tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76875938188422856232024-03-13T03:15:54.544+01:00Tour de France Knit AlongMeghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09917833708894680350noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687593818842285623.post-21100337139799862662011-06-21T13:22:00.001+02:002011-06-21T13:23:43.241+02:002011 Tour de France Knit Along<span style="font-style: italic;">Bonjour tout le monde!</span><br /><br />The 2011 Tour de France Knit Along will be happening on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a>. Signups will be open for a few more days. To take part, please visit the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/tour-de-france-kal">Tour de France Knit Along Ravelry Group</a>. If you're not already a member of Ravelry, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">joining is easy</a>!Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09917833708894680350noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687593818842285623.post-16133029229683408492010-07-04T02:06:00.000+02:002010-07-04T02:07:34.393+02:002010 Tour de France Knit Along<span style="font-style: italic;">Bonjour tout le monde!</span><br /><br />The 2010 Tour de France Knit Along will be happening on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a>. Signups will be open for a few more days. To take part, please visit the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/tour-de-france-kal">Tour de France Knit Along Ravelry Group</a>. If you're not already a member of Ravelry, <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/invitations">joining is easy</a>!Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09917833708894680350noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687593818842285623.post-23975507592171269062009-06-15T12:15:00.003+02:002009-06-15T12:19:43.397+02:002009 Tour de France Knit Along<span style="font-style: italic;">Bonjour tout le monde!</span><br /><br />The 2009 Tour de France Knit Along will be happening on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com">Ravelry</a>. Signups will be opening shortly. To take part, please visit the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/tour-de-france-kal">Tour de France Knit Along Ravelry Group</a>. If you're not already a member of Ravelry, <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/invitations">joining is easy</a>!Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09917833708894680350noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687593818842285623.post-51376491228987916892008-08-10T04:46:00.003+02:002008-08-10T04:50:36.044+02:00Nous avons une gagneuse!She's the Mark Cavendish of the Tour knitting world! Introducing back-to-back intermediate sprint winner <a href="http://blakeanitty.blogspot.com">Caffeine Faerie</a>!<br /><br />Caffeine Faerie's <a href="http://blakeanitty.blogspot.com/2008/07/parading-down-champs.html">parade of FOs</a> down the Champs-Elysees just pipped <a href="http://lettucepieces.com/unravelme/?p=379">Madalyn's commentaire a la Bob Roll</a> by just three votes on the finish line - the closest in TDFKAL recorded history!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Felicitations</span> to our winners, runners-up, finalists, and all our participants!Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09917833708894680350noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687593818842285623.post-28725689831787716002008-08-03T09:48:00.003+02:002008-08-03T10:09:52.454+02:00Polling 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 <a href="http://www.johnleeaugustyn.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9&Itemid=12">John-Lee Augustyn's*</a> 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!<br /><br />Without further ado, the finalists are...<br />(click on the link to go directly to their Final Sprint entry!)<br /><br /><a href="http://mariknits.blogspot.com/2008/07/final-sprint-to-finish.html">Mari's stage-by-stage recap of the Clap[otis]</a><br /><a href="http://riggwelter.wordpress.com/2008/07/26/from-darriere-to-derailleur/">Riggwelter's mountain top experiences with lace</a><br /><a href="http://lettucepieces.com/unravelme/?p=379">Madalyn's take on Craig and Bob's knitting commentary</a><br /><a href="http://blakeanitty.blogspot.com/2008/07/parading-down-champs.html">Caffeine Faerie's parade down the Champs-Elysees</a><br /><a href="http://craftyaction-helenlr.blogspot.com/2008/07/green-for-helene-what-now-for-this-star.html">Helene/Furry with Ruffles' sprint finish (move over Thor!)</a><br /><br />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, <a href="http://theaddknitter.blogspot.com">Heather</a>! Polls will stay open until midnight (PARIS TIME) on August 7th. <span style="font-style: italic;">Clickez-vous</span>!<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" language="javascript" src="http://s3.polldaddy.com/p/832319.js"></script><noscript> <a href ="http://answers.polldaddy.com/poll/832319/">Vote here for your favourite Final Sprint entry!</a> <br/> <span style="font-size:9px;"> (<a href ="http://www.polldaddy.com"> polls</a>)</span></noscript><br /><br />*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!Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09917833708894680350noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687593818842285623.post-56649483273414205162008-08-02T20:31:00.006+02:002008-08-02T20:55:32.836+02:00Rabobank Wrap-UpSorry 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!<br /><br />Is <a href="http://knights-dont-knit.blogspot.com/2008/07/tdfkal-wrap-up.html">Kate's</a> little daughter's tunic not glorious?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkMPP7Epg7_jt7I9UHu3igWNn7q8gyA4BQCyDdMddJUwMP5pXHw_eQoUoWe31L7QfiRxjHshw1ASikpuEGaB8v3_QQhuy_emvb_RqzbLE6_v-qW7YEcNpju0FQnHXNl46fx2hA4TQT4dDo/s1600-h/TourKatedone.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkMPP7Epg7_jt7I9UHu3igWNn7q8gyA4BQCyDdMddJUwMP5pXHw_eQoUoWe31L7QfiRxjHshw1ASikpuEGaB8v3_QQhuy_emvb_RqzbLE6_v-qW7YEcNpju0FQnHXNl46fx2hA4TQT4dDo/s320/TourKatedone.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229990393845912914" /></a><br /><br />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.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/bethgirl">Beth</a> finished not only her Baudelaire socks, but a French Market Bag, now felted, dry, and ready for Market Action:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhISM6W6dlqg5azkHp4aHgBSvGR94OVt3VUSdgPcHoKhJQ9dY60cPFEs0sggWnIA97m4PL7Rv0I3MYbQC6rpv6cUBuhqvGt4LCFqwEC2PuLUj0HuKY91D7CwRUbHmgKKKl1YWlqPmVEl_ZE/s1600-h/TourBethfelt.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhISM6W6dlqg5azkHp4aHgBSvGR94OVt3VUSdgPcHoKhJQ9dY60cPFEs0sggWnIA97m4PL7Rv0I3MYbQC6rpv6cUBuhqvGt4LCFqwEC2PuLUj0HuKY91D7CwRUbHmgKKKl1YWlqPmVEl_ZE/s200/TourBethfelt.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229991477126845634" /></a><br /><br />Remember that mechanical <a href="http://www.likelyyarns.com">Sandy</a> 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:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELDu-19-qmZiwgX3kn8FSVhXMwyJVcvmiKtP5a2t0_f7-pmw5EA72Uh4ZhaZ9uoh-JT1FutsgLIgiceHbXjqx2vOpx17phSVceDZdk8Ap3fByKxDGUvcVLOFlzgYWbHgNeL3zfPDxSFZw/s1600-h/TourSandyrainbow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELDu-19-qmZiwgX3kn8FSVhXMwyJVcvmiKtP5a2t0_f7-pmw5EA72Uh4ZhaZ9uoh-JT1FutsgLIgiceHbXjqx2vOpx17phSVceDZdk8Ap3fByKxDGUvcVLOFlzgYWbHgNeL3zfPDxSFZw/s320/TourSandyrainbow.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229992834719596194" /></a><br /><br />The clever crafter always triumphs. Case in point: <a href="http://sloth-knits.blogspot.com/">Erika</a> 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:<br /><br />-v<br />v- = seed stitch<br /><br />/o|o\ = openwork section<br /><br />colour names = stripes<br /><br />Progress report (this is disproportionately narrow):<br /><br />-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v<br />v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-<br />blueblueblueblueblueblueblue<br />orangeorangeorangeorange<br />-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v<br />v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-<br />\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/<br />\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/<br />\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/<br />\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/<br />\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/<br />\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/\o|o/<br />-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v<br />v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-<br />orangeorangeorangeorange<br />blueblueblueblueblueblueblue<br />-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v<br />v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-<br /><br />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):<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwZgvuCytCsX7H2RwQQfgxAQln4-NdF3UVXmyP_3SNXQkxjrel9orPcvSPop9sh2JsgYUsacmCrb3WfVph6SC07nZhSCjlGNAsQ86fS-B9pamE-StgYMil89bJQ9TrYTDf5NESeyGGsHs/s1600-h/TourBellsblocks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwZgvuCytCsX7H2RwQQfgxAQln4-NdF3UVXmyP_3SNXQkxjrel9orPcvSPop9sh2JsgYUsacmCrb3WfVph6SC07nZhSCjlGNAsQ86fS-B9pamE-StgYMil89bJQ9TrYTDf5NESeyGGsHs/s200/TourBellsblocks.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229995343439685618" /></a><br /><br />And as for <a href="http://www.bluegarter.org">me</a>, 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 <a href="http://www.popknits.com">Popknits</a> 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!Sarah / Blue Garterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11615359405884245263noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687593818842285623.post-65812394583066415862008-07-31T00:01:00.009+02:002008-07-31T01:17:41.676+02:00Final roundup from Camp Credit Agricole<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbjbixeCNzYJYl3P81v2T6UiqJuvGXeO_5AP1SMhbWrgmpukdhQCFGw2fJR1-QqLIVEMn7ZTuoH4uFjfSXClMKe1HJ8h_GgeGW0JuAxk4pjK7bSRQC8QdSF4S36zQe8akzi990SaL5EJ7/s1600-h/finished+montparnasse.jpg"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyoA8ZxPbChWrV1MH5naEUUN01fsqu8AbG6Qu5DmKgpNizSPQbTpwTR9xaTru_9w4WWgd9fxSKAcKyuczg7KmecpYSeRTz9tM5NTllrIdnDCuW40xTiZ2ZtWXBbtWbCI5DxCOOfROLy2x1/s1600-h/carolyn's+breton.