She's the Mark Cavendish of the Tour knitting world! Introducing back-to-back intermediate sprint winner Caffeine Faerie!
Caffeine Faerie's parade of FOs down the Champs-Elysees just pipped Madalyn's commentaire a la Bob Roll by just three votes on the finish line - the closest in TDFKAL recorded history!
Felicitations to our winners, runners-up, finalists, and all our participants!
10 August 2008
03 August 2008
Polling open in the final sprint!
Bonjour knitters! We hope by now you have enjoyed a refreshing few days recovering from the gruelling tour! We have finally managed to choose our shortlist of contenders for the final prize in this year's KAL. We were struck by how many of you found an inspiring example in poor old John-Lee Augustyn's* Stage 16 dive over the side of the Col de la Bonette - and why not? It is one of the most memorable moments from this year's tour!
Without further ado, the finalists are...
(click on the link to go directly to their Final Sprint entry!)
Mari's stage-by-stage recap of the Clap[otis]
Riggwelter's mountain top experiences with lace
Madalyn's take on Craig and Bob's knitting commentary
Caffeine Faerie's parade down the Champs-Elysees
Helene/Furry with Ruffles' sprint finish (move over Thor!)
Vote below for your favourite! Remember, every vote counts and these ladies are battling it out for a real-life actual in-the-flesh Tour de France souvenir brought back for us from France by two-time Tour participant, Heather! Polls will stay open until midnight (PARIS TIME) on August 7th. Clickez-vous!
*John-Lee's birthday is coming up on August 10th, the day after the Olympics road race, in which he is competing! let's all wish him luck and happy birthday!
Without further ado, the finalists are...
(click on the link to go directly to their Final Sprint entry!)
Mari's stage-by-stage recap of the Clap[otis]
Riggwelter's mountain top experiences with lace
Madalyn's take on Craig and Bob's knitting commentary
Caffeine Faerie's parade down the Champs-Elysees
Helene/Furry with Ruffles' sprint finish (move over Thor!)
Vote below for your favourite! Remember, every vote counts and these ladies are battling it out for a real-life actual in-the-flesh Tour de France souvenir brought back for us from France by two-time Tour participant, Heather! Polls will stay open until midnight (PARIS TIME) on August 7th. Clickez-vous!
*John-Lee's birthday is coming up on August 10th, the day after the Olympics road race, in which he is competing! let's all wish him luck and happy birthday!
02 August 2008
Rabobank Wrap-Up
Sorry for the delay (I was finishing the yellow cardigan pattern, which, for me, requires full submersion), but Team Rabobank wants to check in for a final lap of glory!
Is Kate's little daughter's tunic not glorious?
Let's keep in mind that talented Kate designed this herself. I love the buttons at the shoulders. You should really click through to her blog to see the adorable pictures of Miss V checking herself out in the mirror.
Beth finished not only her Baudelaire socks, but a French Market Bag, now felted, dry, and ready for Market Action:
Remember that mechanical Sandy had back in the first days of the Tour, when her Lorna's Laces entrelac sock suddenly got really ugly and she had to get a new bike (well, project) from the team car? Sandy's going to get the better of that rainbow yarn at last, by weaving a scarf with it:
The clever crafter always triumphs. Case in point: Erika didn't have a USB cable to show us photos of her Rabobank-colored bag progress, so she got creative and typed us a picture:
-v
v- = seed stitch
/o|o\ = openwork section
colour names = stripes
Progress report (this is disproportionately narrow):
-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v
v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-
blueblueblueblueblueblueblue
orangeorangeorangeorange
-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v
v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-
\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/
\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/
\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/
\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/
\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/
\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/
-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v
v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-
orangeorangeorangeorange
blueblueblueblueblueblueblue
-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v
v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-
And Bells had to knit everywhere she went, but she did meet her goal of finishing the knitting on her eyelet cardi (shown here still partly wet, but otherwise ready for seaming):
And as for me, that yellow cardigan was ready for blocking by the end of the prime time coverage: I finished my tubular bind off on the last lap, just in time to watch the sprint (with those amazing camera angles!). I can't show you pictures yet, but keep an eye out for a preview from Popknits later this month! Ladies, it's been a privilege to knit with you and to be your Chef d'Equipe. I'm going to miss Ribby Man during the off-season especially! Now, on to the Olympics!
Is Kate's little daughter's tunic not glorious?
Let's keep in mind that talented Kate designed this herself. I love the buttons at the shoulders. You should really click through to her blog to see the adorable pictures of Miss V checking herself out in the mirror.
