Hope everyone is enjoying the Olympics. Here are pictures of my finished baby socks. The third sock has one done and the ribbing on the second. Closing ceremonies for Pacific Time is 11:00 pm Sunday (to answer my own question and if others are wondering.) Long night to go because I am hoping to do four pair total. I am behind. I just love migraines (not!)

The German sock will not get finished in time. It was too hard for this new blogger and sock knitter.

Good luck finishing ladies!

Jody

closing ceremonies

2008-08-23T19:20:00.000-07:00

Does anyone know what time closing ceremonies are in the US, Pacific time?
Jody

4 done 5th started

2008-08-23T13:50:00.000-07:00

Casted this on today. This is the Aug sotm from the Knitter.com. I will not post much about these as I do not think everyone has received their kits yet.

Here are my "Crazy About You" Socks by Adrienne Fong.

Too bad there is not a sprint group as I casted these on about 11am on Thurs casted off at 8:30 last night. Knitted on #1 addis. Yarn is Fanny's Farmhouse fingering. Color is Berries and Carmel.

Guess they are lace????

Done!

2008-08-23T10:35:00.000-07:00

Swagger Socks aka Thuja by Bobby Ziegler in Cherry Tree Hill supersock in Navy. I used 2 US 1.5 Addi turbo 24" circs. They're size men's 14 wide. I finished them yesterday (August 22) before work. I'm entered in the Marathon and Swimming events.

Done!

2008-08-22T16:35:00.000-07:00

I finished the Walking in the Maize socks tonight! These were knit using Ballad Blues Maizy yarn on US 1 dpns. I'll be entering them in events # 6 (blue sox) and # 3 (Crystal Palace yarn).

Thanks for organizing this event; it was a lot of fun!

2008-08-21T19:16:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, I think that I picked a pattern that's a bit too much to finish in two weeks, what with life interfering. But it's one I've meant to knit for a while now. The pattern is 'Esther' by Stephanie van der Linden. I finally finished the first sock. I adjusted the pattern to fit my foot. Radka

entering in:

#18 Blue Lace = Synchronized Swimming
#3 (Special Medal) Sox in Any event with Crystal Palace yarn

Fourth Pair of Socks

2008-08-21T12:35:00.001-07:00

I started a fourth pair of socks. This one is an adult sock. I am not sure I will have these done before the Olympics are over. It is a very fine sock yarn and I have 80 stitches on the sock.

Loud Soxs and New Soxs

2008-08-21T11:52:00.001-07:00

My new socks. I am not totally sure what pattern these will be. I started these this Morning.

My third pair. I Loved the pattern, loved the yarn. I know they do not look good together but..when wearing these one will never have a bad day as they are bright, loud, and fun. Finshed these Tuesday.

I am entering these in #16 as these were any color I fancied. Also #15 as they are lace and cable pattern is Twinkleberry.

still Walking in the Maize...

2008-08-20T15:30:00.001-07:00

Here's an update photo of my Maizy socks. I should finish these during the next couple of evenings!!

jody's sock pics

2008-08-20T11:45:00.000-07:00

Jody has just posted, and here are her wonderful sock pics!
I think the RWB flag baby socks are so cute!
will be fun to see the others grow!

blessings, :L
drlaura

Finished Third Pair

2008-08-20T11:31:00.001-07:00

This is the third baby sock, this third pair of baby sock. This should make it eligible for the charity event. This pair could also go for the blue sock, even though that the socks look more purple in the photo.

Two pairs finished and a new one in progress

2008-08-20T11:26:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was good for knitting. The two pairs that were begun the weekend before now are complete. They were taken by family members without asking permission. That is why today I cast on for another one, using KyleAnn Williams´Celebration pattern for the cuff. It is a fine pattern to knit and therefore I took a skein from my treasured and well hidden stash of the discontinued Trekking 155. Finally socks for me and they will qualify at least for the happiness section!

Have fun and a fine time knitting.

