team clapotis

better late than never

2006-03-16T10:29:00.000-05:00

At long last, my clapotis is blocked. It was my first blocking experience and now I want to block everything. I'm glad the clapotis expedition is over, I have to say, and I hope the person I give it to really enjoys it. Here's the pre-blocking pic:

The Giant and the Newest

2006-03-06T00:59:00.000-05:00

Hi all!
I finished my Giant Clapotis with the 3 hanks of CTH DK Silk/Merino in Cabin Fever, and started on the other one. These were my Kwan and Hughes for the Knitting Olympics, and I am determined to finish them BOTH. Yes, I will agree with you all, the pattern is addicting and the fact that I am working on my 4th shawl is proof enough. :)
There are pictures at the bottom of the page on my Clapotis photo section. The newest Clapotis is being made with James Brett's pink Marble which is distributed by Kertzer. This self striping yarn has a trace of a halo and even though it is acrylic, the dropped stitches seem to stick like mohair does.

Feel free to post your comments here or on my site!

Very excited to finally wear a Clapotis I've knitted,
Kimberly
=:8
http://www.somebunnyslove.com

2006-03-05T22:54:00.000-05:00

I didn't block my clapotis. And the purl side might be the right side, who really knows. Anyway, here it is. More photos in my blog. Oh, and I loved the yarn but one of the three skeins was significantly lighter than the other two. I used it in the middle and it doesn't show too badly.

A belated 'thank you' to Jackie for hosting Team Clapotis!

The scarf version is finished

2006-03-01T20:08:00.000-05:00

Actually, I did finish Sunday, but I had to block it overnight. The scarf version is much shorter than I would like, so if I do another one, I'll knit the full size. I think it needs more blocking too.

gold medals are available!

2006-03-01T16:36:00.000-05:00

check out the yarn harlot's post about presentation of gold medals, which includes information on obtaining a certificate of participation as well as entering drawings for prizes. her writing about this is fabulous as always. and did you guys see that sweater she made??? that thing is impressive! thanks to stepahie for coming up with the idea for the knitting olympics, and thanks to all of you for joining team clapotis. the support and camaraderie are GREATLY appreciated! this has been tremendous fun, and i have lots and lots of ideas for my next clapotis. and for those not yet finished, PLEASE keep posting pictures and updates--i for one and very interested in how your clapotis come out!

Finished!

2006-02-28T21:33:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it, but I finished while watching the closing ceremonies Sunday evening! The details are posted on my blog, but it was such a wonderful experience. I'm still on a high from finishing.

gold, gold, gold!!!

2006-02-28T21:06:00.000-05:00

so i emailed the yarn harlot and asked her if i qualified for gold since i cast on during the televising of the opening ceremonies and finishing during the televising of the closing ceremonies, and she said YES!!! i am ridiculously pleased by this. thanks to chris for the idea and to susan for the support of it--y'all are why i investigated. :)

I did it!!!

2006-02-27T19:30:00.000-05:00

I won Gold!!!

Pictures and details on my blog.

Thanks for everyone's support and encouragement here. They were great Olympic games, weren't they?

whew!

2006-02-27T12:16:00.000-05:00

i knitted literally all weekend trying to make it, and still failed to get the gold. however, i DID finish knitting while the closing ceremonies were being televised here, which i thought was a nice parallel to casting on when the opening ceremonies were televised. i may not have walked away with a gold medal, but i sure do feel olympian about this whole thing. this is the largest thing i have ever knitted, and also the second most complex (the most complex being the beaded bodice on crumpets). i started with 7 droppped stitches on saturday morning, finished the straight rows at 2:32am, and completed the knitting at around 9pm on sunday night. i knitted all night, except for a little involuntary nap at 5am. (i fell asleep in the middle of a purl row and slept for almost two hours with the needles in my hands!) i wasn't planning to block this, but i think now that i will--i love the ridges, and i think they will get more pronounced if i block. and since i can't stop taking pictures of it, i will probably post one more after blocking. i had more yarn left than i expected, probably 60-70 yards--if i had it to do over, i would knit a couple more straight sections and use up more of the yarn. and i have to say, this yarn is a joy just to handle and it knits VERY smoothly. this is the finest gauge (and quality!) yarn i have used for anyting bigger than a hat, and i love it. it's so even, and the fabric is beautifully drapey. unraveling the stitches was no picnic, but i think it was worth it!

i am sure i will be cross-posting about this whole experience over on my blog if you're interested. and in the meatime, i have a little gallery of start-to-finish pics on flickr here.

There's always Beijing in 2008.

2006-02-26T17:15:00.000-05:00

Well, I didn't make it, despite a really strong push in the last few days. This is a massive project, and to those who crossed the finish line, congrats. As for me, I'm really thrilled with the way my shawl is coming out. The striping is more subtle, but more beautiful than I expected. And I'm a little disappointed that I didn't make it onto the podium. But there's always Beijing in 2008.

My Clapotis is Done

2006-02-26T16:16:00.000-05:00

I will post pictures on Tuesday as I will be away until then.
Thanks for all the support.
KAtie

Stumbled across

2006-02-26T14:08:00.000-05:00

So I finished the Clap. But I'm not happy with it. The extra yarn I got for the "design feature" is the perfect color, but the gauge on the size 7s I was knitting with is too stiff. That means my shawl is all beautiful and drapey until you get to one end which is all stiff and pointy.

I know there are no do-overs in the Olympics. And I vowed to wear the mess at least once this week to make it officially done. Then I may have to rip it, rip it. If I just would have listened to that scared little voice inside my head when I started those two extra pattern repeats way back in section 2. The shawl would have been plenty wide without them and I'm sure I would have had enough yarn for a proper finish. Oh well. Lessons learned, I guess.

For a picture, go here.

DNF

2006-02-26T14:04:00.000-05:00

Time ran out and I still had eleven stitches on the needle. Very sad. But I'll finish up today and have a lovely clapotis to show for all the time spent. Photo to come later.

