« Ready, Set, GO! | Main | Olympic Training Results »
February 11, 2006
The Agony of Defeat!

So. Things didn't go as well as they could have yesterday. I had swatched and thought I was all set. I was worried about following the pattern but not about my yarn choice. Turns out, the pattern is okay, the yarn choice, though? Not so okay. The stuff makes my hands hurt. Really hurt. I guess a swatch of 40 stitches per row doesn't prepare you for 110 stitches per row in the real world.
I'm still knitting this vest (with different yarn) but not as my Olympic challenge. Challenges are good, injuries, not so good, so I'll be working on this vest a little at a time.
I'm down, but I'm not out, though. I have a new plan. I'm knitting socks. Now before you jump all over me for selecting something too easy for me, let me tell you which socks I'm knitting. I've selected the Child's First Sock in Shell Pattern from the Nancy Bush book Knitting Vintage Socks. I collect Nancy Bush books but I've never actually knit a pattern from one. See, socks are my mindless knitting. That's why I gravitate to simple patterns - stockinette, feather & fan, Jaywalker - easily memorized and I don't have to pay attention. This pattern, though, is going to require concentration. It's also going to require some resizing as it's too small for me the way it's written.
So, that's my new Olympic Knitting project. If this one bites me in the ass, too, then I'm done. For now, though, Team Martini carries on.
Posted by Carole at February 11, 2006 4:05 PM
Comments
Darn. What is the offending yarn? I bet the socks will be fun and fabulous.
Posted by: Lauren at February 11, 2006 4:40 PM
Oh I love love love that sock, it's SO on my todo list. I'm jealous! :) Can't wait to see your sock progress, I think it's a fantastic backup plan. I'm all for no injuries.
Posted by: Julie at February 11, 2006 4:43 PM
I have some Lornas Laces sockweight set aside for those same socks! Nancy Bush is coming to my LYS the end of March, I so hope I can get into one of her classes!
Oh...I've bought some more yarn. Can you put 16 marks next to my name? 10 Noro Kureyon, 5 Patons Merino, and 1 Cascade 220. I realize I'll probably never catch up with some but *ahem* I can still play along :)
Posted by: liz at February 11, 2006 4:51 PM
Only a temporary setback - you are a trooper! I've seen that sock - it will be a challenge, but oh so lovely when you triumph.
Posted by: Chris at February 11, 2006 5:07 PM
Like Michelle Kwan, only you can judge what your body can take. Good decision to avoid the pain. Socks are a great project. You'll do fine!
Posted by: Karen at February 11, 2006 6:02 PM
The Child's First sock is challenging and I'm doing it for my pal...this will be the third time I've knit it. You'll get the hang of the lace pattern after about two repeats. The lace pattern isn't as stretchy as you think so adding stitches isn't a bad idea. Hopefully the pattern tells you how many stitches are in a repeat. It's ok to change sports in middle as you are multi-talented.
Posted by: margene at February 11, 2006 6:12 PM
Go (multi-talented) Team Martini! Heeeee.
Posted by: Vicki at February 11, 2006 6:31 PM
You don't have to justify your new choice - you have already proven the Olympic Spirit; rather than just giving up you are going to do something else - good for you! Sorry that the other yarn did not work out - it is more important that you end up with something you enjoy knitting and feel excellent about finishing rather than torturing yourself with the wool. I think your new choice is excellent! Can't wait to see the socks!
Posted by: Cynthia at February 11, 2006 6:37 PM
Good luck!
Posted by: --Deb at February 11, 2006 6:46 PM
I've got that sock on needles right now, too. I'm using 72 stitches with a Opal solid, and things are working fine. You have to modify the heel instructions, but the pattern works!
It's not that difficult - enjoy!
Posted by: christine at February 11, 2006 6:59 PM
Just FYI Carole, the pattern stretches alot. If you like a snug sock it would probably fit a larger foot.
Posted by: Miriam at February 11, 2006 8:47 PM
Hey, you're still in. That's what counts. You're wise to realize it wasn't going to work and make the change. Torturing yourself was not part of these Olympic Games! Go Carole!! Can't wait to see how the socks turn out. Smile and have some fun! :-)
Posted by: Manise at February 11, 2006 9:00 PM
Quick recovery! That's what we cheerleaders like to see! Gives us something to cheer about. I like this sock pattern, good choice!