Beth finished not only her Baudelaire socks, but a French Market Bag, now felted, dry, and ready for Market Action:
Remember that mechanical Sandy had back in the first days of the Tour, when her Lorna's Laces entrelac sock suddenly got really ugly and she had to get a new bike (well, project) from the team car? Sandy's going to get the better of that rainbow yarn at last, by weaving a scarf with it:
The clever crafter always triumphs. Case in point: Erika didn't have a USB cable to show us photos of her Rabobank-colored bag progress, so she got creative and typed us a picture:
-v
v- = seed stitch
/o|o\ = openwork section
colour names = stripes
Progress report (this is disproportionately narrow):
-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v
v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-
blueblueblueblueblueblueblue
orangeorangeorangeorange
-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v
v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-
\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/
\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/
\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/
\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/
\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/
\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/
-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v
v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-
orangeorangeorangeorange
blueblueblueblueblueblueblue
-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v
v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-
And Bells had to knit everywhere she went, but she did meet her goal of finishing the knitting on her eyelet cardi (shown here still partly wet, but otherwise ready for seaming):
And as for me, that yellow cardigan was ready for blocking by the end of the prime time coverage: I finished my tubular bind off on the last lap, just in time to watch the sprint (with those amazing camera angles!). I can't show you pictures yet, but keep an eye out for a preview from Popknits later this month! Ladies, it's been a privilege to knit with you and to be your Chef d'Equipe. I'm going to miss Ribby Man during the off-season especially! Now, on to the Olympics!
31 July 2008
Final roundup from Camp Credit Agricole
It has been a real privilege to be Chef D'Equip of Team Credit Agricole. The team members have shown character, finesses, pace and skill that is quite overwhelming. As is the tradition at the end of sporting broadcasts I'm not going to rabbit on but let the photos speak for themselves.
Huge thanks to Debby and Meg for what has to be one of the best KAL's on the net and to all my fellow team mates for being such sports.
Look at what we've made....
30 July 2008
Team Silence Lotto Wrap Up
Well, this was an adventure for sure. Our team was all over the place in terms of finishing our projects. We had Jennifer who gave up on her swallowtail shawl because it was stressful and not any fun at all ,all the way to Melanie who
finished two sweaters (Molly Ringwald and the lingerie bed jacket) and then picked up a wip and finished a skirt!
finished two sweaters (Molly Ringwald and the lingerie bed jacket) and then picked up a wip and finished a skirt! Rosered finished 21 rows on 
her Lady Eleanor ("one for each stage") and is about halfway done. She is thrilled with it.
Joline finished her Juno Regina. And then went on to start a February lady sweater which she finished!
Amy finished her socks and was sprinting madly toward the finish on her Sprout. Tam finished seaming her Beatrix at 1 am as the cyclists were taking their tour of Paris.
Amy finished her socks and was sprinting madly toward the finish on her Sprout. Tam finished seaming her Beatrix at 1 am as the cyclists were taking their tour of Paris. We lost some knitters on the way. They've dropped out of sight and I'm unsure of their progress. When last we checked, Justine was working on Bee fields, and Kelli was working on the Print o'the Wave stole. Megan continues on her baby surprise jacket and her Stolen Moments shawl. Ozknitter was working on socks and scarf and making good progress on both.
I have finally finished my Adamas shawl, although I finished it and blocked it last night. I wasn't figuring on finishing but was glad I did. Now I have a wrap to wear to the wedding on Saturday.
And so that ends our Tour 2008. Thanks guys for a thrilling ride!
29 July 2008
Team Quick Step Wrap Up
Well our man Gert Steegman managed a stage win in the end! Us Quick Stitchers didn't do a bad job either, look at these:
From top left:
1. Whitney's finished Gansey.
2. Madalyn's "le châle chaleureux" in progress.
3. Tour de France.
4. Angie's "Diamants de Foegere" in progress.
5. Marge's finished Fairisle vest.
6. Alli's Cropped Cardigan in progress.
7. Madalyn's "le châle chaleureux" in progress.
8. Jennifer's Quick Stitch Wrist Warmers.
9. Whitney's wonderful drawing of her finished Gansey.
10. Jennifer's "le beret de ma fille".
11. Lauren's finished "Thermal".
12. Gretchen's French Market Bag.
13. Shelley's Quick Stitch Wrist Warmers.
14. Jennifer's Monet inspired "Woolet".
15. Shelley's Pi Blanket, Beret and Wristwarmers.
16. Jessica's finished "Piggle".
17. Jessica's Quick Stitch Wrist Warmers.
18. Jennifer's Monet inspired "Woolet".
19. Quick Stitch logo.
20. Polka Dot Jersey.
21. Yellow Jersey.
22. Madalyn's "le châle chaleureux" in progress.
23. Marge's finished Fairisle vest.
24. Jennifer's Secret Lace.
25. Alli's Finished Cropped Cardigan.
26. Lauren's finished "Thermal".
27. Angie's Quick Stitch Wrist Warmers.
28. Shelley's Finished Pi Blanket.
29. Angie's "Diamants de Foegere" in progress.
30. Gert Steegman taking the final stage.
And there we have it, another race done. I have to say thank you to the girls on the Quick Stepping - Quick Stitch team for making my role as team leader and easy one.
Until next year.