Thanks to everyone who posted and shared photos and comments. This was great fun!

filled with disappointment

2006-02-26T14:00:00.000-05:00

in spite of knitting all day yesterday, pulling an all-nighter, and knitting until my fingertips are literally numb, i am not going to make it. it's 2pm EST, the closing ceremonies are beginning in turin, and i am still decreasing. i am SO CLOSE, but i don't think i am going to get to completion in the next hour. blah. i am still going to finish today, and i will post pictures at the bitter end. :(

Skating in under the wire!

2006-02-26T11:19:00.000-05:00

Well I have finally finished. Work has been so crazy during this olympics that I was really worried I wouldn't make it but after I got through the first set of decreases it really sped up. I'm very happy with how it turned out and with the colors. I was planning to give it to my sister but now I'm going to have to struggle and figure out what to do. Here is a photo. I've loved seeing everyone's progress and all the different clapotis (clapotee?) and the different yarns everyone has chosen. I'm hoping Songbird publishes a photo as she used the same colorway as me but in a silk blend. I'd love to see how that looks different. Thanks to the organizers of this blog - it has made the olympic knitting even more fun. Wishing everyone happy clapotis wearing!!

Done, done, done!

2006-02-26T00:29:00.000-05:00

13 hours left and I have officially crossed the finish line. I am so happy to have this done. I'm also glad I did it, even though it was a lot of heartache at the end. I enjoyed the process of watching this Clapotis come to life. I'm even more happy to be able to give it to my mother-in-law. And I'm proud to be a gold medalist for Team Clapotis! Thanks for all your support gals! I couldn't have done it without you cheering me on!

Finis!

2006-02-25T23:04:00.000-05:00

Whew! I'm glad that's over. Didn't think I would make it, with my daughter vomiting today and me fighting a sinus infection. Spent the last 3 hours battling the last of the dropped stitches - had to manually separate every last bar, grrrrrrrr. Now I'm just lightly blocking the corners to get rid of some of the rolling edges. Pics in the am when there's better lighting!

Done

2006-02-25T23:01:00.000-05:00

I actually made it. It was close, and I had VERY little yarn left, but it is done and I'm glad. Good luck to everyone left knitting this evening! ;}

Literally down to the wire. . .

2006-02-25T17:03:00.000-05:00

. . . with 20 some hours to go I have finished knitting and weaving in the ends. Now it lay to rest to dry. And if I have to I will get out the blow dryer to get it dry on time. Most of you probably already know that I ran out of yarn with only a few decreases left to knit. I managed to get another ball of yarn and begged the lady to get it out to me that day. So when I went to check my mail yesterday and found no package but just an extremely high gas bill, I almost cried (not because of the $270 gas bill but because there was no yarn to finish my Clapotis). I've managed to hold it together as well as possible, but this was the last straw. Why were the Knitting gods against me so? What did I do to deserve this? But alas it showed up today and I managed to get all that I can done. Now it is up to the Knitting gods to cut me some slack. My house is a wreck, the dishes are piled a mile high, my laundry is overflowing, the dust is growing to be an inch thick, my cupboards are bare, BUT my Clapotis is done and I can rest knowing that I am an Olympian Knitter!

Finished!

2006-02-25T15:30:00.000-05:00

I finished my Clapotis on Thursday, but am just now able to get in my report. I washed and blocked it that night and it was ready to wear by Friday. Here are some pics...

Close-up shot...

Winging it

2006-02-25T10:29:00.000-05:00

Like many of you, I ran out of yarn, only just a little sooner. I didn't use L&L. In fact, I have no idea what I used (could be Interlacements something). I do know it's wool. And I know it's not enough to make a Clapotis to the measurements called for in the pattern.

Luckily, I live close to the bestest, sweetest LYS, where the staff came to my rescue yesterday and helped me come up with a plan to complete my quest for gold. They helped me find some Cascade 220 that exactly matches one of the color variations of my variegated yarn. I'm going to finish most of it off with that (I've dropped a total of four stitches in the decrease section so far), then use the teensy bit of MC I have left for the tippy tip. Wish me luck!

Je suis fini!

2006-02-25T10:18:00.000-05:00

I finished yesterday at work, uh, "during my lunch break." See pics here.

The Brooks Farm Harmony (wool/silk/mohair) looks and feels great now, but dropping those stitches was a pain in the ass. Every single ladder rung required a stiff finger jab, with every tenth requiring scissors (scary!). Also, I only had 500 yards, and Knithole's incomplete scarf scared me so much, I started decreasing before I had to. I now have enough left for at least two more straight section repeats. Oh well. I have my gold medal and a rockin' scarf!

Almost done

2006-02-25T09:54:00.000-05:00

I got alot of knitting done last night and I have now completed 1 1/2 repeats of the decrease rows and I should finish and block tonight.
Yippee. . . . .
My camera is still dead. :-(

progressing slowly and still hoping for the gold

2006-02-24T12:06:00.000-05:00

i finally made some good progress last night! i watched (which really means listened to) all of the extended version of the two towers and most of the return of the king, and i knitted the whole time. i am about 2/3 of the way through the straight rows now, and totally regretting making this more stitches wide than the pattern says. i promised myself i wasn't posting another pic until this section is done. but i am still hopeful--i should get in about 3 good hours tonight, and i have set all of tomorrow aside for knitting. still crossing my fingers that i make it. and for everyone else still knitting, i am rooting for you guys!!!

Final Pic

2006-02-23T16:04:00.000-05:00

I had planned to get this out to share sooner, but I've had a rough week. My daughter came home from her dad's sick and we found out someone else in her class had strep so we had to get her in and get tested. Of course, I'm still not cleared to drive, so I had to find someone to drive us to the doctor's office.

Anyway, this came out wonderfully. I've worn it out and it is soft and warm. I'm really pleased with the result!

shout out

2006-02-23T14:19:00.000-05:00

I have to give a little shout out to Little Knits in Seattle. I just order my extra skein of Lion and Lamb from them and begged them to ship it today so I could get it tomorrow. And lo' and behold they are. I am ever so grateful because 1: they are in Seattle and I am in Bellingham, so it's only about 90 some miles, but I didn't want to have to drive down for the Knitting Olympics; but I would and 2: it is still on sale so, yeah for that. So thank you Little Knits! And maybe I still have a chance at finishing. The bummer part is I only have like two inches to knit and needed to buy another skein of yarn. That really burns me up. But its all a part of being an Olympian Knitter I guess!