GO USA

2008-08-20T10:21:00.000-07:00

Yeah, Shawn Johnson finally won a gold. She smiled so much! What a cutie.
Finished the first pair and second pair of baby socks. Hopefully one to go before Pacific Standard time closing. Sock pictures were sent to the judges email. Couldn't figure out how to send them to the blog. Will ask my neighbor for help tonight. I know I am out of touch with the times, oh well. This is so much fun. I have only made one class sock and did not look before I leapt. But, totally addicted to socks and my LYS.
Good luck ladies and guys too.
Jody

Sock#1 Finished

2008-08-19T19:19:00.000-07:00

This sock is huge! This is where I am as of Monday morning. My goals for the final week are: Sunday - cuff; Monday - leg; Tuesday - heel flap and gusset decreases; Wednesday - most of foot; Thursday - finish foot and toe....... Well I'm behind. I've finished the leg and I'm starting on the heel flap. I still think I'll be done by closing ceremonies on Sunday.

Finished Number One..On To Number Two

2008-08-19T17:18:00.000-07:00

Finally the company's gone....I can get back to the real important things in life my knitting!! Lol. Finished the blue sockies,I tried to get my boy kitty Ghost to model them but...no dice (he's no fun!)

The second pair will be a little bigger.Red & white (Canada's colours) & I will try to duplicate stitch a Maple Leaf on the side.Please note I said try,I have yet to find a graph small enough..Too stupid to make my own...

My first sock

2008-08-19T02:08:00.000-07:00

SUMMER! by Ingrid Hiddessen
events: #14 # 15 and #16

it's a

2008-08-18T15:04:00.000-07:00

...photo finish!!! nyuk, nyuk!!

notice the "artistic" pose?! and they match, too!

"margaritaville"

yarn: red heart "heart and sole" in watercolor stripe
needles: us 1.5 (2.5mm) for the leg and us 1 (2.25mm) for the foot

Entered in events:

#8 Cycling-Velodrome-stripes

#11 Peace Event - sox in 2 or more Tibet Colors: Red, White, Blue, Green, Yellow

i doubt that i will start another NEW pair of socks for olympic sox 2008. i need to work on finishing some lonely onlies. i guess we need a new event for sss (second sock syndrome); maybe track and field - HURDLES!

Third Pair of Socks Started

2008-08-18T09:25:00.001-07:00

I finished the first sock on the final pair of baby socks. The sock is actually more of blue color than purple. The leg turned a little longer than anticipated.

Double basket socks - finished!

2008-08-17T20:44:00.001-07:00

Yay! Such a FUN pattern. DH loves them. I think I will enter them in the "marathon" category.

I'm wondering if I should start a second pair of socks -hmmm.

Olympic socks Day 8

2008-08-17T13:04:00.000-07:00

I've written about this on my blog, but I'll repeat myself here. One sock is finished and the toe is knit on the second. The point protectors are made of leather and elastic. I'll finish them and also the Vest before the end of the Olympics, but I have another challenge, a design one to do next, so i won't be starting any other Olympic knitting. I will, of course, start more socks, but they're for a granddaughter with a Sept. 15th birthday.

Nearly there!

2008-08-17T06:47:00.001-07:00

Well, I'm nearly there with Hugh's Double Basket Socks - check it out! We're going to a baseball game today - so may I can finish them there.

I wonder if these will qualify for the marathon seeing how long they are (and will be)?

Butterfly Cable Socks are done

2008-08-16T14:13:00.000-07:00

I finished the socks today. I'm going to name them Butterfly Cable socks, as the "cable" reminds me of the movements that swimmers make while doing the Butterfly stroke in the water.

They are made with Baby Blue Bunny Hop (Crystal Palace Yarns) and I needed 2.5 ball to create a size 9 sock pair. Used needles: US # 1.5 for the cuff and US # 3 for the sock itself.

Completed second pair of baby socks

2008-08-15T13:00:00.000-07:00

I finished up the second pair of baby sock. Just started the third pair of baby sock. I have started an adult blue sock, but I doubt I will finish these in time. It is a fine sock yarn and I have eighty stitches.

Two down Third Started.

2008-08-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

I do not have a name for these socks yet. Suggestions???? These are knitted in Maizy and an original design for this contest. So that would enter them in #2 and #3. Finished these Last night watching Phelps going for more Gold.

I am starting my third sock. Not sure what pattern I will be using. Having fun with this. Nothing else I will have some Christmas gifts done and some stash used. Started these this morning.

Red Socks are done

2008-08-15T06:20:00.000-07:00

I'm so happy that my first pair is completed way before the Olympics end. I may start another pair, who knows. Here's the finished pair.