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228949248679677762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyoA8ZxPbChWrV1MH5naEUUN01fsqu8AbG6Qu5DmKgpNizSPQbTpwTR9xaTru_9w4WWgd9fxSKAcKyuczg7KmecpYSeRTz9tM5NTllrIdnDCuW40xTiZ2ZtWXBbtWbCI5DxCOOfROLy2x1/s400/carolyn's+breton.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36etm7rRsNDqidQALNGemgA3cFazALkWVPoKgjTqobtLse3A0gN1xMoqXn7sfQZEbfDYLdBRsLIzhlquSkmzlpQ1GiyBiuE0QdPyUuN-g5yLUPluTAYi2ld_ozcyT7uFPhVliNJnh-Vtd/s1600-h/6a00d83452fe7869e200e553b385658834-320wi.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228949253689307810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36etm7rRsNDqidQALNGemgA3cFazALkWVPoKgjTqobtLse3A0gN1xMoqXn7sfQZEbfDYLdBRsLIzhlquSkmzlpQ1GiyBiuE0QdPyUuN-g5yLUPluTAYi2ld_ozcyT7uFPhVliNJnh-Vtd/s400/6a00d83452fe7869e200e553b385658834-320wi.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>It has been a real privilege to be Chef <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">D'Equip</span> of Team Credit <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Agricole</span>. 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. </div><div></div><br /><div>Huge thanks to Debby and Meg for what has to be one of the best <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">KAL's</span> on the net and to all my fellow team mates for being such sports. </div><div></div><br /><div>Look at what we've made....</div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidh6iz2qvv1jZnG-slwoUMINJdYGQq1ictXFjUhhT8UUIaaBOW4q2NL_mUEd6aniWzv9fDLRauqmYCmUpW9Eq1SP5aXI7UPMTWxeEj7H3dKdy0oec_lj8-dfNS6-V2-H612dimTkxj7yUY/s1600-h/marci's+gilet.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228942105309508242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidh6iz2qvv1jZnG-slwoUMINJdYGQq1ictXFjUhhT8UUIaaBOW4q2NL_mUEd6aniWzv9fDLRauqmYCmUpW9Eq1SP5aXI7UPMTWxeEj7H3dKdy0oec_lj8-dfNS6-V2-H612dimTkxj7yUY/s400/marci's+gilet.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOkKq8MoiEzZ86EJexi7x7ttCKUbj_xGrAEWBctap_mSJKCMjT8z43Uh3YrnBh1tfdsG6Oypl9xYyHNVh5zSRvLepvOljX6I2pLY82oxaDyu5Aj0dJ39NIGmYvTeQoglPumaLdQzo8jFf/s1600-h/gina's+finished+afghan.jpg"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1IPPYOtMs3dJQ5KBVsirkfx7W_RHIr3s-v4WdgMqwsBrGC0m4igE7h5UsU2oWfgdsV0WiVyBz1f6g3PoDY5eyGjRkZhge0w_PsyWv-DbJ6R93wfsEiSptzGInHCcHXcWMB-3ElJfYrb1/s1600-h/74+rows.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228941744654053922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1IPPYOtMs3dJQ5KBVsirkfx7W_RHIr3s-v4WdgMqwsBrGC0m4igE7h5UsU2oWfgdsV0WiVyBz1f6g3PoDY5eyGjRkZhge0w_PsyWv-DbJ6R93wfsEiSptzGInHCcHXcWMB-3ElJfYrb1/s400/74+rows.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bUZHK2qbGyjAhtJrMIOuNP6Lp_O58Qg5FGeUVwFuqBwfYEoPh2E7-RNFAS88M-Ii-tnNl0c99rzyc3CsFHWz94wBnRD_UNhHYOJFAza5tyYJqOAV_gFBfTDoy41xC9N3YKp8EpN_cV7g/s1600-h/rachel's+finished+socks"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228940661884833922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bUZHK2qbGyjAhtJrMIOuNP6Lp_O58Qg5FGeUVwFuqBwfYEoPh2E7-RNFAS88M-Ii-tnNl0c99rzyc3CsFHWz94wBnRD_UNhHYOJFAza5tyYJqOAV_gFBfTDoy41xC9N3YKp8EpN_cV7g/s400/rachel's+finished+socks" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOT5YM37SXajRwTPj2FY1yp7GM2uJyjvdtbDgCTvRAAL2qExR8xcccFFdX5Q05MKUJxEDiLehSmovdk38z_QuaPjHQXbs3xdsR84KRJ0oAN4TGVaoWhpSo3mJY5BkoYFgkbWmQZrIpkui/s1600-h/Bonne_Chance_complet_copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228940660318599970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOT5YM37SXajRwTPj2FY1yp7GM2uJyjvdtbDgCTvRAAL2qExR8xcccFFdX5Q05MKUJxEDiLehSmovdk38z_QuaPjHQXbs3xdsR84KRJ0oAN4TGVaoWhpSo3mJY5BkoYFgkbWmQZrIpkui/s400/Bonne_Chance_complet_copy.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrg18zl99e_e2eVFb8Gia-lwl7gKNFYrxKH5Baruzwhzi4U7oGJclA_ggOjWCctRRYTNxRHkIMp9Cj2s8i9-bffwSSefX8xtFm9F1AjlZS6F_dOhtgkPV1v4HuHTXZQQuISHspoABR2anD/s1600-h/kit's+sleeve"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228936568665334690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrg18zl99e_e2eVFb8Gia-lwl7gKNFYrxKH5Baruzwhzi4U7oGJclA_ggOjWCctRRYTNxRHkIMp9Cj2s8i9-bffwSSefX8xtFm9F1AjlZS6F_dOhtgkPV1v4HuHTXZQQuISHspoABR2anD/s400/kit's+sleeve" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC2NHWLtiujsiTHhJhHhf3K3Zar2DGjeTbisKpCoxbhuGZmff1BZ0LvDkG-8SlBP65H7daF6Vp4w1DYWcnSB9EVzuysl6S86iifC_V23kGZLCUp6VkjHqNwcVnBXsfnGKa9THqI827g5uF/s1600-h/finished+le+rectangle.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228935281208625794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC2NHWLtiujsiTHhJhHhf3K3Zar2DGjeTbisKpCoxbhuGZmff1BZ0LvDkG-8SlBP65H7daF6Vp4w1DYWcnSB9EVzuysl6S86iifC_V23kGZLCUp6VkjHqNwcVnBXsfnGKa9THqI827g5uF/s400/finished+le+rectangle.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Probably Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15327990808605512518noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687593818842285623.post-7287613110021817442008-07-30T00:43:00.008+02:002008-07-30T01:18:53.970+02:00Team Silence Lotto Wrap Up<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQLwb_xhZr4S6eaHrjY77Hk3MSAux3AXwSSD1CCaIo_vNFxN0VZmG_Lmmn3NMeqA8R7Se-HfNyz-4H2aRXjqQyp0dFthGIygcEOh9BQYPgxhQnWr6k2Bjtk2jK74lf2O3A5QyA0xF3tw/s1600-h/200px-Silence-lotto_logo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228573929680924354" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQLwb_xhZr4S6eaHrjY77Hk3MSAux3AXwSSD1CCaIo_vNFxN0VZmG_Lmmn3NMeqA8R7Se-HfNyz-4H2aRXjqQyp0dFthGIygcEOh9BQYPgxhQnWr6k2Bjtk2jK74lf2O3A5QyA0xF3tw/s200/200px-Silence-lotto_logo.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><div><div><div><br /><div>Well, this was an adventure for sure. Our team was all over the place in terms of finishing our projects. We had <a href="http://www.sidetracked.quellesuprise.com/">Jennifer </a>who gave up on her swallowtail shawl because it was stressful and not any fun at all ,all the way to <a href="http://www.higuru-munda.blogspot.com/">Melanie</a> who<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTiy4oSCAZczIAAzID2M1kae2QhWBehAA0OMGBx814v5It9BFO6I5xkZ9RxSIBDVkDACXMXAfyXW0sQs6LuDNkh0T_cg_KDTsqe4MIoMPeGw2QMDDI4jlYnJrAhbIOXeYS4FSxp8wlW8/s1600-h/melanie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228572662960012834" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTiy4oSCAZczIAAzID2M1kae2QhWBehAA0OMGBx814v5It9BFO6I5xkZ9RxSIBDVkDACXMXAfyXW0sQs6LuDNkh0T_cg_KDTsqe4MIoMPeGw2QMDDI4jlYnJrAhbIOXeYS4FSxp8wlW8/s200/melanie.jpg" border="0" /></a> finished two sweaters (Molly Ringwald and the lingerie bed jacket) and then picked up a wip and finished a skirt! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.roseredshoes.blogspot.com/">Rosered</a> finished 21 rows on <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36H4FNgSjdfaHBEjHnjo6skRLnu12kxdPayT2Z-GuAvi1A4RCF5KaJD8mi_LbK61YE1MoDeE7UMq0K27nx31uiNODWJ9LFywjvKug3RSmhT_Xyurfe7BmusKb3Gb_Ft_wBWrD6IXA758/s1600-h/rosered"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228573033810740162" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36H4FNgSjdfaHBEjHnjo6skRLnu12kxdPayT2Z-GuAvi1A4RCF5KaJD8mi_LbK61YE1MoDeE7UMq0K27nx31uiNODWJ9LFywjvKug3RSmhT_Xyurfe7BmusKb3Gb_Ft_wBWrD6IXA758/s200/rosered" border="0" /></a>her Lady Eleanor ("one for each stage") and is about halfway done. She is thrilled with it. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://www.baadmedicine.blogspot.com/">Joline</a> finished her Juno Regina. And then went on to start a February lady sweater which she finished!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228574270359066770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKBKFz6kSGE2kFwRbgzCqXRF_ny432Rj-VjOioYkRD9Dp736EdRe5AXSTGcp54-1aNx21gvCFAqZK2HNYGNmRRFLZ2DAO9_JQL018bOLU5n1R_kRMEjhQ4moGQh1AxT2va-rsLWFdjScc/s200/joline.bmp" border="0" /><a href="http://www.hpwt.blogspot.com/">Amy</a> 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. </div><div> </div><div>We lost some knitters on the way. They've dropped out of sight and I'm unsure of their progress. When last we checked, <a href="http://www.starrystarryknit.blogspot.com/">Justine</a> was working on Bee fields, and <a href="http://www.hobbywhore.blogspot.com/">Kelli </a>was working on the Print o'the Wave stole. <a href="http://www.kudzuknits.wordpress.com/">Megan</a> continues on her baby surprise jacket and her Stolen Moments shawl. Ozknitter was working on socks and scarf and making good progress on both.</div><div> </div><div>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.</div><div> </div><div>And so that ends our Tour 2008. Thanks guys for a thrilling ride!</div></div></div></div></div></div>Donna Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07877384848664758611noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687593818842285623.post-10810624067637221142008-07-29T08:08:00.006+02:002008-07-29T11:06:25.868+02:00Team Quick Step Wrap UpWell our man Gert Steegman managed a stage win in the end! Us Quick Stitchers didn't do a bad job either, look at these:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinu5HSx8KFoSjD23RDqzhlGpQIzLf2PHekgvyU9QxhAJYlqIWOBwZubdDOn6PqibRgjhyJ1SxmB-t7KNG583ETE1uBiz5SdJbs2w_Iw-LWx5UkFL2L9SUCSlyKNvSG9zSqRifiYTyl9SY/s1600-h/mosaic2208094.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinu5HSx8KFoSjD23RDqzhlGpQIzLf2PHekgvyU9QxhAJYlqIWOBwZubdDOn6PqibRgjhyJ1SxmB-t7KNG583ETE1uBiz5SdJbs2w_Iw-LWx5UkFL2L9SUCSlyKNvSG9zSqRifiYTyl9SY/s400/mosaic2208094.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228350762864505234" /></a><br /><br />From top left:<br /><br />1. <a href="http://whitknits.wordpress.com/">Whitney's</a> finished Gansey.<br />2.<a href="http://lettucepieces.com/unravelme/"> Madalyn's</a> "le châle chaleureux" in progress.<br />3. Tour de France.<br />4. <a href="http://riggwelter.wordpress.com">Angie's</a> "Diamants de Foegere" in progress.<br />5. <a href="http://margesrandomlife.blogspot.com/">Marge's</a> finished Fairisle vest.<br />6. <a href="http://www.skeinsherway.com/">Alli's</a> Cropped Cardigan in progress.<br />7. <a href="http://lettucepieces.com/unravelme/"> Madalyn's</a> "le châle chaleureux" in progress.<br />8. <a href="http://alittlebitcrafty.blogspot.com">Jennifer's</a> Quick Stitch Wrist Warmers.<br />9. <a href="http://whitknits.wordpress.com">Whitney's</a> wonderful drawing of her finished Gansey.<br />10. <a href="http://alittlebitcrafty.blogspot.com/">Jennifer's</a> "le beret de ma fille".