So anyone else watch the ill fated race of Liu Xiang? He is the Chinese track superstar who after a false start for a recent Olympic race, dropped out due to the obvious pain from an injury he was suffering. One might wonder why he attempted to run in the first place as he was in no shape to do it. Perhaps he felt he owed it to his country (and to himself) to try even though the smart thing to do would be to sit this one out.
I am Liu Xiang. Sort of.
Let me explain:
Liu Xiang is a track superstar and a former Olympic gold medalist. I am not a track superstar (or a superstar of anykind) but I AM a former Olympic Gold Medalist–Norwegian Stockings/Barcelona Olympics ‘06 baby!
Like Liu Xiang, I too entered a race I had no chance of winning. I am a competitor and I get a wee bit compulsive sometimes. Me entering Ravelympics with a stranded colorwork sweater knit on size 1 and 3 needles that I was planning on re-designing with only a week for prep work was perhaps a bit over-ambitious. I might not have seen reason at the time, but I understand now that I was bordering on crazy. Still…you never know and so like Liu Xiang, I entered anyway.
It took a false start for Liu Xiang to see reason. After he started the race and the buzzer rang saying they had to start again he promptly tore off his number and limped off the track. I had my own “false start” in my event when I realized I had twisted my knitting at the cast on–which I have never done before I might add. I didn’t realize what I had done for about an inch of knitting. I needed to start over and as I did, in my head I was symbolically tearing off my number and admitting that while it was a stretch to think I could finish this project with two solid weeks of knitting–it was impossible to do so after having lost 3 weekend days of knitting. Oh, and that was the other thing, I started late to begin with.
So all this is a long way of saying I am considering my ravelympic 2008 run as over. I am sorry if I got up anyones hopes that they were actually going to see an FO here this weekend. Like Liu Xiang didn’t want to disappoint the people of China, I also do not want to disappoint my faithful readers.
All is not lost however. I am still moving forward with Little Birds Pullover. I have worked out the sizing and stitch counts and I also have some very impressive ribbing to show off.
One of the reasons why I had a late start on this project was me trying to pick the right color combo.
I tried and tried to pick something other than blue for the birds but when it came down to it, the birds told me very clearly that they wanted to be blue. I think I found a pretty great shade for them (not pictured) and as soon as I have a nice bit of the body completed I will give you a peek at what they look like.
Ravelympics or no, I am still hoping to keep a good pace with this sweater. Wish me luck!
My poor little olympian. You will always have gold in my eyes. Norwegian Stocking sisters, forever!
You tried, but sometimes it’s not always possible. A for effort, right?
Also, I know it’s just a practice piece, but I sort of love the multicolored birds. All of them
There is always the commonwealth games to compete in two years
I have given alot of thought to the colour of the birds also, and contemplated orange for a loooong time but have also settled on blue.
Your progress is still very awe inspiring
We were talking about this last night! I was saying that the reason that you’re such an “Olympic Titan” of a knitter is that you always challenge yourself. This sweater may have been a “Michael Phelps” type of event, something that needs more preparation and a 10,000 calorie diet (we can work on that one in September). Go for the gold, Erin!
OMG, you’re too funny! That pattern is so freaking cute. I look forward to seeing what colors you end up going with.
It is going to be a beautiful sweater none the less and very worthy of some medal.
i can’t stand how much I love this post…and how much I loved Mr. Xiang before but now REALLY.
you can do it. you can do it!
Sorry to hear about your “false start.” I have a second Ravelympic project that I’m thinking I won’t even bother getting into the blocks for that one. Not a chance.
Can’t wait to see pics of course. Love your color sense.
p.s. My theory is Liu Xiang knew he was too injured to compete but the Chinese run their athletes into the ground, and he may have false started intentionally to get out without losing too much face? Hmm.
oh, I’m so glad you are still doing it, I can’t wait to see it! I can’t believe that you knitted all of those color combos!! I would have just held the skeins together and stood back to pick…
I adore that cardigan too, but have the same worry about it flattering. I look forward to seeing your sweater version. And I really love your multicoloured swatch!
Good luck with it!
Ooh, but it’s pretty, one way or another!
I almost signed up for the Ravelympics, but then I realized I was moving states in the middle of it, so in my case, common sense prevailed, but I am longing to start a cardigan!
Awww…look at all your cute little birds!! My yarn is apparently on backorder from Scotland, so it will be a while before I can start mine (end of October, I’m told).
I will have to live vicariously through yours. What shade are you using for the main color?
that is some very impressive ribbing! The birds are going to look lovely in blue, good choice!
You did your best Erin. That’s what really matters. I enjoyed the comparison to Liu Xiang. That was pretty sad, but he did his best too.
How could anyone ever be disappointed with you??? I can’t wait to see your beautiful sweater (and secretly I’m hoping you’ll make the birds all different colors like in your precious swatch…)
You could never disappoint! Cheering you on – even if you don’t finish until London 2012.
You did well to even enter the Ravelympics! I love the little birds, lovely knitting!
My mom would love you. She teaches knitting and crochet and writes patterns that are soon to be published. Do you crochet too?
Little Birds is going to be so pretty, no matter how long it takes. And sorry to be so late, but I love your photos of your trip. So pretty! Thanks for sharing!