Posted by: Cheryl at February 11, 2006 9:57 PM
Sorry about the 1st project. I'm sure you'll do well with the socks! It's wonderful that you didn't quit. That's the Olympic spirit!! :-)
Posted by: Angelia at February 11, 2006 10:05 PM
Sorry to hear about the yarn problem :o( Good recovery, though - those will be beautiful socks!
Posted by: Jess at February 11, 2006 11:05 PM
Just perusing that sock book today! Knit On! BTW, what was the yarn you decided not to use? Looks like something I had in mind but I felt it was a bit rough.
Posted by: Diane E. at February 12, 2006 12:34 AM
Oooh. Good luck! I've wanted to make those but they scare me!
Posted by: Scout at February 12, 2006 12:59 AM
Bummer about the vest but I think those socks are a well chosen replacement. A challenging sock pattern is good for the soul!
Posted by: amanda at February 12, 2006 8:56 AM
Good for you for changing events, rather than bagging the whole thing. Knit on, girl!
Posted by: Dharma at February 12, 2006 9:50 AM
Oh, too bad about that yarn. Great news you are picking yourself up, brushing off, and heading back in. You're so funny, socks are your mindless project. (I'd use some swear words, but you're too much of lady for that!) So, what is that bad yarn? It looks a little familiar.
Posted by: Dave Daniels at February 12, 2006 10:23 AM
I am drinking martinis in your honor, to help keep your spirits up.
Posted by: Martha at February 12, 2006 10:31 AM
Oh, so sorry that yarn misbehaved! Love your new challenge. What yarn is it and how does it make your hands hurt?
Posted by: Chris at February 12, 2006 11:11 AM
If your equipment isn't working, you have to make a switch. No penalty points for that.
Onward and upward!
Posted by: Ruth at February 12, 2006 11:53 AM
I love that sock pattern. It's on my list, probably for my next sock project. Have fun with it! Sorry about the Olympic yarn, though...
Posted by: cari at February 12, 2006 12:04 PM
You've made a very smart choice to make socks your Olympic challenge rather than the vest. No sense at all in injuring yourself in the pursuit of something which should be Fun!
I'm knitting man size socks for my Olympic challenge, so I understand exactly how sock knitting can qualify for the knitting olympics. I love the pattern you've chosen! :) Good luck!
Posted by: elisa at February 12, 2006 12:30 PM
What kind of yarn were you going to do the vest it? If it is BWA, I would have to say that it hurt my hands too.
Good for you for picking yourself back up and putting those ski's back on! ;-))
Posted by: Kim at February 12, 2006 4:04 PM
I for one am totally behind sensible and hand-saving changes in plans. You can do it!
Posted by: Cassie at February 12, 2006 5:00 PM
I had the same problem -- when it came down to it I just wasn't interested in my designated KO project. I'm doing socks too, just 2 circs ones since I haven't tried those before.
Posted by: Elspeth at February 12, 2006 7:02 PM
Knitting should NOT be painful. It's supposed to be fun. You did the right thing girl!
Posted by: Becky at February 12, 2006 7:46 PM
*sigh*
You were so right about the knitting gods, dang it...
Posted by: Chris at February 12, 2006 9:04 PM
I'm having doubts about the yarn I picked for my vest too. I choose silky wool and with having some tendon issues this is not going well! Add to that I'm not sure I am liking the look but think I will hang in there a bit longer. Can't wait to see your sock progress!
Posted by: Jackie at February 12, 2006 10:59 PM
Aaah, don't think of it as defeat; think of it as cold, hard reality. The socks are a great substitute.
Posted by: susan at February 13, 2006 8:14 AM
So like the sporting Olympics... sidelined by injury. How ironic! Glad you have a back-up "event" to keep you competing.
Posted by: Birdsong at February 13, 2006 1:02 PM
ionolsen25 So interesting site, thanks!
Posted by: kartoshka at October 21, 2006 9:05 PM
ionolsen25 So interesting site, thanks!
Posted by: thomson at October 21, 2006 10:24 PM
ionolsen25 So interesting site, thanks!
Posted by: preved at October 21, 2006 10:24 PM
370e58e51753 Very good
Posted by: short url at December 20, 2006 6:14 AM












