Double Gold

You Go, Girls!

Canada is a nation that likes sports on ice. We hear a lot of hockey news leading up to the Olympics. We also watch with anticipation to see which curling team will represent us at the Games.

We don't hear about the bobsledders, the lugers, the speed skaters. We don't hear too much about the women.

But guess what, Ladies? Yesterday, Canada won 4 medals. All earned by WOMEN. We won Gold and Silver in Bobsleigh, Silver in Short Track Speed Skating Relay and a Bronze in the 5000 km Long Track Speed Skating. This last medal was won by Clara Hughes. Clara has 2 bronze medals from the Summer Olympics in cycling and 4 Winter Olympic medals in Speed Skating. In fact, she is the only Olympic athlete EVER to win multiple medals at both the Summer and Winter Games. And she has a smile that lights up the rink.

As the mother of two girls, I am inspired and excited about the possibilities for my little ladies. These Olympic athletes have opened doors and eyes. And they make me proud to be Canadian, and proud to be a woman.

What is Canada?

Awesome!

But look at this video of Tom Brokaw explaining it to Americans.

In a nutshell, we rock. We just don't have to tell everyone in the world we rock.

Go CANADA Go.

A Distraction

Here is the Owl sweater that I finished prior to the opening ceremonies to distract you from my Olympic Knitting.

I am essentially a lazy knitter. Instead of sewing on too many buttons, I used beads, strung them on the yarn and then knit them in between the second row of purl "eye" stitches.

I knit a size smaller than I normally would. The sweater fits snugly, which I am not used to.

But I like it.

Proud

To be Canadian!

Proud of our athletes, especially Maelle Ricker and Alexandre Bilodeau. They are truly amazing Canadians, in all aspects of the word.

Proud of the description of us as "the true north strong and free".

Proud that the world is watching us and the sea of red at the hockey games.

Well must run - the TV is calling me yet again, and I want to be proud of the progress of my Ravelympics project.

Olympic Knitting

I love the Olympics. I love the drama and the passion. I find the Games inspiring. They fill me with national pride and the desire to do my best.

So here is my progress on the Vine Yoke Cardigan that I cast on Friday night at 7 pm MST.

I have knit up 2 balls of Knit Picks Wool of the Andes yarn. I am moving quickly through the first sleeve and am delighted with my progress. I chose to knit a smaller size than I normally do since many knitters on Ravelry recommended down sizing. I sure hope it stretches in length as promised because right now, it's looking a little short. Oh well. There's always blocking, right?

Happy Valentine's Day, Dear Knitters. I have to get back to my Olympics.

The Truth

My Love and I are home from the Land of Oz.

We went to the beach with a rugby team (the Western Force).


Drove on the other side of the road.



Had a flat white.



Tried on hats for the Melbourne Cup.



Watched Cricket.



Played Cricket.


Found a knitting shop.



Had dinner on the beach, with the sunset.



And, have decided to move there. Seriously.

As Promised

So, I have some things to show you.

A happy family on vacation.

Socks.

These are the last kit from last year's Rocking Sock Club. Raven Swirl Socks in Blackbird. I'm wearing them right now. They are pretty and comfy.

An early Valentine.

This is my holiday Damson. It is my first project with Wollmeise. I just have to block it and then there will be more pictures, but I love it already.

And a work in progress.

I have been working on an Owl sweater in my free time.

This pattern is very popular on Ravelry and I can see why. It is knit in a fat yarn (Wool of the Andes bulky, in my case) and it knits up quickly. I plan on using beads for the eyes, but I'll keep you posted on how that works out.

There are still a couple of little things in my knitting bag but they are waiting to be gifted before I can show you them.

And in other news, I have picked out my Ravelympics project. T and I are both knitting the Vine Yoke Cardigan by Ysolda. (Are you surprised that we're knitting the same thing? Great minds think alike.) I have the yarn, the needles, the pattern and I'm ready.

I'm hoping to have all my current projects finished before the Olympic Flame is lit. Wish me luck.

I.O.U.

I have been a bad blogger. I haven't shown you pictures of the last kit from last year's Rockin' Sock Club. (I finished them a while ago. They're Raven coloured Cookies. What's not to love?) I have been hiding my Owl Sweater, which is zipping along nicely given its gauge. (It's in a pewter colour and I plan on using beads for eyes. Do you think it will work? I can't wait to show you.) I have been knitting a Damson while on vacation but I've been keeping it from you, Dear Reader.

I promise to show you everything.

But not today. Today is T.'s birthday. She's on the other side of the world. Since we've become friends, we've always celebrated together. There was usually wine and always cake. Not today. Today I hope that T is sunning herself and enjoying the local beer. Today, I wish her a sunny February and hot beaches. I wish her relaxing time with her husband. Today, T., you get an I.O.U. for wine and cake and time with your girls. (Andi, Catknip? I'm talking about you.) And wishes for a safe and speedy trip home. I miss you. Happy Birthday.