Next Baby Sock

2008-08-15T01:16:00.001-07:00

Here is the next baby sock, it is an alternating ribbed pattern. The yarn is a sport weight acrylic yarn, at least I am sure it is. I live in Germany and so I purchased the yarn at a local department store.

First Pair of Socks Done

2008-08-14T07:11:00.000-07:00

I finished the first pair of baby socks. I started to work on a second pair of baby socks and I also started a blue ripple pattered sock.

first Maizy sock complete!

2008-08-13T15:18:00.001-07:00

I finished knitting the first Maizy "Walking in the Maize" sock last night and cast on the second one. The Olympics are a good excuse to sit and knit every evening!

I enjoy seeing everyone's progress photos; keep up the good work!

Baby Socks-Part Two

2008-08-12T17:05:00.000-07:00

As you can see, the second pair are started.Will finish it tonight/tomorrow.Not very fair to those of you doing big people socks tho'. So I'm making another pair, seems to be a lot of babies happening around here so I do have homes for them. Was talking to a lady today & she said she only makes tube socks for her grandchildren,they can wear them longer that way,makes sense to me..so the next pair will be tube socks.

Socks in Progress

2008-08-12T12:55:00.001-07:00

I don't often do that... working on two different socks. One is for a contest - the OlympicSox2008, the other is just for fun.
The second photo is a closer look at the lighter blue sock - the cable is not really a cable, and with a little bit of imagination, you can see the movement that swimmers could make in the water. LOL!

At home, not much has changed. The kids are still free, as in September school starts, the weather is windy... apples are dropping out of the tree due to the wind, and we carefully search for bad spots and pick out the good ones for ourselves.

Since Saturday I am the proud owner of a spinning wheel - and I do like to work with it. Alexa and Jouke learned how to work with the spindle. For the rest, the kids are watching the Olympics a lot, as the weather is not allowing them to be outdoors a lot. Summer in our country lasted less than a week... but in a way I don't regret it.

Just keep Knitting

2008-08-12T08:43:00.000-07:00

It's funny that I mostly knit while watching swimming. I guess the pattern I'm using is appropriate, Swimming Slowly. Also, I keep getting that little song from Finding Nemo, "just keep swimming" in my head that Dory sings. However, I plug in "just keep knitting".

Anyways, one sock is completed and sock #2 is started. The events I'm entering this pair, are Happiness, since in China red symbolizes happiness, and Equestrian, since they are lace.

Slow but steady

2008-08-11T17:53:00.000-07:00

I was busy at work this weekend so I don't get the leg of my nephew's sock finished. I need to knit aout an inch and a half more. I'm off for the next 4 days so I'll get caught up and watch Phelps win another gold medal. :)

The pattern is Thuja from knitty.com and the yarn is Cherry Tree Hill Supersock in Navy Blue. The sock size is mens 14 wide. My events are marathon and swimming. Good knitting everyone.

One down another on the needles

2008-08-11T16:51:00.000-07:00

Here is the second pair I have started. I am planning on doing my own design on these.
Finished, here they are. Guess they will go for Swimming and Judo. My own design.

i've started

2008-08-11T10:15:00.000-07:00

... a pair of "margaritaville" in red heart's new sock yarn "heart and sole" (isn't that totally punny?!)

i am knitting them on two separate circs because 2 socks on one pair drive me nuts.

entering events:

#8- cycling- velodrome -stripes

#11- peace -tibetian flag colors -figure this is a modified version of the colors...magenta (red), white, blue, teal (green), and lime green (yellow)

yarn drove me crazy when i tried to match the colors. finally realized that one skein was wound in the opposite direction, hence one ball in original skein and one ball rewound. doncah hate stuff like that?!

enjoying everyone's entries.

adrienne

Unfinished socks still - Day 3

2008-08-11T05:53:00.000-07:00

The competitive side of me is frustrated by those of you who have already finished socks. It doesn't matter that I'm also knitting a vest, and the socks are my portable project. It also doesn't matter that I started an hour late and had to restart my socks because of size. It also doesn't matter that I have a full time job. I want to win!

They're back on track, all frogged yarn has been reknit, and the size is right. The color is pooling a little bit, but I like it. This is how they looked Monday morning.

These socks also qualify in event #17 Equestrian/lace, as well as the declared #2 and #11.

