Sunday, February 19, 2006

Down, But Not Out...

So far this Olympics, I've heard two stories of True Olympic Moments. The first involved the Norwegian Cross-country Ski Team. If you followed women's cross-country, you'll know by now that two Canadians took medals -- a silver and a bronze. What you might not know is that but for the grace of God and one of the Norwegian coaches, she might not have made it. Seems that during the race, one of the Canadians broke a ski pole. However, before she could leave the track, one of the Norwegians handed her a new pole, enabling her to recover and finish in 3rd spot. That in itself would make it a T.O.M., but here's the kicker: there were no Norwegians on the medal podium -- but one did come in fourth.

The second T.O.M....Apparently, a young Canadian, 18, and in his first Olympics, was part of the team that took a medal in the speed-skating event known as "Pursuit". The team was only able to take the medal because this young fellow, seeing a team-mate ahead of him in need of help, propped the falling team-member up so that he could steady himself, regain his posture and keep on keepin' on in the race.

Today, I had my own T.O.M. I should have known something was wrong with my Lacey Sock #1. It was long and skinny. The pattern called for 2 circs, but I was using dpns. Here's the thing: I assumed that 2 circs meant the pattern was written to knit 2 socks at the same time. Well! You know what assuming does, eh? As I said, I shoulda known...

So there I am, knitting away in Starbucks, when a young woman by the name of Sandra stops at my table to comment on the lovely KPPPM I'm using. We get to talking about knitting, and soon we're joined by her friend, Amy...of Indiknits fame. Turns out these are the pair who are working hard to open a new LYS in the NE end of Calgary.

Sandra spied my sock, and I explained my problem with the pattern, and how I'd been trying to convert it to a 'single sock on dpns' pattern. That's when Amy pointed out that 2 circs doesn't always mean 2 socks. Technically, I'd halved the pattern -- resulting in something fit for a very lean, long-legged animal. Blush. I've been knitting for 45 years; you'd think I'd know better!

Ah well, thanks to their help, I've ripped out my sock, and I'm starting over. Undaunted. Down briefly -- but not out. Not for me, the agony of de-feet!!

3 comments:

Unknown said...

You have True Olympic Spirit, Marg! When a knathlete stumbles, she gets up and keeps going! Knit on, and good luck!

Marji said...

so in Calgary are they running the DHL (overnight delivery service) ad featuring Dan Jansen - of speed skating fame in Salt Lake City? The music they are running behind his series of falls "so pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again..."
glad you got the input you needed.

Anonymous said...

Hi Marg - lovely meeting you this morning! Your sock was looking so wonderful, I can only imagine how the full sock will look! See you soon!