Done - washed and blocked!

2006-02-23T09:54:00.000-05:00

Here 'tis! I like the way the stripes go across the back.

well that's it. . .

2006-02-23T01:50:00.000-05:00

I officially ran out of yarn. I have no more words that I can say right now. So here is a picture to show how close it was. . . 24 measly rows to go!

down to the wire and running out of yarn

2006-02-23T00:40:00.000-05:00

yep, that's right people. I am not going to make it with the yarn I have. seriously i have like 20 some rows to go and I don't think my yarn will last. and I am using Lorna's Laces Lion and Lamb what it originally calls for. my gauge was right. why is this happening to me? has anybody else had this problem? can somebody reassure me that I am going to make it? because I am too afraid to keep knitting to find out. I am hoping that this pattern called for every last inch of yarn or I am in some serious trouble. Now excuse me while I go off to cry some. . . .

Feeling Confident

2006-02-22T21:13:00.000-05:00

Here it is!!! I think I'm going to make it!!! GOLD.....Ahhh just imagine....I'm in the decreases and those rows just keep getting smaller and smaller......

Oh and see what else arrived in my letter box this morning. FUN FUN FUN!!!

Down to the decreases...

2006-02-22T20:30:00.000-05:00

Here is my Clappy so far. I laid it out on my daughter's bed because the light is better in there. This is a closer view of the decreasing end. I have knitted 3 of them so far.
This is the beginning end. See how the end still wants to roll up. It won't be long before I get to weave in ends and block! Yippee!

Will I make it? I'm not sure

2006-02-21T19:43:00.000-05:00

Here is my progress or lack there of.

I will try to finish but I'm not sure I will. It is nice to see everyone's great work.

Done.

2006-02-21T18:14:00.000-05:00

Rather than crossposting, let me just say that a photo can be found here. Lovely project. Cheers to all and best of luck to those still drop-laddering.

ETA: It took almost exactly three skeins of my bamboo yarn (I made it two repeats wider and three repeats longer than the pattern called for, unswatched {because it's a SCARF, that's why!}). I bought four skeins. Anyone got any good ideas for a single skein of bamboo yarn?

2006-02-21T15:08:00.000-05:00

Here's a little taste of my Clapotis..
I've progressed a little since then...
I just finished Section Two

Not real sure at this point if I will get the gold.
It's going slower than I thought it would.

I wish this picture showed the yarn better.
It is Autumn House Farms Handpainted Merino in teal, hunter and burgundy, with a tweedy little fleck..It's called Finnean's Rainbow...I don't remember the colorway. I bought it last year to make Clapotis. It's NICE STUFF.

still going...

2006-02-21T14:45:00.000-05:00

i haven't taken a progress picture, even though i HAVE made some progress. however, i am stuck in the endless straight rows, and it's taking me some major effort to unravel my ladders--cashmere is a little fuzzier than i thought! this weekend was a bit less productive than hoped for, but i guess that's to be expected when you have a house full of visiting people. so--this week, i have let my hippie know that i am going to be utterly useless to him and our house as i will be knitting as much as a physically can. here's hoping i can still get through this pattern in time! how embarrassed am i going to be if i started this whole blog only to fail myself!? you guys think good thoughts for me!!!

You have to choose between being a Knitting Olympian and a Regular Olympian.

2006-02-21T12:15:00.000-05:00

I just got back from a week's vacation, learning to snowboard in Vermont. I thought I'd get a ton of knitting done, but somehow I just didn't. I didn't even snowboard that much, since I fell on my bum so many times that it just hurt too much after a while. But I had a wonderful time anyway and now it's time to get back to my real sport: knitting. I did make some progress however... I've dropped three stitches so far. It's so exciting to see this project come to life. I've also starting a subtle striping pattern, but you can't see it in this pic. I'll post again when you can see it better, or take a look on my blog.

I've crossed the finish line!

2006-02-21T10:36:00.000-05:00

It's done, just needs a wash and block, which I'll do today. Himself, Mr. Poco, tested the shawl for me. More pictures on my blog.

And the bad mommy award goes to......

2006-02-20T21:53:00.000-05:00

Me!!! Saturday night, my son asked me several times to read him a story and it was "not right now, honey, mommy's knitting!" Today, I had the audacity to get a sitter for a few hours so I could go out for lunch and knit. My poor family - the house is a disaster, and every time they ask for something, it's "just let me finish this row." I feel guilty, but don't call CPS yet. I did take yesterday off to take the kiddos to Curious George (only 3 rows knit all day), and I did read several stories to ds Saturday night. The good news is that I only have one more increase section, and I think I'll actually be able to finish on time. I'd take pics, but there is virtually no clean surface in my house at the moment, lol!

Almost there...

2006-02-20T20:18:00.000-05:00

I went on a road trip this weekend- on the way up I knit a Kate and on the way down I worked on my Clapotis. It was so awesome to get online tonight and see the finished scarves! I've got a ways to go, but my wrists are feeling better and I've only got two more section repeats before I start decreasing (I'm not doing a full sized Clapotis).

Showboating

2006-02-20T20:10:00.000-05:00

Here's what confidence gets you: An error you make for five dropped stitches before you realize it. Also, a clapotis that will probably have the "style design" of a color change late in the pattern due to the knitter brashly picking a fat patty of yarn from the stash for the project that was missing its label so she knows not how many yards she has. I will tell you this, the skein is feeling mighty light just now and I'm just over half way through.

And the error? When it says in the pattern to ktbl the bar you pick up after you drop a stitch as well as the next stitch, yours truly added in a mental "k2tog" for no good reason. In my confidence, I didn't take a closer look at the pattern until after I dropped my 6th stitch.

Because I believe in the galloping horse theory (the mistake doesn't exist unless you can see it while galloping by the knitted item on a horse) (or is it when you're on the horse galloping by the people staring at the error-laden clapotis you're wearing?), I chose not to rip back. Yes, I'll be finishing injured (if I finish at all). It's like the bobbles that always keep the figure skaters from the gold.