What a great swim meet last night

2008-08-11T05:45:00.000-07:00

I've been actively knitting while I watch the Olympics, especially when I get home from work. The best event last night I watched was when the Americans beat France in the Mens 4x 100m relay. We got the gold, and broke the world record, which is unbelieveable knowing that we were the underdogs for the event. But the boys just wanted to show up to France, after everything they said about the Americans.

Here's a picture of my sock. It's knitted in KnitPicks Palette in the color Lipstick (a very nice red). The pattern and sock are apart of the Olympic Yarn Smackdown that I'm also participating in. The pattern is called Swimming Slowly Socks by Helen Waittes.

I started it Friday night while watching the Open ceremony, and I can't believe I'm already on the heel of my first sock. I'm planning to get this first sock done tonight, while watching more Olympics.

Sunday´s progress

2008-08-10T23:18:00.000-07:00

Here are progress pictures from morning and evening of sunday.

Pattern for the blue sock is Fishermen´s sock 2 by Moni Eckert.

These will be entering #16 happiness, #15 triathlon and #6 water sports.

They are size 41 (US 11?) and as usual made of sock yarn dyed in my kitchen.

The grey socks are made of pure merino sock yarn, as well dyed here and the pattern is my own. They will be size 41, entering contest #16 happiness and #7 cycling-velodrome.

Maizy progress

2008-08-10T16:54:00.000-07:00

Here's the latest picture of my first Ballad Blues Maizy sock. As you can see, I have started the K1, P1 ribbing for the foot. So far, so good! I'll be entering these in #6 Water Sports and #3 Crystal Palace Yarn.

First Sock Done

2008-08-10T12:24:00.000-07:00

Here is my first sock, there are tiny cables in this baby sock..it might be hard to see. I also used a garter stitch in the heal. I have seen it in another baby sock pattern so I thought I would try the garter stitch short rows.

Socks ready

2008-08-10T10:15:00.001-07:00

The Panda Wool & Silk socks are ready. As it was too dark indoors to take pictures, I went outside and hung them in the tree in order to make the picture.

They were finished while watching the Olympic Swimming, and we saw the Dutch Ladies win gold.

Contest wise I'd place my socks in the Happy Event (#16) and #3 (hope I do it right.)
Design is made up by me. Socks suitable for a 16 month old. Needles used: US 0 and US 1 1/2.

I have cast on a new pair in Bunny Hop.

Regia Socks

2008-08-10T09:20:00.001-07:00

I am using one of the oldest skein in my stash in Honor of Dara Torres. She is a 41 year old swimmer and her first olympics was in 1984. I thought this yarn had been around for more than one olympics so I should use it.

Started these Saturday Aug 9 around 11am.

The colors could be for Judo for the black belt. I also made up the pattern as I went so Freesytle.

Progress on Double Basket Socks

2008-08-10T07:49:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone - I started my double basket socks on Friday night, then had to frog the darn things because they were too big! So here's what I have so far. They're for my husband, who can't wear wool. I'm using Frog Tree yarn - 85% cotton, 15% silk. The pattern is Double Basket socks from Charlene Schurch's Little Box of Socks. DH chose them himself! They are coming along nicely.

Olympic socks day 1

2008-08-09T18:02:00.000-07:00

I started my Olympic knitting about 8:00 pm eastern US time, starting with the shadow knit vest I committed to on Ravelry. Further explanation on my blog.

The swatch for my sock has a number of patterns. I like to buy yarn locally, and the choices of Panda yarn were limited. This Panda Cotton which reminded me of Olympic colors. I'm calling the sock "The Road to the Olympics" because it is not straight, but has twists turns and bumps. The picture shows the swatch and the sock at dinner time tonight. The color difference is due to swatching in a different yarn. The color repeat is very similar and I was looking for a pattern that would work with the colors. Panda Cotton yardage is short and I have lots of the other yarn (Aussi sock wool in Spanish Fiesta color).

My sock is too wide! I need the stitch count to make the pattern fit. That version worked on 2.5 mm needles, has been frogged, and started again on 2.25 mm. I like my socks to have negative ease and these didn't. Also the yarn has elastic in it. The new toe seems to have the foot diameter I need.

These socks qualify for 2 events: #2 Crystal Palace yarn original design and #11 Tibet Colors (red, green, yellow and blue) along with purple.

Mom and Me Knitting- Great work ladies!

