I’m pretty sure I’m obsessed with Vancouver 2010. No, not the Olympics, although I’m enjoying watching. I’m obsessed with the Dale of Norway Vancouver 2010 sweater. Yes, I made up my mind.
I started knitting at 8:00 on Friday night, and I haven’t been to bed before 3 AM since. I have one sleeve finished and the other is up to the colorwork.
I’m pretty sure that knitting a mens sweater on size 2 needles is insane. And trying to knit it in 17 days is more insane. I knit both sleeves at once using the magic loop method. I couldn’t stand it any more when I got to the colorwork, so I finished the one sleeve. My goal is to finish the second sleeve by 3AM tomorrow morning. Then I’ll start the body, which should be faster to knit.
Except that there are 318 stitches in one round. On size 2 needles.
I did a bit of math, and using a rough estimate, I need to knit 8 hours a day to finish this by midnight on Feb. 28. I don’t think it’s going to happen, but I’m not quitting just yet! My Hero and I are going to be gone the last 5 days of the Olympics, and he has to work those days. That means I can knit all day every day. That may be what saves me.
My goal is to have all the pieces knit. I won’t have a sewing machine with me, so unless I decide to do a crochet steek (which seems bulkier to me) I can’t finish it until we get home.
I’m knitting the colorwork with a size 3 needles. I’m very pleased with the way it looks except for under the arm. If I ever do something like this again, I’m knitting the sleeves flat and seaming them.
My plan for today is to keep the laundry going and get it folded. In between, I’m going to get that other sleeve finished! I’ve finished 3 1/2 skeins, so I’m on target. I need to knit a skein a day, with a little more than that on some of the days.
What can I throw in the crock pot? Maybe I need to buy everyone some multi vitamins and load up on cereal.
Passing Down Crazy 
February 15, 2010 at 2:17 pm
It looks great. As a failed knitter I think that what you’ve done so far is mind boggling.
February 15, 2010 at 2:54 pm
Holy cow! What a goal. You might need to learn how to knit whilst sleeping.
February 15, 2010 at 3:00 pm
Hurray! I’m glad to see such speedy progress on this sweater. I never doubted your persistance. Is that the right wording? Ah, you know what I mean 🙂
Crock pot idea – Google: Crock Pot Lasagna. All you need to do is brown hamburger & mix it with spaghetti sauce, everything else goes in layered as is – riccotta, mozzerella, hard lasagna noodles. It’ll be a hit, plus save you time.
February 15, 2010 at 3:39 pm
Looking good…… Bright contrast.
February 15, 2010 at 3:40 pm
Oh my goodness!! I think you can do it at this pace!! Love it!
February 15, 2010 at 4:48 pm
Marie,
I LOVE the colors in this sweater. It’s looking great so far!
Vanessa in Oklahoma
February 15, 2010 at 5:04 pm
Hand them all cans of Ensure and keep on knitting! Looks awesome!
February 15, 2010 at 5:42 pm
You cheered me on when I was trying to do the seemingly impossible, so now it’s my turn:
GO, GO, GO, GO, GO . . .
You can do it!!!
February 15, 2010 at 6:44 pm
A wonderful choice! It’s looking really good and you will finish the sweater for your medal!
February 15, 2010 at 8:30 pm
Looks great!!!
February 15, 2010 at 9:01 pm
wow I have been so sick I feel great if I can knit a row and gave up on the ravelympics before the opening ceremonies I applaud you and I know you can do it, you are one of those strong tenacious people who accomplish what you set out to!!!! Bravo! It is beautiful
February 15, 2010 at 9:06 pm
You are just amazing! I had an idea you were going to take the “go big or go home” approach to Ravelymics! It’s coming along beautifully.
February 15, 2010 at 9:41 pm
I love the colors, especially the green. Must resist the impulse to start something new before finishing some UFO’s
February 15, 2010 at 10:32 pm
And you cook too!! The sweater is gorgeous and I think take out is on the menu for you and yours for the next 17 days!! Good Luck
February 16, 2010 at 10:05 am
you are astonishing. What else can I say? Except that I adore your color sense and I think that this sweater is a true olympian feat, whether you finish in the time frame, or not. Beautiful – your Hero must be thrilled.
February 16, 2010 at 11:31 am
Wow – once again you are amazing Maria. Can’t wait to see the end product. Crockpot – beef stew meat plus one can of mushroom soup plus one can of water from the soup plus one packet of onion soup mix (dry). When finished add sour cream. Serve over noodles or rice. Oldie but goodie – Crockpot Stroganoff. You can add mushrooms if you want. Keep on knitting!
February 17, 2010 at 12:20 pm
the sweater looks really beautiful.
You need to check out crockpot365.blogspot.com. She has some really great ideas. I highly recommend Garlic Chicken. Use thighs and drumsticks, toss them with olive oil, paprika, salt and pepper and garlic cloves ( I use 10). Slice an onion, put it in the bottom of the crockpot, put in the chicken and garlic. I cook it on low all day and it is amazing. The aroma has everyone coming in the door asking what is for dinner.
Good luck with the sweater.
February 21, 2010 at 2:08 pm
If anyone can make this deadline, it’s you! We’re cheering you on!!!!