I'm happy to show you my Olympic Sweater! I'm so happy with the outcome, and I'm thrilled that I was able to complete it on time (early, even)!
Pattern: My own
Yarn: Briar Rose Fibers' Grandma's Blessing
Needles: US 4 circulars and DPNs
Time to Knit: August 8 - 22
I had been putting off knitting this sweater for a long time because I thought that sportweight yarn would take forever to knit up. I thought it would be a good Olympic challenge, and I imagined having to explain why I actually just got bronze or silver because I hadn't finished the sweater in time. But seriously, the knitting went by so quickly!
I'm glad that I decided to make 3/4 length sleeves. That, and the fact that it's a cardigan, make for a very versatile sweater.
Whitney guessed correctly that the motif would become Olympic Rings. This was very appropriate because I admired the motifs she added in her Tour de Gansey sweater, and that was partly the inspiration for this design detail.
Also, aren't those buttons great?
I finished the knitting on Thursday, and I sewed on the buttons on Friday. It was nice to finish up without stressing about time!
Remember how I had to add a steek to the back to take out some bulk? I can tell where it is in this picture if I look for it, but I'm guessing that most people wouldn't notice.
So to recap: Yay!
Congratulations on winning gold. It looks great!
Posted by: Emma | August 24, 2008 at 04:29 PM
It's lovely, and very flattering!
Posted by: Anne | August 24, 2008 at 04:39 PM
Wow, it turned out great!
Posted by: misti | August 24, 2008 at 04:52 PM
It looks fantastic! I absolutely adore the Olympic Rings motif. Congrats on winning gold with your totally awesome sweater!
Posted by: whitney | August 24, 2008 at 05:32 PM
Woo! Congrats on finishing the sweater. I love the olympic rings, very appropriate.
Posted by: Katie | August 24, 2008 at 06:14 PM
Oh, everything about that sweater is wonderful--the color, the fit, the Olympic rings . . . Huzzah!
Posted by: --Deb | August 24, 2008 at 06:18 PM
Looks great! I can't tell where you did surgery! :)
Posted by: leah | August 24, 2008 at 06:29 PM
Oh wow, Kristy, I love it! I love the colors, the rings and the 3/4 length sleeves. But I think the shape and fit are the best part. It's very flattering and classic. You'll wear it forever. Congrats on your gold!
Posted by: Jean | August 24, 2008 at 06:41 PM
Wow - you are the Queen of the Steeks - I can barely see what you did! The sweater is perfect! Good job!
Posted by: Stacey | August 24, 2008 at 08:41 PM
awesome! Love the two colours together and those rings are awesome!
Posted by: Kelly | August 24, 2008 at 09:45 PM
I love that sweater! What a beautiful design!
Posted by: Sarah Brown | August 24, 2008 at 10:42 PM
Gorgeous! You did a wonderful job. I love the colors and design.
Posted by: Cassy | August 24, 2008 at 10:55 PM
I like it. Very pretty and quite flattering. That is a great color on you!
Posted by: Bea | August 25, 2008 at 08:01 AM
Congrats - such a beautiful sweater! I love the contrasting trim and the embellished yoke. And the main color? Oooo, the main color...
Posted by: Ariel | August 25, 2008 at 12:48 PM
wow! that turned out great! the olympic motif is a wonderful idea, and a perfect geometric design for a yoke! all in all - it looks smashing!
Posted by: stacey | August 25, 2008 at 01:02 PM
Yee haw!!! I love it! Congrats on your gold medal. I especially like the olympic circles around the yoke.
Posted by: Kim | August 25, 2008 at 01:34 PM
I love the rings. What a great way to remember what you were doing while knitting this sweater. Congrats.
Posted by: Sharon | August 25, 2008 at 06:33 PM
Ooh what a gorgeous cardigan. I love the colors, and the Olympic Rings look great, although I would never have guessed that is what they were. It suits you so well too.
Posted by: sue | August 25, 2008 at 09:07 PM
Congratulations! A gold medal for certain. I really like the rings design. You did a great job on the fit too.
Posted by: Brenda | August 25, 2008 at 09:31 PM
Congratulations! That ring pattern is perfect. So is your steeking - wow!
Posted by: tiennie | August 28, 2008 at 11:23 PM
Hi there!!! What a fabulous sweater!!! I am so proud to be a part of your olympic dream! Chris (Briar Rose)
Posted by: Chris | August 29, 2008 at 07:31 AM
It looks so beautiful. I absolutely love that color.
Posted by: Christy / Not Hip | September 02, 2008 at 01:27 AM
That came out fantastic! Very flattering on you. Love the sleeve length. Yay!
Posted by: Jessica | September 06, 2008 at 10:49 AM