<br />11. <a href="http://knittinginthedark.com/">Lauren's</a> finished "Thermal".<br />12. <a href="http://thewonderfulgretchen.blogspot.com/">Gretchen's</a> French Market Bag.<br />13. <a href="http://blakeanitty.blogspot.com/">Shelley's</a> Quick Stitch Wrist Warmers.<br />14. <a href="http://alittlebitcrafty.blogspot.com/">Jennifer's</a> Monet inspired "Woolet".<br />15.<a href="http://blakeanitty.blogspot.com/"> Shelley's</a> Pi Blanket, Beret and Wristwarmers.<br />16. <a href="http://buttonbeauty.blogspot.com/">Jessica's</a> finished "Piggle".<br />17.<a href="http://buttonbeauty.blogspot.com"> Jessica's</a> Quick Stitch Wrist Warmers.<br />18. <a href="http://alittlebitcrafty.blogspot.com/">Jennifer's</a> Monet inspired "Woolet".<br />19. Quick Stitch logo.<br />20. Polka Dot Jersey.<br />21. Yellow Jersey.<br />22. <a href="http://lettucepieces.com/unravelme/"> Madalyn's</a> "le châle chaleureux" in progress.<br />23. <a href="http://margesrandomlife.blogspot.com/">Marge's</a> finished Fairisle vest.<br />24. <a href="http://alittlebitcrafty.blogspot.com">Jennifer's</a> Secret Lace.<br />25. <a href="http://www.skeinsherway.com/">Alli's</a> Finished Cropped Cardigan.<br />26. <a href="http://knittinginthedark.com/">Lauren's</a> finished "Thermal".<br />27.<a href="http://riggwelter.wordpress.com"> Angie's</a> Quick Stitch Wrist Warmers.<br />28. <a href="http://blakeanitty.blogspot.com/"> Shelley's</a> Finished Pi Blanket.<br />29. <a href="http://riggwelter.wordpress.com">Angie's</a> "Diamants de Foegere" in progress.<br />30. Gert Steegman taking the final stage.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Until next year.<br /><br />Au ReviorUnknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687593818842285623.post-38815267024080576602008-07-28T16:25:00.006+02:002008-07-28T17:00:51.110+02:00Team CSC Wrap UpWell, 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!! <div><div><div><div> </div><div><a href="http://yarn-tails.blogspot.com/2008/07/next-obsession.html">Elisa</a> 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!!<br /></div><div><a href="http://belaybunny.wordpress.com/">Christina</a> 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!</div><br /><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">Anne</span> 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.<br /></div><br /><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">CathyAnn</span> 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.</div><br /><div><a href="http://jerseyknitter151.blogspot.com/">Ina</a> 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!!</div><br /><div><a href="http://spinningninny.blogspot.com/">Sarah</a> is hopefully wearing her finished lace top to work today. This is what is looked like last night.<br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228075563559303922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HrfjlGQvDKN0mJ3A4axiNi6Its7n4-Fazb41MUiKiRNfmuT6UIJ6emOEnwp2HpqKVu5LWPJfEcMm0RXmezAGPaSN2fhaqTgv2wvFrKyjN7RGNbBM3QLP81RDCyUYZGWUjTmPMzovC-8/s200/2710530934_28584d640d.jpg" border="0" /></div></div><p><a href="http://loppypop.com/blog/?p=100">Lori</a> 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!!</p><p><a href="http://passionfruit.typepad.com/serendipity/2008/07/the-breakaway-b.html">Jacqueline</a> 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.</p><p><a href="http://allfingersandthumbs.blogspot.com/2008/07/close.html">Sarah B.</a> came sooooo darned close. But she's of the belief deadlines are made to be extended, and I really can't argue with that.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228077407935277938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrY8GHzrlqgeVzeene1RIsrPcRODG0Kaxmn4T2umDwSLqnnRYhAEHUs4Fz4xyzdI_9LDZ7TPCK-h06COttrXaoiGS7sxH1PiWq34Ud45Qov2xW0NDY6izCy6GkpIyXcpr5XH4R7XUJCmM/s200/Verity_270708.JPG" border="0" /></p></div><p><a href="http://baadmedicine.blogspot.com/2008/07/arrivee-paris.html">I</a> 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.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228079214148097618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7nxdeLIQdBx5WqrRr-lAScTyE6FxN-RB0IekJqYtzYLAd74j-_6i6mQVB4ovUcJIKSfetkA8whsZwEt-iOz8TugiWDfdIgRoFaQbTmJ9cIS51DTFMYgUbKpIyPMSZD5eTazbR3yxqFRU/s200/fls.JPG" border="0" /></p></div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228079347687510674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAGk3rj9vOqi0fFhxkNawuvL4XhHf9ybFCdEKmc9VqwG3Dtbddzq-AvPxMDJupDZbTm5T3gHpl8_MqnqGFH5Ra1fujQcQudjBNllxt2MpxLdKQurqwIN9s6Mi9NRu0BYwBar79TQNGYkY/s200/DSCF0647.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>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!!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687593818842285623.post-18377841438968833772008-07-28T10:41:00.006+02:002008-07-29T13:38:49.617+02:00The After Stage, Team AG2R-Mondiale Wrap Up<a href="http://paisleywomble.blogspot.com/">Paisley's</a> main TdeFKAL project, the Clapotis, is long enough to finish off, but she'll keep knitting until she has finished the sea silk.<br /><a href="http://3grrrlsknit.blogspot.com/">Kathy</a> wasn't able to finish her third TdeF KAL project, a Palindrome Scarf, but she got quite far.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwVW8nVgrSjPgm73kJZcId_frmAjnoYaK4KGmox170ws8t0Xr9MuwigZQ-E8aDP0ocLnRQIeSxhOviwfd_hN95hxvfFdmjPO4_3beO7PdzNzAI3pIxmofXD_DGsMoihXMrw7nBA8Hy8XK/s1600-h/Kathy's+scarf.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwVW8nVgrSjPgm73kJZcId_frmAjnoYaK4KGmox170ws8t0Xr9MuwigZQ-E8aDP0ocLnRQIeSxhOviwfd_hN95hxvfFdmjPO4_3beO7PdzNzAI3pIxmofXD_DGsMoihXMrw7nBA8Hy8XK/s200/Kathy's+scarf.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228396577137936146" border="0" /></a>Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11473532557091500965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687593818842285623.post-89538824007051131132008-07-27T23:55:00.009+02:002008-07-28T01:52:26.267+02:00Stage Twenty-One: Étampes > Paris Champs-Élysées<div>Sadly, the Tour draws to a close for another year as the riders make their traditional trip into Paris to complete their world-famous circuit of the Place de la Concorde, Rue de Rivoli, and the Champs-Elysées. It is universally acknowledged that there are no attacks on the yellow jersey in the final stage, so Carlos Sastre will be free to enjoy the ride (and have a glass or two of champagne - served from the team car - on the way into Paris).<br /><br />Gert Steegmans won the prestigious sprint to take Team QuickStep's first stage victory in 2008, beating out a who's who of green jersey contenders. I'm sure they all had a chance to say <span style="font-style: italic;">au revoir</span> to one another before going hell for leather for the line one last time!<br /><br />Just in case this is your only source of TDF news - here are the final standings!<br />Yellow: Carlos Sastre (CSC)<br />Green: Oscar Freire (Rabobank)<br />Polka Dot (and 3rd place in the GC): Bernard Kohl (Gerolsteiner)<br />White: Andy Schleck (CSC)<br />Team: CSC<br /><br />What do these riders get for riding in the Tour (other than the sheer enjoyment of it of course)? There is an elaborate system of prize monies awarded to top place-getters in each jersey classification and to the overall winners. The richest prize, of course, goes to the <span style="font-style: italic;">maillot jaune.</span> This year, Sastre will take home €450,000. Traditionally a team's winnings are pooled and shared amongst the riders and support team. Perhaps there will be a bit set aside for a cycling charity, such as <a href="http://www.worldbicyclerelief.org/">World Bicycle Relief</a>!<br /><br />Of course many of our knitters have their eyes on the knitted prize and over the next few days we hope you will put together your highlights package as your entry in our <a href="http://tdfkal.blogspot.com/2008/07/stage-eighteen-bourg-doisans-saint.html">grand final intermediate sprint</a>! Don't forget, entries close at midnight PARIS TIME on 29th July!<br /><br />Your KAL co-hostesses would like to say <span style="font-style: italic;">merci</span> to all of our participants who made the 2008 KAL so much fun! And we're sure you all join us in thanking our lovely <span style="font-style: italic;">chefs d'equipe</span>, without whom we could not have survived! As a small token of our appreciation, we have drawn a team leader's name at random to receive the original artwork by HCA used in this year's KAL banner and jersey buttons. It seems Team CSC is going home with nearly all the prizes - <a href="http://www.baadmedicine.blogspot.com/">Teri</a>, the splendid leader of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Team CSC</span>, please step forward and take a bow on behalf of all your colleagues! (and also, please send Meg an email with your address!) We hope you will enjoy your artwork!<br /><br />Over the next few days, the team leaders will be checking in with their team's final wrap-ups, so please make sure you keep checking back in to admire your fellow participants' knits!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Garmin-Chipotle</span> posts:<br />Rosemary’s Maillot Dentelle’s whole body is now finished, thanks to a stint while waiting at Gatwick Airport for daughter's return from Spain. Several people commented on the lace as they passed by! She has now started the border which has a complicated 12 row pattern which she says she is never going to memorise. Each repeat only measures 3cm, so maybe she will remember it by the time she has knitted enough to go all the way up one side, round the neck and down the other. Her daughter took pictures of the back and a close up of the nice crunchy textured lace.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2R5eDqd9BvAJAAqWrn-wGYv5O2CYAV5x2_Rbr_ao5auJwdL5GolmJ7kSOf-valrcaOXq1EWyKFSfvqSaFom8-V72ISYMBb4Br-ABtulXnoBvs2ahV_o7604QefKQnAHthVGrJBhO5Zs/s1600-h/front.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227459869017213778" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2R5eDqd9BvAJAAqWrn-wGYv5O2CYAV5x2_Rbr_ao5auJwdL5GolmJ7kSOf-valrcaOXq1EWyKFSfvqSaFom8-V72ISYMBb4Br-ABtulXnoBvs2ahV_o7604QefKQnAHthVGrJBhO5Zs/s200/front.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvTh-vY-kdBkb8hRwMNa8tL_PXc_i8RR4d-cHrmGpI2fuNWitKeXFnStToCKjPHDe1QDopPiEeOqhVjE4FnY94jmypUNWO3RnroXehkC3dSojJp5aLkW5rUNO_y16YPTjXIev4W7mEuI/s1600-h/closeup.