Team Alaska had 15 official members from all parts of the state. They kept one another informed and supported through a blog, or online diary, with pictures and comments about work-in-progress. Each member, following McPhee's guidelines, chose one project that would challenge them personally. Each agreed to cast on during the Olympics opening ceremonies, Feb. 10, and finish, including blocking, by the closing ceremonies on Sunday.
Team Alaska joined the more than 4,000 knitters from all parts of the world in this creative knitting event. Linda Finn Yarborough, a member of the Knitters of the North Guild, took the Alaska team to international levels. Linda created a logo, set up a blog site, encouraged knitters to join and participated by knitting several projects for charity. I might add that she did all this in true, heroic, Olympian style while recovering from a broken ankle.
The only medal is a gold. Knitters who finished were given a gold medal to post on their blog and a chance to win a prize from McPhee. The winners also received the knowledge that they are world-class knitters, no matter what level they knit at. Congratulations to all members of Team Alaska!
I decided to unofficially join the Olympics challenge, just to see how it would feel. Following McPhee's directions, I picked Lily Chin's cabled socks because I do not like to knit socks. This project would give me something to push myself to finish. I hate to admit it, but I would rather tackle a whole sweater than work socks. I will admit that at this writing, I am almost through just one sock. This may well be the one sock I choose to frame as art. I may also add my own touch with a bit of crochet picot edging at the top.
CROCHET
Crochet has been called a cousin of knitting. The number of folks learning to crochet is on the rise along with the renewed interest in knitting. If you are a crocheter, you are in for a treat! This spring, several events and programs will be offered to get your creative juices flowing.
Lily Chin, holder of the World's Fastest Crocheter title, entrepreneur, designer and knitter par excellence, is about to debut her own TV show. The pilot show, "Stitchcraft," will air on Oxygen (Channel 70) at 2 p.m. Sunday.
Lily will host the show and feature both knitting and crocheting. She says the show will offer technique tidbits.
Ididachain Crochet Guild is teaming with Knitters of the North Guild to host a series of classes in May featuring Melissa Leapman. New Yorker Leapman is a renowned designer and author of crochet and knitting patterns. Her fresh, youthful styles often feature crochet and knitting instruction for the same pattern.
You won't want to miss this opportunity to learn new techniques from one of the world's best teachers. We'll keep you informed about these classes so you can sign up before they are sold out.
Catherine Hollingsworth, interior designer, artist and professional knitter, has lived in Alaska for 17 years. A past president of Knitters of the North, she currently designs knitwear patterns for publication. To reach her, e-mail twosticks@adnmail.com; put "knitting" in the subject line.
Quilt, Fiber & Wearable Arts Auction will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in the atrium of the ConocoPhillips building, 700 G St. Information: Gene Faulk of Catholic Social Services , 297-7719, or www.cssalaska.org.
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