For pictures, click here.

Knitting is Done!!!!

2006-02-20T10:58:00.000-05:00

I have finished my knitting. I'm unraveling the ladder stitches now and hope to have a picture up tonight. It came out very nice, I really like it.

Olympic Disaster

2006-02-20T07:10:00.000-05:00

This afternoon I went to pick up my knitting, planning a relaxing hour or so while my two girls were resting and despite it appearing to be in exactly the same position I left it. (foolishly within reach of inquisitive 18 month old) I discovered to my shock and horror (!!!) that THERE WERE NO NEEDLES IN IT!!! They had been removed and neatly replaced but not in the stitches......See those live stitches languishing near the culprit's calling card fish???

I do believe this munchkin is the culprit!!

Luckily I was able to spend my 'peaceful' hour rectifying the damage - All appears to be fixed. It could have been waaaayyy worse. Phew!! I'm back on track. Knitting is put out of reach- again! I think I'm on track to finish it. I will be amazed and thrilled if I manage it. I'm only one straight repeat away from the decrease section. I'm looking forward to the bit where I get to drop the stitches at each end of the row!!

Well done you guys who are finished your claps look fantastic!!! And Go Go GO you guys who are still knitting keep up the pace - You can do it!! !!
:-) The Stripey Tiger

It's here!!!

2006-02-20T00:43:00.000-05:00

My lovely, lovely Knitpicks yarn that the lovely Heather ordered and sent on to me finally arrived today- and it's more beautiful than I had imagined- look!

Isn't it lovely? That's four skeins of KP Shimmer in Stained Glass.

And an extreme close-up of the lusciousness.

I'm so excited!

Except that now I have 4 pull skeins to wind by hand.

But still! Excited!

So now I can finally start on my Clapotis. Hey, I got a few days of the Olympics left! Oh well, I'm aiming to at least get the set up and increases done. I'm just going to enjoy the process.

*dies of yarn lust*

Accck!

2006-02-19T23:38:00.000-05:00

Am I the only one still knitting? My gosh, you all are finisihing so quickly. I guess I really picked something that challenges me, because I have only dropped 8 stitches so far. Granted I did have to drive 200 miles this weekend to go to a baby shower, and in order to do that I had to finish knitting the gift, but golly, I feel so behind. I still have faith though. Good luck to all of you still in progress and for those of you who have finished, your claps look great!

The Clap is done

2006-02-19T20:29:00.000-05:00

I was told about this team last week and sent off an email and joined. Over the weekend I knitted my fingers off and have finished my Clapotis. So all you others in the team, good luck and I look forward to reading about your Claps.

I couldn't believe it, I actually finished the clap in 19 days, on Friday I wasn't sure I would even finish it, but with a lot of stress in my life the past 2 weeks, well what else could I do but knit.

Sunday I was just into section 4 and I was on my last 2 balls of wool, I was about 3/4 through section 4 and down to 1 ball, I started to panic as the shop I bought the yarn from last year has closed down. I just kept on knitting through the damn heat of the day and last night around 10.30pm I finished it, I ended up with about 2 metres of yarn left. Boy was I happy.

The wool I used was Heirloom Heatherwood 8ply 100% Wool, it is an Australian Wool

Decreasing!!

2006-02-19T16:00:00.000-05:00

I'm into the decrease rows. With any luck I'll finish tonight while I watch the ice dancing! This is after 18 x 12row straight sections. The stripes worked, and I now have a shawl rather than a scarf!!! Picture will be up when it's finished.

Ready!

2006-02-19T11:21:00.000-05:00

I finished my Clapotis today!
I´m so proud of myself :)
This was my first pattern ever on foreign language and I got it done!

Now I need my medal coffees!
Feeling is so fabulous that I can´t even describe! \o/

Checking in...

2006-02-18T21:56:00.000-05:00

Here are a few shots of my progress. I have dropped 7 times and I am almost to the 8th. I have finished up half of the Section 3 repeats. Think I will make it in time?
I do have Monday in addition to the rest of the weekend 'cause school is out on that day. I might just make it, but it's going to be close. I just don't have a lot of knitting time during the week.

By the way, everyone's yarns are so pretty! I love the variety of things we are using. I am definitely going to do this one again. Next time a ribbon yarn, I think. I will try to post again tomorrow night with the next day's progress.

Still feeling pretty confident

2006-02-18T21:34:00.000-05:00

Not as much progress today as I would have liked, but I still feel very much in the KO. Plus, I still have tomorrow and Monday for a big push.

I must say how totally impressed I am by my fellow Olympians. Congrats to all of you who have already finished!

Feeling the pain ;}

2006-02-18T21:06:00.000-05:00

So I'm feeling the pain - my butt hurts, from sitting on it all day; my left wrist hurts; my right thumb, at the wrist joint hurts. But, I'm sure pain is all part of being an Olympic athlete, right? I have enjoyed lots of movies today, and it's been incredibly cold, dreary, rainy and snowy. We were @ 72 yesterday and much, much colder today. Makes the perfect knitting weekend.

I'm about to drop my sixth stitch. I must say I am so incredibly thankful for this blog! It was this blog that showed me a better way - - no more stitch markers! You can see the point where I dumped the markers - talk about pain, man they caused a lot of hand/finger pain.

Ok, back to it now. I'll post more progress sometime next week - right now it's all about the knitting! Good luck to everyone! ;}

We interrupt this Clapotis...

2006-02-18T20:43:00.000-05:00

After such a successful start, I had a bad week. How bad? So bad that I only have been able to knit a couple of rows! A close friend's father passed away, and my FIL really needs a custom-made hat ASAP because the cancer keeps him constantly feeling cold. I have more details about the issues with the hat on my blog, and promise not to bore you with them now. There may be some good news: my friend's mom (the widow), loves pink; I am thinking about making her a Clapotis using Kerzer's Marble.

So could I say my current CTH Clapotis is Kwan and the other Marble Clapotis is Hughes?

In for the Bronze!