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227459864615550706" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvTh-vY-kdBkb8hRwMNa8tL_PXc_i8RR4d-cHrmGpI2fuNWitKeXFnStToCKjPHDe1QDopPiEeOqhVjE4FnY94jmypUNWO3RnroXehkC3dSojJp5aLkW5rUNO_y16YPTjXIev4W7mEuI/s200/closeup.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Norma is back from her wee stayaway, ibut her knitting got a bit put to the side lovely French champagne drinking hmm!!!! Her scarf was finished and worn in the cold , the polka dot jersey grewa nd the cardigan has one front finished and another on the way .The back had a growth spurt, the boring back of cardy was good for 1am when I could do without concentrating (as she did have the race to watch, way more important. The KAL was heaps of fun and she loved the blog and the work put into it. She sent well done for another Tour you hard working leaders. Hooray Garmin Chipotle for what they did too, cheers !!!<br />Norma’s bears are trying to distract you from her work!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJvuwckSzGrJDld9x5ZGldnGmy16K12vuMyYkQUFiSO4gXtprD4ph_sdQynW555bQYgjzGI13w-lllJ051HkDZW7H1vQ9YhbcgtOI8EPds5MRElwCQ_-gUgBNaSS5THBnAo5icJdt3xs/s1600-h/polka+dot.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227709098514024546" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJvuwckSzGrJDld9x5ZGldnGmy16K12vuMyYkQUFiSO4gXtprD4ph_sdQynW555bQYgjzGI13w-lllJ051HkDZW7H1vQ9YhbcgtOI8EPds5MRElwCQ_-gUgBNaSS5THBnAo5icJdt3xs/s200/polka+dot.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgblCE1hC3rZboIHlSav0cQMT9RID3BeaffFOlcSBZQk3NYeaiguonQrmYpVqgk2P3jqVx9Ua-q8-fCoPdyfEpt4xznx4ozsJeFG_okngpRhNAyKBPhG5rc8xBzwtCvfF7lDlPGauzGzQM/s1600-h/scarf.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227709984430759250" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgblCE1hC3rZboIHlSav0cQMT9RID3BeaffFOlcSBZQk3NYeaiguonQrmYpVqgk2P3jqVx9Ua-q8-fCoPdyfEpt4xznx4ozsJeFG_okngpRhNAyKBPhG5rc8xBzwtCvfF7lDlPGauzGzQM/s200/scarf.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnmo48sp0lUvSnOB-nasxFmLTy0-PGhgyuBbv0W9EQwWwmT9dOl0mTHZvfzZp9PsnEIzTqllzCLamWJY2WT3Uqdt1TPVq2M-CyWFxx3R33ZOFG1_qwxCQNj_qydZECGne_KLYSajFIg0/s1600-h/cadi.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227710382319029874" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnmo48sp0lUvSnOB-nasxFmLTy0-PGhgyuBbv0W9EQwWwmT9dOl0mTHZvfzZp9PsnEIzTqllzCLamWJY2WT3Uqdt1TPVq2M-CyWFxx3R33ZOFG1_qwxCQNj_qydZECGne_KLYSajFIg0/s200/cadi.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Team AG2R-Mondiale</span><br /><p><a href="http://the-view-from-the-hill.blogspot.com/">Katie</a> is racing along with her Nether Garmets. She's already on the second leg.</p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcI100kgljK6uxRU_-JwW0AYS1-LChkzsPpEsvIln3OJtFpvUN8oDELw1Y8EkVpKzYkOL6zBGRZi8F8DJa89zJ9KSaFHJE1Lrwe_CMrNDB-gy6d4Tg2t5bvbGjBOKBiPYd-5dZlWEFq73/s1600-h/Katie+4.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227664260512321090" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcI100kgljK6uxRU_-JwW0AYS1-LChkzsPpEsvIln3OJtFpvUN8oDELw1Y8EkVpKzYkOL6zBGRZi8F8DJa89zJ9KSaFHJE1Lrwe_CMrNDB-gy6d4Tg2t5bvbGjBOKBiPYd-5dZlWEFq73/s200/Katie+4.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://gemma747.blogspot.com/">Gemma</a> has had a steep alpine climb with her knitting, aiming for the Polka Dot Jersey. But look – the shawl is in the hand of a yellow-jerseyed biker!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCaorwhDvoRlJvOdSAd3FufIoTxGCMhVwm68XYfak0DspF_batI4Nb31vDNgh-Rf3avgKvepyQM9ZxZzt54MUqrCR68eWTh0awsHY2XZ1vg_um8BRJ9xYi-ENXry3YVZCoY76G22zmev4t/s1600-h/Geema+yellow+biker.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227664259380836194" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCaorwhDvoRlJvOdSAd3FufIoTxGCMhVwm68XYfak0DspF_batI4Nb31vDNgh-Rf3avgKvepyQM9ZxZzt54MUqrCR68eWTh0awsHY2XZ1vg_um8BRJ9xYi-ENXry3YVZCoY76G22zmev4t/s200/Geema+yellow+biker.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Team FDJ News</span>:<br />Well the Tour is nearing the finish, so how have the FDJ Knitters been doing?<br />First up, <a href="http://janinehempy.blogspot.com/">Janine</a> has well and truly earned her Green Jersey. Not only has she a beautiful finished Clapotis (see below), but she also made a blog post about it for every stage of le Tour which allowed everyone to see how the project was growing and growing. <span style="font-style: italic;">Felicitations</span> Janine!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lV9luF5R6QGo6m1vAqPStli8Frwk9HLiAG_hEHgrYHM0ZeqxtWM6UxlD8a0RWGzl2TXMI_VJjBSOZ1rRwn0tdhbffPOn32CUIIQDFFkbgp9QpldcTag875UAtWkU3XHP5rAyybxtRna8/s1600-h/clapotis.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227667735801934498" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lV9luF5R6QGo6m1vAqPStli8Frwk9HLiAG_hEHgrYHM0ZeqxtWM6UxlD8a0RWGzl2TXMI_VJjBSOZ1rRwn0tdhbffPOn32CUIIQDFFkbgp9QpldcTag875UAtWkU3XHP5rAyybxtRna8/s200/clapotis.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://pugglelogic.blogspot.com/">Leah</a> had some struggles with the cold weather (Australian winter) causing her hands to ache, thereby making progress on her February Lady Sweater difficult. She has however almost finished the raglan decreases section, and once the weather warms up she'll have a beautiful garment.<br /><a href="http://meangirl.blogspot.com/">Jen</a> needs to banish all ideas that she will be kicked out of le Tour KAL because she has been a little distracted this past week with a new iPhone and EBook reader. We're not that strict around here! She has made progress on her cabled socks:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2zZiq1FqskjVUEO-LtzCZwIEMovUfqtt48YiCthi0Lvj8MQHwf0H4vwWifpgK8v13DfF07b_2I9_ZYTjYsiK2Lb0iAwShO-FG-OBP5rXDMDVtWqbnQvY_QjQAVteXDFVvr7oLCdMVzNE/s1600-h/yellow+sock.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227669027087716562" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2zZiq1FqskjVUEO-LtzCZwIEMovUfqtt48YiCthi0Lvj8MQHwf0H4vwWifpgK8v13DfF07b_2I9_ZYTjYsiK2Lb0iAwShO-FG-OBP5rXDMDVtWqbnQvY_QjQAVteXDFVvr7oLCdMVzNE/s200/yellow+sock.jpg" border="0" /></a>Stacy is also confident that her Mon Cheri baby sweater will be pretty much finished by the end of Le Tour:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7__1QxXnCaSaVdiRYMmyhS4dMsbUsRK6vKEsIYLI-hUpYqewD55pCo3V9is-hYe5GMrp4w4LHRWFtoE59j0GFb1hvt9-lczazGMTqA0RlfCEwr7GPXxGdsoslNkv20pVgcMl7tdC-5G-/s1600-h/mon+cheri.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227670103455550178" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7__1QxXnCaSaVdiRYMmyhS4dMsbUsRK6vKEsIYLI-hUpYqewD55pCo3V9is-hYe5GMrp4w4LHRWFtoE59j0GFb1hvt9-lczazGMTqA0RlfCEwr7GPXxGdsoslNkv20pVgcMl7tdC-5G-/s200/mon+cheri.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://mylife-wordsandpictures.blogspot.com/">Helen</a>'s I Do Shrug is coming along beautifully, although she had a bit of a crash the other day when she suffered a really bad cut on her hand while gardening rendering her unable to knit. As she said, the moral of the story = "don't do housework"! She is determined to finish the shrug in time for her friend's birthday.<br />Julia's Entrelac socks are also looking superb:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOHl0aaePy4isC4g7x25xVZ1lipIp29US4fRm_3TNDEZu33UrSD6QwmsGTdQl3FRkSSAj0ytrBK6AYw2uOvzkLTNnb8B91ZI3rgLgD6WVXaTtqliO711zPWST8ubXoYwBjtj9t0dCRCu0/s1600-h/entrelac.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227671432557702450" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOHl0aaePy4isC4g7x25xVZ1lipIp29US4fRm_3TNDEZu33UrSD6QwmsGTdQl3FRkSSAj0ytrBK6AYw2uOvzkLTNnb8B91ZI3rgLgD6WVXaTtqliO711zPWST8ubXoYwBjtj9t0dCRCu0/s200/entrelac.jpg" border="0" /></a>As for me, i finally have a photo of my Baudelaire socks in progress. There's clearly no way I'll get them finished by the end of the Tour but i'll keep plugging away until they're done!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5GQZ5lQYroKoH1IhwMoUv-VaYG_DpA7NH8p0whHy88YXTEUVu6w5u4U8V71J-xLrrGo1dxzlDq4MR2eJfygdQtKq-C7r6JUZgoHUYdbj08PxuqjFUhXtPX6z2PLeShs6MyMtdvGlYV8o3/s1600-h/baudelaire.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227672065397667538" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5GQZ5lQYroKoH1IhwMoUv-VaYG_DpA7NH8p0whHy88YXTEUVu6w5u4U8V71J-xLrrGo1dxzlDq4MR2eJfygdQtKq-C7r6JUZgoHUYdbj08PxuqjFUhXtPX6z2PLeShs6MyMtdvGlYV8o3/s200/baudelaire.jpg" border="0" /></a>See you on the other side of the Champs-Elysee!</div><div></div><br /><div><strong>Team Lampre</strong> update: Results thus far on the final "official" TdF day- <a href="http://http//cindy2paw.typepad.com/2paw/">Cindy</a> has made a lot of progress, but is back to the drawing board for the Stargate intarsia motif. <a href="http://http//knitting-kitten.blogspot.com/">Sarah</a> finished the back and left front of the Getaway Jacket and has a start on the right front. <a href="http://http//audioknits.typepad.com/">Kristen</a> is to the armhole decreases on the front of the Hand in Hand vest. I haven't heard yet from all team members but will have a final progress report when the results are all in. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227802749234035170" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvMXhJ7HPRoX8ypQjfpawNBFG2rjDToCBNHwyzn_SNarZVyEerqwZ6tUiShxDw_YUx8C93ANi0kleZ4Zr34a1B3fjCtXXBOAzCkxqi0VwASUpVwZcCTyGiiZIPIc07UOI4YJUEKvjb1Da/s200/KAL+Sarah.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227802754267572402" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bWFS2IpXd0uCgfHE-styTuQrjYdQiLYpP2-FqDoVDTzxVVVmNlDDpKC2IPnecO9jN4pePT_UAJOFBFJCxoB4zLqFtbZd2WfvrXgtmpGZ8tpa1ajZz7SyTkqRJlpsZgfFoIawA-oIenQG/s200/SUN+3+vest.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227802748267121058" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnw8g2uO9V8EACogp2PF5r0-hleXis_ol2uw_a2LnajI7sVjUBSDuROtjDcUGM6O_hHbIhTbNc5GMKxKM8MQco84B_S5WExsOU3IG1dL4R-0nB4HiFIiuxhondPU4i-zCi4eKIAjP_4QBZ/s200/KAL+cindy.jpg" border="0" /></div>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09917833708894680350noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687593818842285623.post-53437032353778889322008-07-26T23:55:00.008+02:002008-07-27T08:06:33.404+02:00Stage Twenty: Cerilly > Saint-Amand-MontrondTeam CSC, you must be congratulated on the stunning upset that is Carlos Sastre! As of this writing, it looks like he will win the 2008 Tour de France. Congratulations on your outstanding team effort, both in cycling and knitting!! See you at the podium tomorrow!!