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February 17, 2006
"Do not adjust your sets!...
“Ladies and Gentlemen, your eyes do not deceive you! I’m Clive Steek and I’m here with Ron Fairisle, himself three-times Stranded Colourwork bronze medallist, on the seventh day of competition here at the 2006 Knitting Olympics. We’re following the progress of English hopeful Amelia Raitte. Ron, would it be fair to say that her progress probably isn’t going exactly to plan?”
“I think that would be fair to say, Clive. She must have been feeling very uncomfortable with her previous programme to change like that at so late a stage: she’s certainly given herself lots to do.”
“Has she thrown away the chance to bring home a medal, Ron? We’ve seen high drama in her home town, where the local community have been gathered in the pubs, watching the progress of the competitor they’ve done so much to support. It would be an awful shame if she let them down.”
“There is a lot to do, Clive, and no escaping that reality. Remember, it’s about finishing, but it’s also about so much more. These competitors, they’re being tested not just on their speed and technique, but their stamina, their emotional strength, their focus, courage, control.”
“So she’s still not out of the running Ron?”
“Clive, in this event they have a saying: “It’s not over till it’s over.” Maybe it’s a cliché, but at the end of the day, it’s true.”
“I hear she may be nursing an injury too. Word on the street is that she’s suffering ‘searing, stabbing’ pain through her right shoulder. I’ve got to tell you that doesn’t sound good, Ron. Is that going to slow her down?”
“You can’t tell a knitter to stop knitting, Clive. You might as well tell a fish to get out of the water and ride a bike.”
--
(No, honestly, I’m fine. Going to see a back person on Wednesday (apparently he is very good, and so very popular). And much happier with my Olympic entry.)
Posted by Anna at February 17, 2006 11:34 AM
Comments
It really does look beautiful. Take care of yourself though, OK?
Posted by: kerrie at February 17, 2006 12:26 PM
Beautiful Olympic entry and very funny post!
Good luck with that injury.
Posted by: Trinamac at February 17, 2006 12:45 PM
go anna! we're routing for you! but we don't want you to get hurt...so take it easy
Posted by: yahaira at February 17, 2006 01:26 PM
Beautiful - these colors are more classic, I think. Too bad about starting over. And take care of that shoulder!
Posted by: Cher at February 17, 2006 02:03 PM
Hee!
The ability to continue despite injury combined with the speed and skill of this project's execution has caused me to start wondering if you've been taking performance-enhancing drugs. I know you're aiming for a medal, but you need to remember that you're a role model for impressionable young knitters.
Posted by: Petula at February 17, 2006 02:12 PM
so pretty! take it easy, though - you don't want to end up with chronic injuries after the olympics.
Posted by: kris at February 17, 2006 03:35 PM
It looks fantastic! I'm seriously impressed with your progress. You knit so fast!
Don't take the 'suffering for one's art' maxim *too* far though!
Posted by: Noo at February 17, 2006 04:02 PM
Hope you feel better soon, Anna. The Olympic sweater is gorgeous!
Posted by: christine at February 17, 2006 04:04 PM
I love the colors! Beautiful.
Posted by: Oiyi at February 17, 2006 04:13 PM
I believe the saying is "It's not over until it's a pullover".
Posted by: B. at February 17, 2006 04:31 PM
I think I might like the black and white even more than the red and white. It's amazing, and somewhere my mother is rolling over in her grave - you've made me want to wear houndstooth check.
Posted by: Carrie at February 17, 2006 04:46 PM
C'mon! I know you can do it! Nothing could stop a knitter, how true.
I really like the conversation between Ron and Clive ;D
Posted by: yuvee at February 17, 2006 04:55 PM
Oh so worth it - I love the black and white...good call. :-)
Posted by: Vicki at February 17, 2006 05:23 PM
Love the commentary! And your project is lovely with the red trim. Take care with the arm so you don't get a long-term injury! I'll be eagerly awaiting your updates to Jess as I would like to order the pattern and start working on it soon (have the yarn already!).
Posted by: Robin at February 17, 2006 06:33 PM
I'm really enjoying your blog, especially the Olympic posts! I'm going to link to your site when I go home from work tonight. As a true Olympian, you are working through the pain. But, take care of yourself. Your project is beautiful. Good luck... hope you make it to the medal round!
Posted by: Joanne at February 17, 2006 06:59 PM
The black and white looks fabulous. You did the right thing by changing the colour scheme, methinks.
Posted by: Leisl at February 17, 2006 09:25 PM
you change colours! yay! i am glad you did because i think you will be happier with it in the end. (especially following our email conversation). take care of that shoulder though!
Posted by: jacqueline at February 18, 2006 12:13 AM
Dear A, don't ever worry about letting us down! Your work is a true inspiration. LOVE the Dorothy Parker reference...and the continuing Olympic coverage via your blog....did I mention we don't do television, so yours is the only Olympic news we get? Keep it up...and remember it is a marathon, not a sprint (or is that for the summer games?)
Posted by: kikiluscious at February 18, 2006 08:22 AM
Hi Anna - great progress on your piece, it's so lovely! I'm knitting your Elfine's Socks pattern for the Olympics...I've hit a snag with converting the pattern for my big feet though, so I'm going to have to adjust it. Anyway, it really is the prettiest pair of socks I've made, and I wanted to comment because of it! (I couldn't find an email address on this site for you).
Posted by: Jen at February 19, 2006 08:01 AM
Regarding the shoulder pain, if it's front shoulder, have you tried arnica gel? If it's back shoulder, Therma care heat wraps work wonders for me. I suffered similarly a couple of weeks back while in training, and massage therapy was great. Therapist recommended that I learn to knit behind my back. Stretch. . .
Posted by: Yvonne at February 19, 2006 06:36 PM