2008-08-09T13:11:00.000-07:00

Hi all,
Just started last night Pacific, US time. Everyone's socks look great. Started 2 baby socks. One in the baby section and one for Germany and one in the swimming. I like to cast on all of mine first then continue on. I have to seam up a new pattern baby sock then cast-on the second and I will post my in progress sock. Have fun. Go USA three sweep medals in Sabre Fencing!
Jody

Maizy cast on during opening ceremonies

2008-08-09T04:37:00.001-07:00

Here's a pic of the progress I made while watching the opening ceremonies in the Eastern time zone. This is Maizy yarn in Ballad Blues and I am knitting a slightly modified version of the "Walking in the Maize" pattern. I'm using dpns instead of circulars and I did a long tail cast on with K2,P2 ribbing for the cuff instead of the tubular cast on and ribbing suggested in the pattern. I finished the 2 inch ankle section and plan to start the heel today. Oh, I also cast on 56 stitches instead of 68. This will be my first "Eye of Partridge" heel so I'm looking forward to how it turns out! From here on out, I plan to follow the pattern, including the suggested K1, P1 ribbing in the foot section.

Olympic Bronze

2008-08-09T04:26:00.000-07:00

Just saw Ruben Haukes gain Olympic Bronze in judo -60 kilos. He is the first Dutchman who won a medal in this Olympics.

In the mean time I finished the first sock, and am halfway the second.
To answer Laura's comment: I like the combination. They work remarkably well together - the slightly thicker Panda Wool brings a nice relief in the sock. The sock shown has been scanned...

Pattern is my own design - used needles are US #0 for the cuff, and US 1 1/2 for the rest of the sock. I'll be finishing the second today, watching the Olympic Athletes ;-)

opening games

2008-08-08T22:15:00.001-07:00

Here's the progress from starting tonight 6:30 pm MN time.

Peggy T.

Off & Running-Baby Socks

2008-08-08T17:27:00.000-07:00

Hope I'm doing this right,never done a blog entry before, so, here goes....

I started my baby socks this afternoon,about 4:00 pm EST. Never realized that I could knit so fast! I'm past the heel & going up the leg. Like to do my socks toe-up,so I "borrowed" Laura's pattern & reversed it, & there you have it!

I just may have to make more than one pair.

We're off! First Prize drawing coming soon.

2008-08-08T15:23:00.000-07:00

Nice kick-off Bianca. opening hasn't happened yet for me in WA, USA

lots of new olympians joining... listen folks, check the roll on the right side, and let me know
if i need to

add your name
fix your country
etc

some folks have responded to an invitation but i don't have them in our Olympian total
roster yet.

I do have the first prize - once i get my refs to figure out something, like a drawing of all
Olympian numbers [minus me and the refs]

it's a new Scarf book.

blessings,
:L, drlaura

Knitting during the Opening Ceremony

2008-08-08T08:58:00.000-07:00

Beautiful to see, the Opening Ceremony for the Olympics, that started at 14.00 Central European Time. Now, four hours later, the flame is going to be lit, and I can show you the cuff of my first sock. Inspired by a bit of history of the Chinese - as they simbolized the Silk Route, I chose the colours for the baby socks: Panda Silk Nutmeg, and Panda Wool Limeade. The Silk Route however was the route from China to Rome, on which silk, herbs and spices were transported to the west. The colours in the sock symbolize in my opinion the silk, and the spices.

open talk - once only - about Tibet and China

2008-08-07T14:38:00.000-07:00

Local musician to make history at Olympics

"Chad Brahill, a graduate of Mt. Spokane High School, will make history when he plays in the first foreign band to play on Tianamen Square."

...............................................

Hi folks,

this blog is about Sox and celebrating Olympians and our love of knitting. so i am slightly trepidatious about opening this topic - yet, i'd rather not just sweep it under the rug. er um, sometimes too blunt honesty is a part of my nature.

so, given that this is a quasi-contentious issue but we may want to talk, let's limit posts to comments on mine?

here in my own home, my dh is less interested in watching olympics b/c of China's human rights records:
thousands of farmers unable to farm so Peking/er Beijing can have water for olympics
forced labor to build the "bird's nest stadium";

and then Tibet.

We also know that we have to think twice before buying "made in China" (a lot of walmart stuff) - due to contaminated & bad drugs, poisoned petfood, lead in toys, and i wonder nervously about "wild caught salmon" from China & about the food inspection standards. as well.

and then Tibet.