<br /><br />Poor Cadel. It looks like he will finish second yet again. But I am thinking that one small consolation is that he is truly the best bike rider -- he got to second place virtually by himself, as his team was not much help in the mountains. Carlos had an entire team to pull him and Frank Schlek up! And qu'est que ce Robbie McEwen?? Christian Vande Velde, however, and Teams Garmin-Chipotle and Columbia were outstanding, considering many of the riders were new to their teams and the Tour.<br /><br />Our new knitters in the KAL did and are doing an outstanding job too! I know many of you are time trialing tonight to finish your projects, if you are going for a green jersey (like Robbie, I've accepted that I'm beaten this year), so without further commentating, here is our race report:<br /><br />Stefan Schumacher of Gerolsteiner again blew past Fabian Cancellara (CSC) in the time trial today, winning stage twenty handily. Third place went to Kim Kirchen of Columbia and fourth went to Christian Vande Velde of Garmin-Chipotle.<br /><br />Yellow: Carlos Sastre (CSC)<br />Green: Oscar Freire (Rabobank)<br />Polka Dot: Bernard Kohl (Gerolsteiner)<br />White: Andy Schleck (CSC)<br />Team: CSC of course<br /><br />Lantern Rouge: holding steady now at #145, our buddy Wim is firmly in last place. I wonder if he wins anything?!<br /><br />Speaking of winning, Caffeine Fairy's French Onion Soup has won her our second intermediate sprint! Ms. Fairy, as soon as we hear from winner #1, Jane, on her choice of the yarns from <a href="http://www.live2knit.com.au/store/">Live 2 Knit</a>, we'll be getting yarn out to you too! Felicitations!!<br /><br />P.S. In the interest of providing my last cultural commentary for this Tour, one of the town of Cerilly's main assets is the Troncais forest, which provides good quality oak for making barrel staves for the best wines. It also has a lovely Romanesque church dedicated to St. Martin and built in the 11th century. The church is noted for its three storied bell tower. Saint-Amand-Montrond has become a center for printing and jewelry, along with luxury goods such as leather, fashion, and porcelain. In case you were wondering! ;)<br /><br />Now let's get another update from our teams:<br /><br />A very short post from <span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Garmin-Chipotle</span> has little knitting. Most of the team must be watching the Tour!<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(51,102,255)">Bridget </span>has finished the first of the Bon-bon Socklettes! She considers this to be quite an accomplishment, in that she seldom make so much progress so quickly, especially when not working on a single project.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilTUJuBBhwV2eBPdiLriTPs49Of1tdYKwWnYrhlIeU0Ueas5dmmafCuz10douMqvJw-1Dz-veyMNlp8cR5SB0sROcNi015ouX4rbUsANH_dkhVxb5Vw0TqoevUJ7U1DC1a982soceM0Xo/s1600-h/Bon-bon_Socklette1_wip.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227088505207077826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilTUJuBBhwV2eBPdiLriTPs49Of1tdYKwWnYrhlIeU0Ueas5dmmafCuz10douMqvJw-1Dz-veyMNlp8cR5SB0sROcNi015ouX4rbUsANH_dkhVxb5Vw0TqoevUJ7U1DC1a982soceM0Xo/s200/Bon-bon_Socklette1_wip.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Team Rabobank:</span><br /><br />The last time trial is always so bittersweet - I can't believe the Tour is almost over. I'm sure the cyclists are ready to go home and rest, but I could keep watching them every morning for another three weeks at least!<br /><br /><a href="http://knitosaurus.com/">Alli</a> certainly put in a good performance! Her Rabobank-colored cycling jersey is 99% done:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIzCld_7bDUU_6KPU_33INCwUVyIR5pkgmhTjpIDuwi2HB5GqKIFxFPvoWMUDSWZg5J-xJQborpXwgMTmUIzH1EnsXWInA3LELMAA3q3B9Apz-Y2AXqoOWH_5f5GFWvh6BZi_GGwOfYdI/s1600-h/TourAllijersey1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227392715880687618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIzCld_7bDUU_6KPU_33INCwUVyIR5pkgmhTjpIDuwi2HB5GqKIFxFPvoWMUDSWZg5J-xJQborpXwgMTmUIzH1EnsXWInA3LELMAA3q3B9Apz-Y2AXqoOWH_5f5GFWvh6BZi_GGwOfYdI/s200/TourAllijersey1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />You've got to click over to her blog and see her amazing photographs from her vacation in a little Alaskan cabin, where she finished knitting her jersey despite having to rip the yoke twice.<br /><a href="http://bellsknits.blogspot.com/"><br />Bells</a> is turning over a massive gear to finish the knitting of her cardigan. She thinks seaming it before the end of the race is out of reach, but I think she might surprise herself! And that overachiever <a href="http://www.likelyyarns.com/">Sandy</a> has whipped out half a sock now that her market bag is finished:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7ae3jhq9hSeKvzPfgRgKR5u0t3T5qSodtuK_ee_6_CELzcGSQ7bzqkVEssxF3_ABGSWKL-XP4x1-ubEhYOv03ilevh1fsXvjk_WV13IclPhWLskTQ8_8EzTH7nAcJzslVduRxv2IUSxV/s1600-h/TourSandysock.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227394070961727794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7ae3jhq9hSeKvzPfgRgKR5u0t3T5qSodtuK_ee_6_CELzcGSQ7bzqkVEssxF3_ABGSWKL-XP4x1-ubEhYOv03ilevh1fsXvjk_WV13IclPhWLskTQ8_8EzTH7nAcJzslVduRxv2IUSxV/s200/TourSandysock.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bluegarter.org/">Sarah</a> has been saved from disaster by the kindness of a fellow knitter, who just happened to have cheese-doodle yellow Malabrigo Lace in her stash, and lives within cycling distance for a quick hand-off. Sarah's alternating a round with the old yarn and a round with the new, but you can't even tell there's a difference:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9NAsFfPlnKzj1ttw4SgtloV9OCA8rCtPWhyphenhyphen0HC2rXJJaf6D0xMynviry5112QH7Eb812Qz8eVXJOqVs6ocqGZ4Na-wbbnQyUrh9FLt01WDomNZzASFvkse71dNrviiLWnel8Mpjco8Xx/s1600-h/FC_twoyarns.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227397049527143266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9NAsFfPlnKzj1ttw4SgtloV9OCA8rCtPWhyphenhyphen0HC2rXJJaf6D0xMynviry5112QH7Eb812Qz8eVXJOqVs6ocqGZ4Na-wbbnQyUrh9FLt01WDomNZzASFvkse71dNrviiLWnel8Mpjco8Xx/s200/FC_twoyarns.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />(pssst - that's her first try for a tubular bind off. Takes forever, but doesn't it look nice?)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyb4uMTjt-nLtr34WWTOjqryBlC2BxMToJiAqqUyCArQ0C2C4Bj009Crrsp8YcH5-Q2lVQg6PcIOgpj_e_YcW9_e43xjCtf5jYwTSMeJmzFLfLkObGU3f592eOcitJMUfUZo0bibXuDSNI/s1600-h/FC_tubularedge.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227397241875177858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyb4uMTjt-nLtr34WWTOjqryBlC2BxMToJiAqqUyCArQ0C2C4Bj009Crrsp8YcH5-Q2lVQg6PcIOgpj_e_YcW9_e43xjCtf5jYwTSMeJmzFLfLkObGU3f592eOcitJMUfUZo0bibXuDSNI/s200/FC_tubularedge.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />On to Paris! This really has been, as Alli said, the best knitalong ever. Thanks to Meg and Debby and all the wonderful participants for a great July!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Team Quick Step Update</span><br />There's not a great deal I can report at the moment, not only are my fingers aching from knitting all morning, but I imagine everyone else is too as it's gone very quiet.<br />So I would like to take this opportunity to say "Thank You" to Meg and Debbie on behalf of Team Quick Stitch for a wonderful, educational, fun knitalong, yet again this year. You're both fantastic! <br /><br />Congratulations to <a href="http://blakeanitty.blogspot.com/">Shelley</a> on winning the 2nd Intermediate Sprint for her delicious <a href="http://blakeanitty.blogspot.com/2008/07/tdf-intermediate-sprint-2-regional-food.html">Onion Soup</a> and she has also finished her blanket - photos yet to come - personally I'm sitting on the edge of me seat.<br /><br />Shelley's Final Intermediate Sprint is there too, also <a href="http://whitknits.wordpress.com/">Whitney's</a>, and <a href="http://riggwelter.wordpress.com">mine</a>.<br /><br />Time for some serious sprinting from me...keep going girls, you can do it.knitseashorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08594976722011232979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687593818842285623.post-33024953179211873892008-07-25T23:55:00.010+02:002008-07-26T06:46:59.448+02:00Stage Nineteen: Roanne > MontluçonIt's another stage for the sprinters today, with mostly flat roads rolling the peloton on in its relentless pursuit of Paris!<br /><br />Film buffs might be familiar with the modern classics <span style="font-style: italic;">Delicatessan</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Amelie</span>. These were <span style="font-style: italic;">mise en scene</span> by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000466/">Jean-Pierre Jeunet</a>, who was born in today's <span style="font-style: italic;">ville de depart</span>, Roanne. Perhaps a Jeunet fan had a hand in planning today's stage because the <span style="font-style: italic;">ville d'arrivee</span> is the childhood home of one of Jeanet's most famous leading ladies, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0851582/">Audrey Tatou</a>, who starred in Amelie!<br /><br />Today was one of those days that come along every once in a while where the breakaway holds off the peloton. (I love it when that happens!) Having slipped away from the peloton with about 90km to go, Sylvain Chavanel beat fellow Frenchman, Jeremy Roy, in a two-man sprint for the finish line. ("mano au mano" as Phil would say!)<br /><br />There was still a bit of argy-bargy over the order of finishing for the sprinters back in the main pack, with the unsinkable Team Columbia again taking honours, this time with Gerard Ciolek. One person who hasn't been mentioned in our daily race reports, though he's been in the fray in each bunch sprint finish we've had is Erik Zabel - I love seeing 'Old Man' Zabel, at 38 years of age, still holding his own against these young whippersnappers from Columbia and Credit Agricole! Zabel is currently in 2nd place for the green jersey and has won it on more occasions than any other rider (6 times).