And to be quite frank, I am amazed. This knitter's Olympic endeavor was beset with obstacles from the first. I had to cast on 375 stitches, not just once, but twice. The first weekend was lost to illness. I knew pretty early on that I was probably going to run out of yarn. But I was determined. I persevered. And I won the Gold!
Ene's Scarf by Nancy Bush. Pattern in Scarf Style
Lorna's Laces Helen's Lace in Mixed Berries doubled
Addi Turbo 3.75mm (US size 5)
I shared the concerns of many that decided not to compete in the Knitting Olympics. That such a concentrated push would taint the enjoyment of the process. And for some, this might be true. However I have long known that I work best under pressure, and for this reason, I enjoyed knitting this shawl immensely. Sure, there were times when I would have loved to work on a sock, or cast on another project. Normally knitting this lace project would have taken me much longer, and make no mistake, I would not want to always knit with such a deadline. But I really enjoyed learning what I was capable of, because, quite honestly, I didn't think it would happen.
I have to thank a number of people who supported me in my race to the podium. First of all my family, who sacrificed a clean house, clean clothes, hot meals, and a little bit of their own sanity during my brief flirtation with insanity. Amanda, the best blog buddy ever, who rallied the cheerleaders who cheered me on to the finish.*
Finally, a particularly loud shout out to Mary, of the knitting zone, who went to the post office on her day off to express ship me a second skein of Helen's Lace, without which I would not have been able to complete this Olympic project. Ya'll this woman is the best, so show her some love, and go love on some of her fibery goodness!
*(In special thanks, I am going to throw the name of everyone who cheered me on and wished me well in the comments of the Is It Time to Panic Yet entry into a bucket and draw out a name for a fiber prize).
Comments (13)
Fabulous! My Leah (and our Katja) also finished their Ene's - blocked them last night and proudly wore them to the podium today. Maybe we'll see them at medical conferences?
Posted by Theresa | February 27, 2006 4:50 AM
Posted on February 27, 2006 04:50
I think it looks FANTABULOUS!!!!!!!!!! also immensely beautiful! Now I know what colorway to use when I make one! Congrats on winning the gold too!
Posted by Beck | February 27, 2006 5:30 AM
Posted on February 27, 2006 05:30
Wow, Leah, you did so well. It looks absolutely wonderful and was well worth the stress I am sure! I also work better under pressure, so enjoyed my Olympics too!
Posted by Kira | February 27, 2006 7:09 AM
Posted on February 27, 2006 07:09
Congrats! That's lovely. I'm so impressed. :)
Posted by kate | February 27, 2006 7:59 AM
Posted on February 27, 2006 07:59
WOO HOOOOO!!! Well done, Leah!
Posted by Lee Ann | February 27, 2006 8:43 AM
Posted on February 27, 2006 08:43
Leah - that's just amazing!! I stand in awe, and am applauding your success.
Posted by Teyani | February 27, 2006 10:59 AM
Posted on February 27, 2006 10:59
Beautiful! What an accomplishment! I've always admired that pattern. What keeps me from knitting is the cast on - I always end up casting on at least twice. I don't think I could do it. Great job!
Posted by Cara | February 27, 2006 11:26 AM
Posted on February 27, 2006 11:26
You can't see me, but I am doing a Charming Dance of Victory for you! Not only did you win the gold, but Ene looks like a million bucks.
Posted by Emily | February 27, 2006 6:31 PM
Posted on February 27, 2006 18:31
What a beautiful job! I'm sorry you weren't able to join us for the medal ceremony -- it would have been quite an impressive selection of Ene's Scarves!
Posted by Rachel | February 27, 2006 6:32 PM
Posted on February 27, 2006 18:32
Yay Leah! Congratulations! It is just lovely and the color is really beautiful! Enjoy it!
Posted by Karen | February 27, 2006 9:38 PM
Posted on February 27, 2006 21:38
Wow! It's beautiful!!
Posted by Felicia from sweetgeorgia | February 27, 2006 10:39 PM
Posted on February 27, 2006 22:39
Your Ene is beautiful. (I'm so jealous.) Congrats on winning gold!
Posted by sandy j | February 27, 2006 11:30 PM
Posted on February 27, 2006 23:30
Beautiful work! Makes me want to do lace----almost. ;)
Posted by Kim | March 13, 2006 8:04 AM
Posted on March 13, 2006 08:04