Au Revior
From top left:
1. Whitney's finished Gansey.
2. Madalyn's "le châle chaleureux" in progress.
3. Tour de France.
4. Angie's "Diamants de Foegere" in progress.
5. Marge's finished Fairisle vest.
6. Alli's Cropped Cardigan in progress.
7. Madalyn's "le châle chaleureux" in progress.
8. Jennifer's Quick Stitch Wrist Warmers.
9. Whitney's wonderful drawing of her finished Gansey.
10. Jennifer's "le beret de ma fille".
11. Lauren's finished "Thermal".
12. Gretchen's French Market Bag.
13. Shelley's Quick Stitch Wrist Warmers.
14. Jennifer's Monet inspired "Woolet".
15. Shelley's Pi Blanket, Beret and Wristwarmers.
16. Jessica's finished "Piggle".
17. Jessica's Quick Stitch Wrist Warmers.
18. Jennifer's Monet inspired "Woolet".
19. Quick Stitch logo.
20. Polka Dot Jersey.
21. Yellow Jersey.
22. Madalyn's "le châle chaleureux" in progress.
23. Marge's finished Fairisle vest.
24. Jennifer's Secret Lace.
25. Alli's Finished Cropped Cardigan.
26. Lauren's finished "Thermal".
27. Angie's Quick Stitch Wrist Warmers.
28. Shelley's Finished Pi Blanket.
29. Angie's "Diamants de Foegere" in progress.
30. Gert Steegman taking the final stage.
And there we have it, another race done. I have to say thank you to the girls on the Quick Stepping - Quick Stitch team for making my role as team leader and easy one.
Until next year.
Au Revior
28 July 2008
Team CSC Wrap Up
Well, we made it to Paris. Some of us a little battle worn and injured, some of us pleading for a break. But we did it; and ended up in yellow!!
Elisa finished her cabled sweater (goal #1) and spun/plied enough Gotland wool to make a crocheted shawl (goal #2). She ALSO started to knit a baby surprise jacket (goal #3) but suffered a Tour ending injury. She pressed so hard to get the sweater and shawl done in time for her local fair that she re-injured her shoulder. No crocheting or knitting for at least a month!! Bonne Chance with the healing!!
Christina participated not only in the TdF KAL but also the Tour de Fleece. Two Grand Tours!! She finished a full 10 repeats of her upstairs stole, but decided it is too short, so is adding a couple more repeats. She was hoping to finish it by Paris, but got rather sidetracked by the time trial - as we all did, right!! Her kimono shawl is probably 50% done, so she feels that she cracked the laceweight mountain!
Anne made it to the top of the back of her woven jumper (yay) - but not as far as casting on the front which is where she wanted to be. However the TDFKAL has set her on the road to finishing! Maybe she'll get it finished before Jan 2009 which would be approx 10 years (and 3 kids) after she started it. Talk about a mountain of knitting!! Her Daughter's scarf is steadily growing and will be nearly finished when she starts school.
CathyAnn finished both sleeves of her cardigan. She is still mulling over whether to try blocking it (as several have suggested) or just frogging the peplum. There was no helpful consensus at her SnB either!! In addition to her cardigan, she finished three projects for Socks for Soldiers that she started before the tour: one pair of military socks, one pair of leisure socks, and one beanie cap, and have almost finished the first leg on a second pair of military socks.
Ina finished her project, a Shetsoie shawl, plus a totally unexpected project, a Swallowtail shawl, so it was a true sprint to the finish. There's a story behind the Swallowtail - she supposes the cycling analogy is sometimes the team domestiques end up cycling twice the distance of a stage. She will have pics on her blog on Tuesday. And congrats to Ina for being a finalist in TWO of the sprints!!
Sarah is hopefully wearing her finished lace top to work today. This is what is looked like last night.
Lori is off on vacation and had her project packed so no new pictures. She figures she's fighting Wim for the Laterne Rouge. She also offered these kind thoughts: "Cheers to all you knitters who fought the good fight - knitting through tangles, pain & Bob’isms." Well put Lori!!
Jacqueline also arrived safely in Paris. Her journey up the Champs-Élysées has been completed a day early since she finished her 'Gather Robbie into my Pullover' project last night. She says "It is absolutely beautiful if I may say so myself and I love everything about it; the colour, the fit and most of all the wonderfully warm yarn." The weather didn't offer good conditions for pictures but we'll stay posted on Ravelry for an update.
Sarah B. came sooooo darned close. But she's of the belief deadlines are made to be extended, and I really can't argue with that.
I too safely arrived in Paris, wearing mon Maillot Jaune. I'm really happy with my February Lady Sweater, and once it comes winter here, I'll be seen in it frequently.
And a HUUUUGE thank you to Debby and Meg for all their hard work, preparation and organization of the best KAL I've been involved in. You ladies have rode your butts off!!
The After Stage, Team AG2R-Mondiale Wrap Up
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