<br /><br />The standings at the end of Stage 19:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Yellow</span>: Carlos Sastre (CSC)<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Green</span>: Oscar Freire (Rabobank)<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Polka Dot</span>: Bernard Kohl (Gerolsteiner)<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">White</span>: Andy Schleck (CSC)<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Team</span>: CSC<br /><br />And unfortunately, I have bad news about our favourite wimmer, Wim Vansevenant - he is no longer wimming! In a stunning display of coming-in-lastness, Bernard Eisel has taken over as our <span style="font-style: italic;">lanterne rouge</span>. Hopefully, Wim can do something about this in tomorrow's time trial!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Team AG2R-Mondiale</span><br /><a href="http://halfdoublecrochet.blogspot.com/">Suzy</a> is almost done with her Arrows stole and is now wondering about the border as there are a lot of picots around it.<br /><a href="http://the-view-from-the-hill.blogspot.com/">Katie's</a> Nether Garments are coming along fine. Aren't they colourful?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVc68CvrpacCqsvMds1I8ysJKtBBQu4fPHEBSgJMF78bRQP3ddzl17nsSo4GSVDaxxWAOZutsk38IP8zyapzRLQXXxB9nT6crBFOeRkNjUpLtUHxOzIX6m8SDweNxmUSgWOgx7-dwTMooh/s1600-h/Katie+3.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVc68CvrpacCqsvMds1I8ysJKtBBQu4fPHEBSgJMF78bRQP3ddzl17nsSo4GSVDaxxWAOZutsk38IP8zyapzRLQXXxB9nT6crBFOeRkNjUpLtUHxOzIX6m8SDweNxmUSgWOgx7-dwTMooh/s200/Katie+3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226878811907813618" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3grrrlsknit.blogspot.com/">Kathy</a> has finished her second Tour de France project, a Foliage. Doesn't it look warm?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4zKxiX4XaIOHxTUyVYb2v5NZpfgAPOI_zDoiabOuGrgnG82Kc0J-dTpDiKx4vfliz1vF_K0v3qHMAlQQmcCMZ1YsJUidLvwDYSLSdmrxeks65-IUlesqcfZ4GTyhLU2vFquTi-hAipIE/s1600-h/Kathy's+foliage.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4zKxiX4XaIOHxTUyVYb2v5NZpfgAPOI_zDoiabOuGrgnG82Kc0J-dTpDiKx4vfliz1vF_K0v3qHMAlQQmcCMZ1YsJUidLvwDYSLSdmrxeks65-IUlesqcfZ4GTyhLU2vFquTi-hAipIE/s200/Kathy's+foliage.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226878815447835394" border="0" /></a><a href="http://stitch.peoplesmeat.com/">Steph</a> has finished her shorts after adding a few rows for length. Don't they look comfy?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKUN8fKxhkcHwz7aae75aNj_AyUoV1o8FMVjYdIzWhb-lZRXu2ZFV8Qvi-kc_ld_T1Py7gA_r2999NPCD3bzi4MCd1h2sLPBbDLnQVBSjrF4v7Q7Hy4_bolyBUO5OUATysWck4XVHFuBK/s1600-h/Steph's+shorts+done.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKUN8fKxhkcHwz7aae75aNj_AyUoV1o8FMVjYdIzWhb-lZRXu2ZFV8Qvi-kc_ld_T1Py7gA_r2999NPCD3bzi4MCd1h2sLPBbDLnQVBSjrF4v7Q7Hy4_bolyBUO5OUATysWck4XVHFuBK/s200/Steph's+shorts+done.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226996505841494594" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFD0p3be0dohRyLUI8RRdGqDOlcK06HxA8ay6Jk_QfuJz2ahvEsYQcgIo1cUgT-8l15v4_9Q7YkPC1pcasY-tD3pav4Qip5bIjSVegr1Ta0i0R7cnNlrwnxFyuL69bg9KZrM9VUZqMFV5/s1600-h/Steph's+shorts+on.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFD0p3be0dohRyLUI8RRdGqDOlcK06HxA8ay6Jk_QfuJz2ahvEsYQcgIo1cUgT-8l15v4_9Q7YkPC1pcasY-tD3pav4Qip5bIjSVegr1Ta0i0R7cnNlrwnxFyuL69bg9KZrM9VUZqMFV5/s200/Steph's+shorts+on.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226996505713183138" border="0" /></a>I, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.stitchpath.blogspot.com">Shirley</a>, haven't been able to knit very much because of my wrists but I finally finished my first ear warmer. If I can get the second one done before it's cold enough to wear them, I'll be satisfied.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcOqAP1guHqcTqMtsnlSlZwrHfU0E_hVbea4nW4nvsIgRhg0Hp7Om1-8QQvYfZA2tx52CnKK2FOfuvZEWUC8SZtGGlv64hMPIdgTs7zKLZIdQSGuzSihtvEBpb5-yd7BGzn0_E6vqeZtk_/s1600-h/My+ear+warmer.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcOqAP1guHqcTqMtsnlSlZwrHfU0E_hVbea4nW4nvsIgRhg0Hp7Om1-8QQvYfZA2tx52CnKK2FOfuvZEWUC8SZtGGlv64hMPIdgTs7zKLZIdQSGuzSihtvEBpb5-yd7BGzn0_E6vqeZtk_/s200/My+ear+warmer.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226878815041646818" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Team CSC - bringing the yellow home??</span><br /><a href="http://allfingersandthumbs.blogspot.com/2008/07/best-medicine.html">Sarah B.</a> had a horrible trip to Canada and is still getting back on track. She has caught up on her tour watching and thinks her beret will be done by the time the boys get to Paris.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvo30I4cJNUOdSnj5K6CV32vGrIlcKGmDpLIas-R1INU6UT1gdF9w1AOGhwELqRX6vgCNzus0r0uP2FAaDF40vHf_PkSbskmTJAFQDHhPAkOK5uqYLapT9M4unNdxIgpY4W2x-6ouzxE/s1600-h/Verity+-+210708.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvo30I4cJNUOdSnj5K6CV32vGrIlcKGmDpLIas-R1INU6UT1gdF9w1AOGhwELqRX6vgCNzus0r0uP2FAaDF40vHf_PkSbskmTJAFQDHhPAkOK5uqYLapT9M4unNdxIgpY4W2x-6ouzxE/s200/Verity+-+210708.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227035626390326114" border="0" /></a><a href="http://loppypop.com/blog/?p=99">Lori</a> is falling behind in her Pi Shawl progress AND her Tour watching, but she's been eating French food.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANX0WkG3Cym6aOm24GjRFKbYn4GuC6ecZhBG84A8PvsLYYjB1w2uMIDhLLorzhcikbWbdfCc8mEdQJSjQM3l7ZKIzkhdj6hSUcdL6bm26shmSv1g_64h_L1FL2UzxIcrEKIrJFnEGICo/s1600-h/2699358109_2272dab37f_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANX0WkG3Cym6aOm24GjRFKbYn4GuC6ecZhBG84A8PvsLYYjB1w2uMIDhLLorzhcikbWbdfCc8mEdQJSjQM3l7ZKIzkhdj6hSUcdL6bm26shmSv1g_64h_L1FL2UzxIcrEKIrJFnEGICo/s200/2699358109_2272dab37f_m.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227036196568490258" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rabobank</span> have some victories to report! Behold <a href="http://www.likelyyarns.com/">Sandy's</a> finished Market Squares bag:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-tW0qcy6AGy6MSbqPlvQy8YsaHveZbBaI770WoO4epulGYW_ZsND1bJ8tAPb2A-q4XzO5TtCX7TnbBDBXUlQsPiwDHtNlh3rpMYqoWB3dMZmBdQifPPj23DnNyXB-v0cq0YKmLDmMKzv/s1600-h/TourSandydone.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-tW0qcy6AGy6MSbqPlvQy8YsaHveZbBaI770WoO4epulGYW_ZsND1bJ8tAPb2A-q4XzO5TtCX7TnbBDBXUlQsPiwDHtNlh3rpMYqoWB3dMZmBdQifPPj23DnNyXB-v0cq0YKmLDmMKzv/s200/TourSandydone.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227038818904648834" border="0" /></a>And <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/bethgirl">Beth's</a> Baudelaire socks:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZybPI4O74ra1EszlAP_VBpsuLFwkmKUqBf4nTX5_aN709_kny27fIW0kgXqL2E6YT_tALROeLjTr0xUM5X1oEn9PnhP6vPhCLfOKalC2zYfH0lw1K7lfT5uvjpkr1L-9_txtGXSLd6Ip2/s1600-h/TourBethdone.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZybPI4O74ra1EszlAP_VBpsuLFwkmKUqBf4nTX5_aN709_kny27fIW0kgXqL2E6YT_tALROeLjTr0xUM5X1oEn9PnhP6vPhCLfOKalC2zYfH0lw1K7lfT5uvjpkr1L-9_txtGXSLd6Ip2/s200/TourBethdone.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227039109710630018" border="0" /></a><a href="http://knitosaurus.com/">Alli</a> has put in some intensive wilderness knitting on her cycling jersey and plans to finish for Paris, despite some ripping. <a href="http://bellsknits.blogspot.com/">Bells</a> and <a href="http://www.bluegarter.org/">Sarah</a> are knitting hell-for-leather... at least Bells is <span style="font-style: italic;">now</span>, and Sarah will be tonight after she acquires a final skein of yarn from the stash of a most obliging local knitter. Will they finish in time on Sunday? Tomorrow's time trial may be as fateful for the knitters of Team Rabobank as it will be for Carlos, Christian, and Cadel!<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Team Quick Step Update...</span><br />Cue tumbleweed...<br />It is very quiet over here, I can only assume that those who have finished their projects, such as <a href="http://knittinginthedark.com/">Lauren</a> and <a href="http://www.skeinsherway.com/">Alli</a>, are sat with their feet up enjoying the rest of the Tour in luxury, a nice glass of Bordeaux, Brie and Brioche while the rest of us are sweating profusely, churning out any energy we have left to get to that finish line!<br /><a href="http://whitknits.wordpress.com/">Whitney</a> has made it and finished her self designed Gansey (In 3 weeks - I must add!) and pulled all the stops out with her computer sketching:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_JRMxMjhn9Jw/SIqn9OtWeUI/AAAAAAAABh0/GweZ0fvjx18/s1600-h/2702368682_4f629e0c69.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_JRMxMjhn9Jw/SIqn9OtWeUI/AAAAAAAABh0/GweZ0fvjx18/s320/2702368682_4f629e0c69.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227174987879053634" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://blakeanitty.blogspot.com/">Shelley</a> says "Bells was right. Casting off a Pi takes forever. I will finish this!!!!!!"<br />You will Shelley, keep going!<br /><br /><a href="http://buttonbeauty.blogspot.com/">Jessica</a> sent me this message; <br />"I am trying to finish Ang, really, so am hoping that an all-nighter will be the answer!"<br />You can do it Jess!<br /><br /><a href="http://alittlebitcrafty.blogspot.com/">Jennifer</a> is pushing on through the Alps and finished her "Surprise Lace Project 1"<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_JRMxMjhn9Jw/SIqrrFD8ZfI/AAAAAAAABh8/QgwQ5lEy53w/s1600-h/caf1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_JRMxMjhn9Jw/SIqrrFD8ZfI/AAAAAAAABh8/QgwQ5lEy53w/s320/caf1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227179074098324978" /></a><br />Shetland "Rose Lace", with a simple fagotting border on either side. She used Heirloom Knitting's CashSilk (70% cashmere, 30% silk) on 3mm needles* <br />Beautiful.<br /><br /><a href="http://riggwelter.wordpress.com">As for me,</a> I'm doing ok and I may even have a finished product by the time I get to Paris.Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09917833708894680350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687593818842285623.post-12658092697898439672008-07-24T23:55:00.017+02:002008-07-30T01:17:44.178+02:00Stage Eighteen: Bourg-d'Oisans > Saint-EtienneToday we leave the French Alps and the village of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Bourg</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">d'Oisans</span> for another intermediate stage, back to the Massif Central. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Bourg</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">d'Oisans</span>, at the base of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">L'Alpe</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">d'Huez</span>, offers tourists the chance to rent bicycles, ride to the top, and for 1 euro (according to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">wikipedia</span>) you can receive a certificate of completion. I'm sure by now many of us feel as if we've been knitting up <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">L'Alpe</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">d'Huez</span>!<br /><br />St. Etienne is a huge bicycle manufacturing town. Notice those yellow vehicles of neutral support following the cyclists in the Tour? They're provided by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Mavic</span>, the company based in St. Etienne that manufactures bicycle wheels. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Mavic</span> supplies neutral support for major cycling races all over the world.<br /><br />Team Columbia have again had a chance to shine, as Marcus <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Burghardt</span> won today's stage, beating Team Quickstep's Carlos <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Barredo</span> to the line. They attacked early in the race, working together until close to the end, leaving times pretty much the same for all those <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">GC</span> contenders in the pack. With Carlos <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Sastre</span> of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">CSC</span> still in the yellow jersey, everyone is now focused on Saturday's time trial (GO <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">CADEL</span>!). Hang in there, knitters -- you're almost to Paris!!<br /><br />Yellow: Carlos <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Sastre</span> (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">CSC</span>)<br />Green: Oscar <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Freire</span> (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Rabobank</span>)<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">PolkaDot</span>/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">KOM</span>: Bernard Kohl (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Gerolsteiner</span>)<br />White: Andy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Schleck</span> (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">CSC</span>)<br />Team: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">CSC</span><br /><br />Lantern Rouge: You know who<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Final Intermediate Sprint</span><br /><br />We all know the final sprint up the Champs-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Elysees</span> is one of the most exciting moments of any green jersey <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">contender's</span> life... in this final sprint, we're giving ALL the jersey categories the chance to experience the thrill of a great finish!<br /><blockquote>Give us a highlights package of your <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">TDFKAL</span>. What were your goals for the Tour and have you met them? Did you have some major stage wins? Are you going home with the yellow jersey (or other equally wearable item)? Or did you spectacularly crash into a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">labrador</span> or run off the side of a mountain? Did your equipment break down mid-race, leaving you stranded on the side of the road waiting for the team car? We want the blow-by-blow account using your very best sportscaster voice, Franglais, and/or cycling metaphors! (The use of Phil and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Paulisms</span> is optional but looked on favourably!)</blockquote>Now, we know that many of you are still racing against the clock to finish your projects by the 27<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">th</span>, which is why entries for this sprint will stay open until July 29<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">th</span>! Just enough time for the press photographers to snap your photo as you cross the finish line. The thrill of victory will not go unrewarded. The <span style="font-style: italic;">grand</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">prix</span></span> of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">TDFKAL</span>, awarded on the basis of a popular vote, will be a selection of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Real French Tour <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">de</span> France Souvenirs</span> collected for us in France by our very own Tour participant, <a href="http://theaddknitter.blogspot.com/">Heather</a>!!!<br /><br />To enter, simply leave a comment on this post with a link to your entry by midnight, PARIS TIME, on 29<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">th</span> July. <span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Bonne</span> chance</span>!<br /><br />And on a related note - <a href="http://tdfkal.blogspot.com/2008/07/stage-sixteen-cuneo-jausiers.html">Don't forget to vote for Intermediate Sprint #2!</a> Polls will remain open for just another 24 hours!!<br /><br /><strong>Team <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">Lampre</span></strong> update: <a href="http://http//peaknit.blogspot.com/">Stacey</a> is working away at the gull lace on the February Lady Sweater...photos at a later date as she is busy drooling over some new hand dyed yarn.<br /><br />Look at the storm of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">WIPs</span> <a href="http://http//donyale.wordpress.com/">Donni</a> has been finishing up, all lovely indeed: The Stash cowl of her own soon-to-be-available design; the Lina mini-cable hat; and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">Moebius</span> in her own <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">handspun</span> yarn (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">Pssst</span>....Donni - those are my colors!).<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226566285045618146" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotYpEEvw3myru3qfoEOoAap1XLqS7uKcerXulUuvxkQGcEmmZ0kPzEyASnz5Kf3M7u1BovSrL-187xeCqWWVUM6Kcj2TZh1zDWhQanpdXccu-OxwHaby9G6v1JJwepVaYlUUbHjvw6TWA/s200/KAL+donni+stash.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226566278331860770" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5noODSNt4FHJxcfE6sV4UUztL7XpIjzXWzSAdV1xm5Z8TT_IdWsD-GZOT6gIJu-QOSpv8ynnG_PvYGZ9-ZTLYV_KC1JRYrjFJoX3YJ9sRGjXuOCKsuXleC9MnIrJHu6MBADj28O0besNU/s200/KAL+donni+lina.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226566283121665170" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfm4nu3cqrdk6giOFC-v1_jjp-haUsdHcKelElVU6C0F2oQa8heYcOxqeZXqWE-tIjW4Sogw5IRBwBFpvlJt0BKPQwLCha1vPdIYeMlYHPrZCAZTdv3QcgQHm3WHBKy1Y0S7FcjHhS4K7/s200/KAL+donni+mobius.jpg" border="0" /><a href="http://http//corporateknit.blogspot.com/">Donna</a> is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">thiiiiiis</span> close to finishing Tempest - just the seaming remains.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226566279004484802" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRwj6MfC65CduxqP78ecVYiBXdfCQBr87C3hliKOMl3otOORNgHtB6csCFPVP0xTQqBT8s09F27OKvEk-uub7xpRKKtRJd6ssyLIAwUyn4VkUjUP4-TNzAFDLhm48nghGOpNFskahrQFJ0/s200/KAL+donna+tempest.jpg" border="0" />Our poor <a href="http://http//www.ravelry.com/people/quatrefilles">Ann</a> has not had a happy Tour. Turns out the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">Brea</span> Bag is not her cup of tea, especially using a linen yarn that is not pleasant to work with. In my book if it ain't fun, it ain't worth the knitting!<br /><br />And still in yellow, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Team </span><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">CSC</span>:<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">CathyAnn</span> is done one sleeve and working on the other. She still hasn't dealt with the sizing of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">peplum</span> issue, but will readdress that when she's done the sleeves.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226591045323138658" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQ7dqQus-0iyIPc2nS1BkCQ6VhopaDwHZgaqVCGvse1cBWQ2qr6yiOFzMLU7_1PRMz3HNhDg0-C8Qs7i8rZOoT-m_Xe7_OblyUR5nDGO7ttETKFDTYUuiexw79zvJ3FBs75UbKK_GJto/s200/cathy2.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226591153972542386" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSoqo3JAwUmgyYtJk4KGjiC_I91mPDXvy6ZLOnvH-gFIh7VQkpy_UgeymXiN2Anrg2vjjzvSjlOXC5b0PLfKh-rDd0MtUUqMRcaoWVlFPaCfyiZD5DAVtEUmBTMSUENAwfo9WR5MdhLuY/s200/cathy1.jpg" border="0" />(and it sounds like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">CathyAnn</span> has a little crush on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">Schleck</span> brothers...anyone else??)<br /><br />And <a href="http://www.baadmedicine.blogspot.com/">I'm </a>DONE!! My February Lady sweater was completed just as I watched the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">primetime</span> coverage of the climb up <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">Alpe</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">d'Huez</span>. I will block it tonight and have pics to unveil on the weekend.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Team </span><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">Liquigas</span> is plunging on ahead as its members complete their projects in good time. <a href="http://live-learn-knit.blogspot.com/2008/07/finis.html">Amy's socks</a> are done and looking wonderful.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZhfILWG9Yxwk6FaCV4QNz5JekDDpRdjvwn-JByT2vvCIzGFBwBDMysqPRPR_8fC6BaTbTUe_37rbjY9LpIEkBBBs3nkHghzItvlFrmsRiaBLjK-ulVFMLHfYVaGld0IuWe4FjuCSriubZ/s1600-h/141-4198_IMG.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226631959391216402" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZhfILWG9Yxwk6FaCV4QNz5JekDDpRdjvwn-JByT2vvCIzGFBwBDMysqPRPR_8fC6BaTbTUe_37rbjY9LpIEkBBBs3nkHghzItvlFrmsRiaBLjK-ulVFMLHfYVaGld0IuWe4FjuCSriubZ/s200/141-4198_IMG.