2006-02-18T15:57:00.000-05:00

I'm done too! I just finished, yay!! I had to do a hard push today because I will be traveling for work next week and this thing has gotten well beyond the portable stage ;)

For anyone thinking about using Noro Silk Garden. I HATED having to work at dropping the stiches, absolutely hated it! My next Clapotis will be out of teflon yarn so I can experinece the joy of pulling and watching the dropped stich just zip down the ladder :) It is also heavier yarn so this is more like a shawl rather than a scarf.

I haven't had time to comment individually on everyone's posts but all of the various yarns and colorways are just gorgeous! I have a bad habit of getting the yarn/colorway shown in a pattern's picture stuck in my head and sometimes find it impossible to picture the item in anything else. Being able to see all the variations here has made me braver about what to pick for my next Clapotis.

Team Clapotis ROCKS!

C'est Finis!

2006-02-18T14:54:00.000-05:00

I finished this morning. I love the finished wrap and want to wear it next week, but will wait till the 27th. Firstly because I want to wear mine with the rest of the team, and second, my company just moved to a new building and I'll be unpacking and getting all messy and I can just see a hanging folder snagging a dropped stitch. So I will wait.

Here it is in all it's glory!

Here I am!

2006-02-17T16:58:00.000-05:00

Clapotis in No No Kitty Yarn's Monty Wool, colourway "Snow Day" with the crappiest row counter on the face of the earth on top. What good is a lock if it doesn't stop the counter from changing while rustling around in your Fred felted basket?!

Hi Team!

I don't believe I've posted yet. I'm working away, slowly but surely. And rather than confuse myself my repeating myself, I'll just post a link to my blog with a short, amusing real-life story of my Clapotis experience so far. Read about it here first!

Keep in keepin' on, my fellow Olympians!!!!

Some Pictures

2006-02-17T16:36:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure if these pictures do the yarn justice. It's just gorgeous. Since it has some fuzziness to it, the ladders have to be manually unravelled. I decided to wait until I finish to completely unravel it. I wish the picture could show how soft this is, but I guess you'll have to take my word for it. Two more repeats of section 3 and I will be starting my decreasing.

So a little Olympic question: What's your favorite sport to watch while knitting. For me, this year, I've gotten into the curling and snowboarding events.

Scarf version

2006-02-17T12:59:00.000-05:00

A few folks asked about the scarf version. Here it is. Also, I am using Red Heart TLC yarn which has a bit of a shimmer. Since this is my first clapotis, I didn't want to use a high-end yarn yet. I do plan to make one for my Mom with a nicer (read more expensive) yarn.

temporarily sidelined

2006-02-17T12:07:00.000-05:00

Everyone's projects are looking fantatstic. I love to see all the beautiful yarns you have chosen. Mine was coming along very well, in fact much better than I expected until....I ran out of yarn. I had a feeling it would happen, even though my gauge worked perfectly and I'm using the same yarn used in the pattern (colorway-Motherlode). I made it to the second set of decreases in section 4 before I ran out. Luckily, I calculated this a couple of days ago and ordered another skein. Now I just have to wait for the mail and pray that the dye lot is not too far off. I'm posting a picture of what it looked like on Wednesday. Keep up the good work!!

progress at last, and one little dropped stitch

2006-02-17T10:47:00.000-05:00

FINALLY--i dropped a stitch. one measley stitch when jocelyn is already finished!!! oh well--i am still determined to get through this whole pattern by the 26th! thank goodness the weekend is here! i am loving how this pattern is coming out, although it's definitely a challenge for me. i have had to back up more times than i care to admit. however, i have also learned quite a lot so far. i was even able to fix an accidentally twisted stitch that had occurred about 8 rows before without having to go back--i just backed up to that column of stitches, then kind of unzipped the fabric, fixed it, and zipped it back up. THAT was a first! so--even though i am slow, i am still proud of my progress so far. hopefully this weekend will bring some speed to the games.

Almost through Section 3

2006-02-17T10:07:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted much since the Olympics started. I had a setback in my recovery and wasn't on the computer much. But I've been knitting! I have just 3 more repeats in section 3 left. The colors are gorgeous and I'll try to get a picture up soon. Like the mohair, my yarn is a little fuzzy so I've had to manually go through and unravel the drop stitches. But overall it's working well.

Done, done, done

2006-02-17T09:15:00.000-05:00

It was a mad sprint to the finish last night, but I actually finished the Clapotis at about 10:30. I barely had the energy to drop those last stitches. BTW, I found that stretching the column and wiggling it got things started. Then I went in with a DPN and pulled them out as I needed to. I'm really happy with it. Just wish Spring would come back. It's going to be cold and rainy tomorrow, so I can't even wear it to Stitches. Can't wait to see how everyone's projects turn out. That's one great thing about a Clapotis. The yarn changes everything!

No progress at all...

2006-02-17T04:05:00.000-05:00

.. but I wanted to post something to look for, so here´s photo from our backyard...

My baby has got bad flue, the 3 month old, so my Clapotis is just waiting...
I think today I can do some of it cos the medication is helping...
I have made four drops so far, but hopefully during this weekend I´ll have all drops done!

Cheers from freezing Finland
tuitu

Back on the slopes!

2006-02-16T23:41:00.000-05:00

After much whinning and wailing about my horrible pfb performance and a zillion froggings, I finally found a pfb video (scroll all the way down the page) that shows how to do a pf and a pb on the same stitch! Now I am back in action! I know that I have a ton of catching up to do so I will be knitting day, night and sideways next week. Luckily I am only knitting the scarf version.

Section 3 here I come...

2006-02-16T18:43:00.000-05:00

I've been a knitting fool since I've been home sick with bronchitis the last two days. Between naps and coughing fits I've been working the extra repeats on the straight rows. I did a total of 18 repeats because I wanted more length. I'm happy with the length now and can't wait to start working the decrease rows.

Why I may not win Gold

2006-02-16T16:55:00.000-05:00

OK- I'm doing a personal best so far I think. Woo Hoo!!! But its not going to be enough to get gold I'm afraid. I know, I know - It's the trying and sportsmanship that counts. Don't get me wrong I'm still trying for gold becuse wouldn't that be cool!! But since it took my buddy Ailsa a month to knit her first clap (and she is a faster knitter than I) I dont think I have much hope.

