I joined the 2006 Knitting Olympics organized by Stephanie, The Yarn Harlot. Of course, I joined Team Canada!

Cast on takes place during the opening ceremonies – February 10 – and the project has to be finished before the Olympic flame is extinguished – February 16.

Eligibility as defined by Stephanie: Any knitter who, embracing the “Citius, Alitius Fortius” ideal, would like to challenge themselves while embracing the Olympic spirit, and is just whacked enough to play along with me. Sixteen days of knitting.

Concept: You must cast on a project during the Opening Ceremonies of the Winter Olympics (Feb 10)- and finish before the Olympic flame goes out (Feb 26). That’s 16 days.

Rules:
1. The project must be a challenge for you to complete in 16 days.
2. There are no rules about what a challenge would be. Like the real Olympics, there are many areas to compete in. If you are a new knitter, then a garter stitch baby sweater might do…If you are experienced, well. I’ve already considered Torino. Use your own conscience.
3. While this is intended to be somewhat difficult (like the Olympics) it is not intended to ruin your life. Don’t set yourself up for failure. (Olympic athletes may cry, but they do not whine pitifully, sob and threaten members of their family with pointed sticks because they haven’t slept in five days. ) This is intended to (like the Olympics) require some measure of sacrifice, and be difficult, but it should be possible to attain.
4. No casting on before the flame is lit.
5. Finish before the flame goes out.
6. You may swatch before the games. (I consider this “training.”)

It sounds like a blast! Now I have to figure out what my competition piece will be. Must go rummage in “The Stash.” It might be time to undertake a serious lace project with that beautiful cashmere bought at The Naked Sheep.

Now I just need to figure out how to put those cool buttons in my right hand bar like everyone else so I can proudly display my Team Canada colours to everyone!