Wool & Words

All around the blogisphere you can hear the needles swatching.

But not here in Chez Words. We're knitting models. We don't need no stinkin' swatches!

OK...I'll probably end up regretting my impulse to jump into the Olympic fray sans swatch. I may end up with an enormous version of this top:

I have faith, though, that the pattern writer knew what they were all about when they called for those size 10 needles.

And why worry about gauge when you're knitting this:

It's Oat Couture's Building Blocks Blanket. I've got a Pound of Love in a denimy blue that is just perfect for this bad boy. And it's a blanket--no swatching required!

Of course, all this preparatory swaggering will, of necessity, lead to some eating of the Humble Pie. But I say, it's part of the spirit of challenge! I'll be the Olympian who comes unprepared, donuts and cigarettes (just kidding sweetie) in hand, with dreams of medal glory and actions that only qualify for the Couch Olympic Games.

Add to this the fact that I'm knitting with mercenized cotton yarns right now, a surefire way to screw around with my tension, since I have to be a bit tighter with the cottons to get an even fabric. I will not be swayed, however--no swatching for me!

In Other News

I'm carefully considering my options for my SockPal. I'm thinking lacey socks and for some reason, I can't get the color pink out of my head. Stay tuned for further developments.