However, that HH the Dalai Lama said that we should not dishonor the games, and should support the athletes, even as we oppose the "china cult".

i did petition our U.S. president to speak up for Tibet.

i have made a donation to the ICT, International Campaign for Tibet, and right now they have a donor willing to match $ up to $100K SaveTibet

***We have some great athletes worldwide for whom this is a special event. imagine if YOU could only knit once in 4 yrs ...

so. my heart is with Tibet... but i wish love and compassion and kindness and happiness for all.

off soapbox,
blessings, :L, drlaura

how many events

2008-08-07T09:30:00.000-07:00

can one pair of socks qualify for?

say, i knit a sock in usa color stripes out of panda wool. would this qualify for 3 events?

1. team country colors
2. cycling - velidrome
3. knitting with cpy

or just one?

and yes, laura, team usa for me.

adrienne, trying to confuse the issues at the last possible moment

Well-trained

2008-08-07T08:15:00.000-07:00

Just two weeks ago, I completed a Francie sock in six days and am in the final stretch of the second sock after a week and two days. The question now remains, which event, pattern and yarn will I use?

DrLaura is putting this on, so I should use the Crystal Palace Panda Cotton I have (but wanted to save for a baby surprise jacket). I've been wanting to figure out Mr. Monkey socks, transforming the lace bits and filling in the holes with increases, and the prescribed yarn was going to be BMFA's Kawkaw colorway from this year's sock camp. A third choice would be something in a Scout's Swag color (who we just interviewed on YKNIT, a knitting podcast -- genetically speaking).

Decisions, decisions, decisions. Time to check my queued patterns on Ravelry and look at some books. Opening Ceremonies is less than 24 hours away, so I need to get my gear in gear. Good luck to everyone during the Games!

I wish

2008-08-06T03:49:00.000-07:00

all of us much fun during the OlympicSox2008

Greetings Pe

countdown commences !!

2008-08-05T20:32:00.000-07:00

Hi folks,

tonight on NBCOlympics.com you can watch the USA men's gymnastics practice if interested.

I've just made a list of contestant names. I need you to email me with the country you are "representing".

this is because one SOX category is colors of your country's flag [or your adopted country].

I'm rooting for USA and for Tibet.

will be listing contests& events soon.

Keep your eyes peeled.
also, email me drlaura1 or drlaura2 with any suggestions on events you particularly would like to see.

blessings, :L

ps plan is to begin at opening ceremony and end at closing ceremony. i might? consider a 1 wk
extension if enough requests.

Events

2008-07-28T05:55:00.000-07:00

I was thinking about a Mountain Bike Race. This is off road. The last one my son did was muddy from rain the day before. It was a 2 day event, road race one day and off road the next. He sounded like a little kid who's taken a mud bath. He had mud in his eyes, nose and mouth, but he had fun. I don't think he placed well that day, but there's always next year.

There's the triathalon event: swim, bike, run. I'm not sure what order they do them in. That might require 3 pairs of socks, or some creative design.

Can we knit the socks in any color this time, or do we have to stick to Olympic colors?

creative sox

2008-07-27T20:04:00.000-07:00

ok - the Long Jump is the Longest sox leg or foot

i think Gymnastics ought to be Cables -
a) men's
b)women's

Water Sports are Blue

now... what's a creative category for LACE sox?

Olympic SOX 2008

2008-07-27T19:31:00.000-07:00

welcome!

will be posting more information shortly.

the plan is for us to knit sox together while we watch the 2008 Olympics.

there will be prizes for completed pairs of human sox - some from my own (dr laura) stash of knitting books and knitting magazines - and some from Crystal Palace Yarns. Prizes will be awarded by random number drawings to the contestants in each category.

Here are the contests so far:

1. Long Jump: the loooooooongest pair of sox legs or feet.

2. The colors for the flag of the country where you reside. If you are living in a different country, you can also enter for the country of your primary citizenship.

3. China themed sock - suggested by Bianca B of Holland (and more details will come)

4. Tibet's colors: red, white, blue, green, yellow

5. Cycling - more details to come but likely
a) men's
b) women's

6. Water sports - blue

7. Any category knit with Crystal Palace Yarn

8. Original new design for any category knit with Crystal Palace yarn

email me drlauraAsirius@gmail.com with your name if you wish to join in!

blessings, :L