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February 22, 2006
Can you bear any more Olympics?
“It’s day 12, I’m Clive Steek, with me is Ron Fairisle. Ron, just four days of competition left – are we looking at the possibility of a British medal?”
“This much I will say, Clive. We’re looking at a front, a back and a sleeve by the British contender Amelia Raitte. And that’s just part of it, she’s got the second sleeve on the needles even as we speak. Whatever happens now, that represents a good performance at this stage.”
“So Ron, if she’s almost to the sleevecap shaping on that final sleeve, isn’t the competition almost over for her? Can’t she take it easy and cruise for the finish?”
“Not so Clive. Don’t forget the critical finishing phase of the event. We’ve all seen brave attempts go belly-up at the finishing. That is the real test of all the pullover events: you’ve got to hold back enough stamina and strength that you can show a convincing, technically perfect finish. Competitions are won and lost on it Clive.”
“That’s got to be a challenge Ron, after literally days working in the same stitch pattern, concentrating on covering as much ground as possible, to suddenly change pace like that.”
“Clive you’re absolutely right. And let me tell you, at this standard of competition the judges will not give an inch. They will be looking for the compulsory elements of blocking, seaming, neck edging and sleeve setting, with another set of marks for artistic expression.”
“And how do you rate Raitte’s chances, Ron?”
“She’s timed her performance nicely, Clive. We saw a false start, and the programme change was a risky tactic but, give her credit, she’s come back well. Her coaching squad will be pleased Clive, and rightly so. As I’ve been saying, she must keep that focus, get the knitted section completed efficiently and then straight into the finishing, and give it everything she’s got.”
“Let’s hope she does, Ron. This is Clive Steek, with Ron Fairisle, giving all we’ve got at the 2006 Knitting Olympics.”
--
Patience... soon it will be over.
Posted by Amelia at February 22, 2006 10:39 PM
Comments
Fantastic Anna! Keep going... the finishing line is near.
Posted by: francoise at February 22, 2006 10:56 PM
who cares if its over- we want to see the gold medal sweater modeled! :)
Posted by: stinkerbell at February 22, 2006 11:18 PM
Whatever happens - it's gorgeous already! I can't wait to see it done. GO ANNA!!!
Posted by: Cara at February 22, 2006 11:29 PM
Ah! The houndstooth is gorgeous. Your commentary is comforting in re: my own progress. This has been the best post thus far.
Posted by: Daphne at February 22, 2006 11:47 PM
I have been following your progress with so much interest...great posts, gorgeous piece! Go, go GO!
Posted by: eunny at February 23, 2006 12:06 AM
You must knit at a million miles an hour! I'm in awe of the precise houndstooth pattern, topped off by sweet picot edging. Wow.
Posted by: parikha at February 23, 2006 12:18 AM
That is seriously gorgeous.
Posted by: Scout at February 23, 2006 12:40 AM
The knitting is sensational, but your journalistic presentation is just as gold medal worthy. Thanks for making me smile on what has been an otherwise very grumpy day. I can't wait to see the completed sweater.
Posted by: beadntat at February 23, 2006 12:56 AM
I love it. Absolutely love it.
Posted by: nikki at February 23, 2006 03:03 AM
I think it's looking wonderful. I love the houndstooth pattern. (Don't ask me why, I've always had a weakness for that pattern.) Go, girl, go!
Posted by: --Deb at February 23, 2006 03:34 AM
I love the Olympic coverage you've been getting, Anna! Very informative and entertaining. Very anxious to see the final event!!!
Posted by: Vicki at February 23, 2006 05:47 AM
you are doing so well with that! I cannot wait to see it modelled for the closing ceremonies of the Knitters olympics which I think should involve a glass of wine or two?
Posted by: kerrie at February 23, 2006 07:17 AM
you know clive steek rang me last night...he was concerned because he had been in an argument with ron fairisle - the naughty buggers are having a small wager between themselves as to whether you will finish in time. clive told me he had money riding on the fact he thought you were not going to bring home a medal.
i told him he had done his dough and that this was a gold medal performance! ms raitte was bringing home a medal for sure.
Posted by: jacqueline at February 23, 2006 08:33 AM
i can't wait to see this finished! :)
Posted by: gray la gran at February 23, 2006 03:53 PM
Hot, hot, hot! You're right about the finishing--don't rush!
Posted by: Mary at February 23, 2006 04:31 PM
I just love reading your Olympic posts...the best on the Net! Can tell you have been listening in while knitting :) Also can't wait to see the finished sweater.
Posted by: Birdsong at February 23, 2006 07:25 PM
clever coverage. ;)
Posted by: Nik at February 23, 2006 10:28 PM
ooh that is so gorgeous! I've always loved houndstooth, and you have pulled off a perfect knitted houndstooth!
Posted by: Genny at February 23, 2006 10:48 PM
Love the way this is going! I would love to try glen plaid... hmmmm!
Posted by: Mary at February 24, 2006 08:03 PM
Yeah yeah *****whistle***** C'mon Anna! Yeah yeah!!!!
(looking great. Gee Clive and Ron are such fabulous commentators- always entertaining and insightful)
Posted by: di at February 25, 2006 06:38 AM
Go A! (goanna is a largish reptile...) How's the finishing going? A pair of socks have nearly done me in! LOL
Clive and Ron are doing a great job!
Posted by: lynne s of oz at February 25, 2006 06:57 AM