What you see is about a quarter or slightly less than the whole clap. I'm actually a little further along than that now but have only dropped two stitches. So today is day 7, I think and 9 to go. I'm doing the math...... Three quarters to knit and less than three quarters of the time left..... It doesn't look too promising!

I'm knitting it from some georgeous hand painted mercerised cotton by Blue Heron Yarns in Easton Maryland (I have no idea where that is - but I will find out) that I bought at Greenwich Yarns and Stitchworks in San Fran when I was visiting the US last month. The colourway is called Spanish Dancer which sounds very exotic and its looking great. Its a little thinner than the yarn recommended in the pattern but I still managed close to gauge with 5mm straight needles. Its going to to be a pretty open slinky fabric kinda a clap when its done which I'm happy about.

I made and used zillions of little stitch markers until I realised (thanks to the Team Clap Blog) that I could just use purl stitches instead of a marker and boy that is working a treat!! I've had cheering and comments encuraging me to go for gold on my own blog which is pretty funny and motivating - You never know I may do us proud yet!! So I better stop blogging and start knitting!!!!!!!

Happy Knitting All :-)

a little worried. . .

2006-02-16T15:04:00.000-05:00

I have to seriously start picking up the pace. I have only dropped four stitches so far in the straight section. If I don't speed things up; well I won't be crossing the finish line. I think I can do it if I drop two or more stitches a day, but finding the time is going to be tricky. I guess I could cut out eating and sleeping!

Minor progress

2006-02-16T12:35:00.000-05:00

I'm not as far along as I thought I'd be, but ... I realized a couple of days ago that I wasn't going to have enough yarn. This is not a cozy "around the neck" type of scarf. It's more like a small shawl. But, I've figured and figured, decided stripes would work, and plotted the sequence. If I get more time to knit tonight I'll be on my way.

Into the decreases!

2006-02-16T12:30:00.000-05:00

It was a long slog through the straight section, but I finished that last night. Began the decrease section this morning and am loving the SSK and P2TOG! I will say that I love this pattern. It is definitely repetitive, but unlike garter or stockinette (which can be tedious after a while IMHO), there is a big payoff here. I am so pleased that I conquered my swatch frogging and pressed on. I hope to finish later tonight and will post a photo. There's a Sheer One-Piece (multidirectional) shawl that I might add to my personal KO (if only to get to the Debbie Bliss Weekend sweater that I really want to knit/wear while it is still cold enough here in Northern CA. Wish I had it today!).

stuff to report, but not really so much progress, per se

2006-02-15T14:28:00.000-05:00

i am impressed as all get-out with everyone's progress. i, myself, have nothing to report other than the fact that i need to tink back two rows because i have some weird hole i can't explain in the middle of my last set of increase rows. UGH! i am still going along, but my clapotis still looks like a big triangle. but i'll get there--I AM AM OLYMPIAN, DAMMIT! if i haven't dropped a stitch (on purpose) by tomorrow, i'll eat my hat. :)

notice that i have added a countdown for us on the sidebar, courtesy of anny purls's husband. it's set to end at 2pm EST on February 26th, and it will go from green to yellow to red as we start getting down to the wire. as if we needed more pressure! if you want the script for this countdown, just go to anny's blog and leave her a comment or email her. she's really nice and quick about mailing it out.

and finally, in other news, the knitting olympics are mentioned in time magazine! how cool is THAT!? although--i don't know how i feel about being called a "crafty couch potato." but still...

moving along

2006-02-15T12:41:00.000-05:00

Only 3 rows Monday night and then lots of progress last night. I should make it into the straight rows tonight - - that's today's goal! Keep the pace Team Clapotis!

2006-02-15T09:58:00.000-05:00

Not as far along as some of you but getting there. The clapotis has a life of its own--twisting and rolling. It must think it's part of the Half Pipe competition!

Tink, Tink, Tink...

2006-02-15T09:39:00.000-05:00

It seems as soon as I get a little confidence, I make an error. Last night I ended up reverse knitting a whole section 3 pattern repeat.

I forget who asked about the yarn I'm using. It is the CTH Silk/Merino DK.

Tuesday Update

2006-02-14T16:40:00.000-05:00

Hopefully I will do more later, but here's what I've got so far. Clearly, I'll have some blocking in my future, but things are moving along. I've dropped 10 stitches so far, and it takes several minutes to get all the way down the column. Cool to know that it won't drop off the bottom, though.

Still knitting ...

2006-02-14T12:07:00.000-05:00

... and knitting, and knitting some more. Last night I had to make an executive decision. I'm not going to have enough of my green yarn to do the length I want to do. So ... I also have a couple of skeins of this wonderful stuff in black. I'm going to do stripes through the center of the straight part! I think it will make it more interesting, also. I wish I had had some variegated when I started it, but I didn't want to spend more $$$ when I have enough yarn around here for my own shop!!!

Question: Has anyone ever used chenille for a clapotis? I think it would be so neat that I may just try. Not now, not now. There are only 24 hours in a day after all.

Answer: Someone asked in a comment how they sheared the mink. I'm going to guess that they were trapped animals. Could be wrong. I also did a rather extensive search for the yarn online, and I have to believe it's been discontinued.

Tomorrow I'll put up another picture.

My Monday Progress

2006-02-14T11:34:00.000-05:00

I was going to take a pic, but I think my Clapotis is getting a little boring. It looks the same, just bigger. ;-) I made the decision yesterday that I want a very long Clapotis. I'll be stitching a few more of the straight rows because the width seems perfect as it is. I did stop and get a third skein of the CTH yarn (not on sale this time - gulp!) on Saturday so I'll have more than enough to play with the length a bit.

I didn't even make it through all the olympic events last night. I was in bed by 9. Darn cough/bronchitis/meds.

I promise pictures tomorrow.

Chris

Mohair Clapotis- Did I really think this through?

2006-02-14T11:00:00.000-05:00

You know how mohair is hard to frog? Well, it's also hard to drop stitches. It's not that bad, but I have to follow the dropping stitches down the ladder verrrry carefully, with a pair of scissors to trim the little halo hairs that were so happy as part of a knit stitch.

Once I get this done, it'll be stunning, but that's hoping I don't slip and slice off half the scarf.

And I'm Off

2006-02-14T09:26:00.000-05:00

Four days into these glorious games, I finally cast on. Four days. That, my clapotis friends, is a very large percentage of the entire games (I would figure it out for ya'll, but I'm math handicapped). Plus, all of you who have already cast on know that it's not really a big deal to put two stitches on the needle. But I'm a journalist and I deal with deadlines every single day. Usually, I have just a few hours to write a story. 16 days (okay, 12 now) is really quite luxurious. So onward and upward for team clapotis. If I ever get past the first row, I'll post a picture.

Somewhat of a Snag

2006-02-14T07:23:00.000-05:00

I have run into a bit of a snag while finishing the first ball (all 313 yards of it, BABY!) of my Clapotis. I never noticed until last night that the frogged yarn is more weathered than the unused ball (same exact die lot!) that I used. Which means that 2/3 of the Clapotis will be softer looking than the brighter 1/3 that I knitted... Oh BOY. :(

At this point, I am debating on continuing on or just making another Clapotis. I really want to use the yarn, and am thinking that with enough wear and tear, the shades might not be noticible. But if my husband can see the difference... Another thought is that I can attempt to sun-bleach the fabric now, work on another project, and hope that the WIP lightens up enough for me to finish by the Closing Ceremonies.
Any words of advice would be greatly appreciated!

Here is a shot when I was almost done with the increased sets:

Progress - or not

2006-02-13T21:39:00.000-05:00

Here is my progress or lack there of.

I had a very hard time starting this project so this was all done yesterday and today. I am on the 3rd repeat of the increase section. Just an FYI if you're a tight knitter like me - Rowan Felted Tweed breaks VERY easily. I learned that the hard way. Now back to knitting and pairs figure skating!

I am the MK of the Clapotis Team :(

2006-02-13T18:05:00.000-05:00

Yeah, I'm withdrawing. Or at least, I'm withdrawing from attempting to finish the darn thing by the end of the Olympics. I cast on (and off) and tried the knitting 3 times before giving up - once Friday, once Saturday, and once Sunday. I figure I'll give myself some time to recover from my "injuries" and make another go of it soon.

I think the stress of dealing with the deadline, my carpal tunnel problems, and yarn that was not meant to be knit with have added up to a project that I am dreading rather than looking forward to. I will eventually have a Clapotis, but its not gonna be by the end of this month (unless the planets align themselves and the gods favor me with more patience, more time, and less pain in my wrists).

Bah.

Yay - I'm on the team!

2006-02-13T17:17:00.000-05:00

Cool - I made the team! I must say, Jackie rocks! She is quick on her feet and had me here in no time!

I am loving everyone's Clapotis. I'm just glad I'm not going this alone!

Go team Clapotis - we can do it! ;}

pfb = ouch!

2006-02-13T16:55:00.000-05:00

I dare not post a pic.

Everyone's perfect triangle has such smooth and neat edges. The pfb of the same stitch has made me spring a knit muscle right off the bat. I knew that I should have trained more! I am still going along but I know that I will frog--yet again. I am trying not to be the MK of Team Clapotis--but we'll see.

Chuggin' along ...

2006-02-13T14:59:00.000-05:00

Didn't get as much done as I had hoped last night. Ah, well, there are still many days to go.

Some asked about the yarn I'm using. It's a 65%wool/35%sheared mink blend called Reynolds Debut. The color is a deep moss green. I'm not sure this yarn is even available anymore as I bought it remaindered 8 or so years ago. I'm extremely happy with the way it's knitting, and wish I could get more!

Had an "ah sh*t" moment when I dropped my first stitch to make ladder #1. There's a large hole at the top!!! I'm closing in on the next drop, so I'll see if it's supposed to be that way. If not, one can always fix with needle and yarn where one has made a boo boo!

Chugging Along

2006-02-13T14:28:00.000-05:00

Here is an upclose photo of my Clapotis so that you can see the colorway and another one to reflect my progress so far. I'm really happy with the colors and the yarn is wonderful to work with. Really smooth and knits easily. It is the ArtYarn color 106 in merino so I can't wait to see Songbird's photo as she is using the same color in their silk. Hers will probably be better actually though as I'm finding that this yarn may be a little thick for a clapotis and using something a little lighter might make it flow/hang better when you are wearing it. I guess we'll just have to see how this turns out as I can't bear to frogg it and start with another yarn! I didn't get as much knitting time as I would like this weekend as those pesky kids actually expected some attention - go figure! Now it's the work week and I'll be luck to finish much this week but have a big drive ahead of me for vacation next week so I'm hoping I can make a lot of progress then. So far I've finished the increase rows and am about 1/2 way through the first straight set. I'm starting to get rid of stitch markers and feeling more comfortable with the reverse knitting/purling to "mark the spot". I must say I'm a bit intimidated by the progress of others especially as I surf around to websites and see that people have finished half a sweater by now! Amazing. Maybe some day I'll be able to knit that fast . . .

day three and one third of the way done. . .

2006-02-13T14:20:00.000-05:00

my progress is slow going, but coming along. i spent the weekend at the beach with my boys and instead of knitting the whole time, i spent some of the time building forts out of driftwood. i'm done with the second section and am ready to move on to the third.

kim

me and katie--we're like THIS

2006-02-13T12:02:00.000-05:00

i am right where katie is. i finished the increase rows that the pattern calls for, but i am still in the middle of adding one extra set before i move on to the straight rows since my yarn is fine and my needles are small. hopefully i will get into the straight rows tonight! i am a little terrified of dropping stitches! there's not much point in me posting a picture this morning, since my clapotis looks like a slightly larger verson of the picture i already posted! however, i am loving how it's coming out so far, and everyone's work is looking great!

Progress Report

2006-02-13T10:59:00.000-05:00

I do not have a picture to show but i have almost finished the increase section. I have had a real busy weekend so I did not get much done. I really like the way the colors are turning out so I cannot wait until I can start dropping the stitches. I will post a picture in the morning.
Have fun everyone, I know I sure am.

Rollin', rollin', rollin'

2006-02-13T09:27:00.000-05:00

That title or "Stop, Drop and Roll" seems appropriate now. I've dropped 4 times in the straight section, and I am surprised by two things: there is a lot of rolling (although not in the picture since I got it to lay flat for the photo op), and the ladders seem quite wide. Oh well, no turning back now. I might go down to a smaller needle next time. I like the results so much that there will be a next time, so that's a good sign.

Happy Monday

2006-02-13T08:36:00.000-05:00

Unfortunately, I came down with a horrible cough yesterday. I paid the neighbor kids to dig my car out (it was well worth it!). So, I have an unexpected day off to get to the doctor and find out what this hacking is all about. It feels like bronchitis, but I was never sick before it (which is what always happens to me first). Oh well, another day to stitch away until I can get into the doctor.

Here is what I accomplished yesterday. It really went very fast when I got the pattern down and didn't have to think to hard.

I wonder how much my progress will slow down when I'm back to a regular schedule of commute and work.

Everyone's knitting is so beautiful.

Chris

Some results from here...

2006-02-13T02:50:00.000-05:00

Here´s few photos about what I have achieved so far.
All I did yesterday from it was the first 12 rows from the straight part.
I was little upset cos I haven´t got it done as much as I wanted, cos I´m gonna have 4 days delay at the end of the raise cos my 6 yrs old sons foot is gonna be operated.
But maybe I´ll have some work done today (though it depends on my youngest son who is not even 3 months...)
But now Finland´s team is on tv on Curling...

Quick progress report

2006-02-12T23:08:00.000-05:00

Here are some pictures of my progress. I finished up the increase section and have gotten far enough into the straight sections to drop twice. I have been using stitch markers but I am going to purl the stitch to be dropped from now on and get rid of the markers. It won't make any difference in the final look. Mine is rolling on the side now that I am dropping stitches. It has been rolling on the bottom also. See in the bottom picture? I hope this stops when I get all the stitches dropped and block it.
Going to bed now. I will check in tomorrow.
Oh, btw, everyone's yarn is gorgeous. For my next one, :-), I hope to use a better yarn than Wool Ease, but for now this will work just fine!

Sprint into the final lap...

2006-02-12T22:44:00.000-05:00

For the weekend anyway! Like Jill said... Monday will mean a slowdown of progress. Anyway, here's my progress. The picture is not great. The purples and other subtle variations are washing out. I'll take my next progress pick in the daylight. Hope everyone had a productive weekend :) Go Team Clapotis!!

When Monday Rolls Around, everything will slow down

2006-02-12T21:08:00.000-05:00

...But for now, I'm feeling pretty on top of things.

Me too, me too!

2006-02-12T20:54:00.000-05:00

I too ripped out five hours of Clapotis knitting to begin again with new yarn, needles, purl stitches instead of markers, and "mirroring" twisted stitches. Despite Jackie's kind encouragement to continue with the plain grey yarn I was working with, I switched to this magenta, but only really because I was afraid I didn't have enough of the grey. Here's my new work:

I'm going to do a wide band with the darker yarn in the center of the scarf, I think. I haven't seen a striped clapotis yet- I'm looking forward to seeing what that turns out like.

Thank you, thank you ...

2006-02-12T15:34:00.000-05:00

...Susan for posting about using purl stitches rather than markers. I actually started over - again - yesterday with new yarn, new needle size, and purl stitches rather than knit and markers. The difference is absolutely amazing! A picture of the former knitting is on my blog, but the above is what I managed to do yesterday afternoon and evening. I'm about to the end of the increase section. The yarn I'm using is a wool and sheared mink blend (wonderfully soft!), and I'm using size 6 needles. I began with five skeins of yarn (50g each), and I haven't quite finished the first. I just might be all right.

Day 3

2006-02-12T13:36:00.000-05:00

I've gotten through 4 increase sections, which is not exactly speedy. I didn't knit at all yesterday, due to some mild wrist pain (too early in the race to hurt myself sprinting), and after knitting 12 rows this morning, my right elbow's acting up! Not cool! I rarely have pains like this from knitting, so I'm more than a little bummed.

I finally uploaded the pic of my gauge swatch, which shows the colorway off best. I've been describing it all wrong- the main colors are muted shades of blue, purple, and gold, with little bits of cream and grey.

slow going...

2006-02-12T10:51:00.000-05:00

this is my progress as of yesterday at about 8pm. i have done a little more, but i am still in the increase rows. i think i have the hang of the pattern (for now!), but man, it's going to be a true feat for me to get this done by the 26^th! maybe i am just a slow knitter or something. meanwhile, i am loving watching everyone else's progress! and even though i love my yarn, i still have some SERIOUS yarn envy over here!

My first drop-ladder

2006-02-12T10:24:00.000-05:00

Eeek. There is something so deeply wrong about dropping a stitch and letting it ladder on purpose.

I love it.

Snow and frogs

2006-02-12T08:46:00.000-05:00

I didn't get much done. The frog came to visit just about the same time as the snow started falling. I had to rip out a good 5 inches or so because I had a major problem in reading the pattern. I knew I was to tired to keep knitting Friday night. DRAT!

Anyway - I got to the straight rows and dropped my first stitch. I still love this pattern. Once you read it correctly...

There is a photo of the near 20" of snow on my deck at my blog. It's not going to stop till this afternoon and then digging my car out will be a nightmare. It's times like these I hate not having a man around.

I'm really enjoying everyone's progress and the different results in color and texture. So beautiful.

Happy Stitching today!
Chris

P.S.
Kristyn - cool tote!

2006-02-11T20:44:00.000-05:00

Hi, I'm Abandonada and this is the greatest pattern! I love it. My yarn is Malabrigo, three skeins, in the Sunset color. But it looks like Olympic Gold to me.

Happy to see everyone here!

Yarn and Tote Bag

2006-02-11T20:09:00.000-05:00

I hope all your Clapotises (Clapoti?) are coming along well. I only have 8 rows done on mine so no pics yet but here are some pics to wet your appetite.

This is the yarn I am using. It is Rowan Felted Tweed in color 142-Melody.

This is the tote bag my friend Amby made for the Olympians in our SNB group to keep our projects in. Until next time ....