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><a href="http://www.betseydoodle.ca/">Nancy</a> has been a busy knitter, and her stole is not only finished, but blocked as well.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8h50Em0GUD8IaqFbfX9jcOJEPpsTNxur2iPcxBkbjHiruTwYfEVmEu6DrSzSmxO5OVYdFk0XfWExadZZazcs9DPltV_EzdaGeYZMxM4aKa3zB6XbYaaXmQaaEe4iVSJ-DOdGwLMVSVX6/s1600-h/2683665108_71a1d3615f.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226631338955331714" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8h50Em0GUD8IaqFbfX9jcOJEPpsTNxur2iPcxBkbjHiruTwYfEVmEu6DrSzSmxO5OVYdFk0XfWExadZZazcs9DPltV_EzdaGeYZMxM4aKa3zB6XbYaaXmQaaEe4iVSJ-DOdGwLMVSVX6/s200/2683665108_71a1d3615f.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55">Gemma</span> reports that she has <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56">finishe</span> the left front and back of her minimalist cardigan and one Spring Forward sock. She has, however, "completed over 150 hours of PhD data entry and nearly finished a chapter draft! Which explains my poor show!" You're doing a good job, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_57">Gemma</span>, keep up the good work!<br /><br />And me, you ask? How are my green monkeys coming along? Um. Well.... They're.... coming? I've been quite distracted by work, other sewing projects, and life in general. I am almost at the toe of sock 1 (which is a slow, sad shame for me) and I promise pictures when this sock is done! Now, I should probably go update <a href="http://nanaironoashita.blogspot.com/">my blog</a>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_58">Hmm</span>...<br /><br /><strong>The lowdown on the highlights from Camp Credit <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_59">Agricole</span></strong> <p></p>Pas <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_60">beaucoup</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_61">de</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_62">belement</span> from the flying sheep tonight - we're too busy knitting.<br /><p>Look at <a href="http://www.lyns-shadesofgrey.blogspot.com/">Lyn's</a> mountain of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_63">Montparnasse</span> - if she could have back all the knitting she's unravelled she'd be done and dusted by now. Sterling effort Lyn!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226660999863793058" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBjRBLR20rw0inLqy_3yLH0N957wAc2TfMizqgg2suwxG373bZ0L9-h-BOZ0VoJhAhoJ8kjVpbjWbtMshwpiQH9qaOlQJSVy8pyuZ94LqJ44L39pwJNo5wLW_dhOPkCAXNnqN8f9E3UAmv/s200/lyn's+mountain.jpg" border="0" />Rachel, who has turned out to be the engine room of the team just keeps going with that knitting. Lovely back view of her enviably even ribbing today - my compliments Rachel - I hate doing the ribbing! <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226667477461179442" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixlwBxVXcVt581YQ-u_z2rdQAu_qqvKDXqPYYHVn8c0yPV2YgMguVLOjrf6iGeQfUC__PsVN5ab5sUDbbpINxO1qk1fH3RUklldQduOVOyQbkxtw6ukgK0R9M9fO42M6L2LM8Senrd4sa7/s200/rachel's+sock+deux" border="0" />I don't mind admitting I nearly pitched over my handlebars when I saw Gina's latest progress report - I had no idea it was so BIG until she included herself in the photo - that's acres of crochet! I am truly impressed.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226663838817850994" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhft5A85kJv6Tc8OYrCdjKaupZJc6S2x8sS7ijzD0pqGoKcwQQZ8a9bCt4AbHxPvPrLUwmVTpQUvndorAnV1O-VzDRi4CFMIynMjkur0uKxjoTV_RS9lgW-nM7_NIpcU-Sp5DiOIMFsVVh1/s200/gina's+afghan.jpg" border="0" />Our team <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_64">paparazza</span>, Marci has brought us another scoop today. Look - team bus with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_65">gilet</span>!!!<br /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226665170398370658" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMj1FG8Ta7WPY6qpDdNEwX-kBVm0r9_iO52alk2Avf9f7fd7yOb8FbtNfigCQfyq0OkWAphvpxatM-u4G-0A19PB4sOnpG7yFLX5et_6UtRqZpX1PFK3-eZY-Ub_jxBKeKG6T_AhU0rGn/s200/team+bus+and+gilet.jpg" border="0" />And who's that bloke in the yellow?<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226665174026383138" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR55Z3j0ZbwwzTHHJsPjJS2WEB9hSqayrUZGXgoUoHu5i6zZF9u0vQgukt2zDX3Wr0Yfz_-Qz4s0XuR7bNFo8C-nEJPaPjoylimDxOPGMZprbciPjtLec_anN0XW21q9P1NAZA0z9mb9QK/s200/bloke+in+yellow.jpg" border="0" />Helen's Bellini, renamed the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_66">Bon</span> Chance has been making v <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_67">bon</span> progress. Helen is on her favourite bit - the sewing up - we feel your pain Helen but it will be worth it when you wear it for the final sprint.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226666234187306082" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zmSWUppyy3RcpQ-ByvpYQ8y5wIGyAcM5OkEi_Z_9IgJwrLQRe1mTA0Mx49jWAjnSvN3LY7hLSvBBZe9VioCNFFnwH75bfWBFfxiVi1kynEh3FFINtYj5olP5rGJ3V4ZrKGpEB-jWE1P3/s200/helen's+bon+chance" border="0" />As for me, I've now broken through the 100 row mark on Le <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_68">Germolene</span> so every extra row's a bonus! Happy days!</p>knitseashorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08594976722011232979noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687593818842285623.post-15803762830407690182008-07-23T23:55:00.007+02:002008-07-24T18:09:03.196+02:00Stage Seventeen: Embrun > L’Alpe-d’HuezThere is only one word needed to describe today's stage: legendary. Since 1976, the Alpe d'Huez has been the scene of a stage finish nearly every year. It holds such a place in Tour cycling history that each of the 21 hairpin bends on the 13.8km climb is marked with a plaque honouring one of the past stage winners at Alpe d'Huez. (When Lance Armstrong won the stage for the 22nd time it finished at Alpe d'Huez, they started over again at the bottom!) (And spare a thought for those poor guys who rode the 1979 Tour - they had <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">two</span> finishes at Alpe d'Huez!)<br /><br />For winter sports buffs, Alpe d'Huez is famous as a ski station, one of the largest in the world with 84 ski lifts and 236km of piste.<br /><br />Is Team CSC unstoppable or what! Andy Schleck's pace making has been just amazing in the mountains - but it was his teammate Carlos Sastre who pulled off a strong stage win today - gaining the yellow jersey and more than one minute over his closest rivals, Frank Schleck, Bernard Kohl, and Cadel Evans. We now wait with bated breath for the time trial in Stage 20!<br /><br />The standings after Stage 17:<br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Yellow</span>: Carlos Sastre (CSC)<br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Green</span>: Oscar Freire (Rabobank)<br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Polka Dot</span>: Bernhard Kohl (Gerolsteiner)<br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">White:</span> Andy Schleck (CSC)<br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Team</span>: Team CSC<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Important reminder!</span> Don't forget to<a href="http://tdfkal.blogspot.com/2008/07/stage-sixteen-cuneo-jausiers.html"> cast your vote</a> for the 2nd Intermediate Sprint! I can tell you that it is <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">NECK AND NECK</span> between two of our shortlisted entries so be sure to have your say!<br /><br />And now for an update from your teams...<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Team Rabobank</span> is panting for breath after today's tough stage. <a href="http://bellsknits.blogspot.com/">Bells</a> has two beautiful sleeves finished, but knows it's going to be a fight to make it across the line in Paris.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabkWrJeQ5cOglh_eUBERQHqeXyLunjd8MlbLdD2Fj7I4-Lr473043uDwllCoEyijjkV26oCL2EdF6bdQe0zd96DcyJynKiGOtDwcaQuQ4INJ3arRAZDAkSVRUHCfW6PIdaRYgcIoNVQsm/s1600-h/TourBellssleeves.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226291698109814338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabkWrJeQ5cOglh_eUBERQHqeXyLunjd8MlbLdD2Fj7I4-Lr473043uDwllCoEyijjkV26oCL2EdF6bdQe0zd96DcyJynKiGOtDwcaQuQ4INJ3arRAZDAkSVRUHCfW6PIdaRYgcIoNVQsm/s200/TourBellssleeves.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.bluegarter.org/">Sarah</a> has pulled a John-Lee Augustyn and face-planted right off the mountainside, losing her bicycle down the scree. She's waiting by the road for the team car to bring up another skein of yarn, which may or may not need to be bleached to look anything like the first skein. But a contender always has another project in the bag, so today she finished an Armenian-knit rooster hat based on the work of French textile and ceramics artist Jean Leurçat:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCiTQj3HE2LbzFx5ZVI2kq4m8k5dkMjCloKBp1PQWfSmYqDDcH1dUm5zQZ76fNz6zTL784ECWsU5EmhpTSV8ZAy6oLD-fEKcQGIi4jmsGpqm251nAa31XQ9fGfUmDov4aBKpjrau6cbWa-/s1600-h/Leurcat_side2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226292710954218402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCiTQj3HE2LbzFx5ZVI2kq4m8k5dkMjCloKBp1PQWfSmYqDDcH1dUm5zQZ76fNz6zTL784ECWsU5EmhpTSV8ZAy6oLD-fEKcQGIi4jmsGpqm251nAa31XQ9fGfUmDov4aBKpjrau6cbWa-/s200/Leurcat_side2.jpg" border="0" /></a>More details and pictures on her blog. The rest of the team has gone quiet - they must all be knitting too hard to check in. I expect to see smoke signals rising from your needles, ladies!<br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><br />Team Quick Step Update</span><br />Everyone must be kniting hard as it's gone a little quiet here.<br /><a href="http://buttonbeauty.blogspot.com/">Jessica</a> has posted her Intermediate Sprint #2 on regional food, drool over this!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_JRMxMjhn9Jw/SIfpjsc9dHI/AAAAAAAABhU/cJy0xYsF9j8/s1600-h/20060921_0704.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226402692024071282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_JRMxMjhn9Jw/SIfpjsc9dHI/AAAAAAAABhU/cJy0xYsF9j8/s320/20060921_0704.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Check out her blog to see a recipe for Tarte Flambe, or Alsatian Onion Tart.<br /><br />More yummy goodness from <a href="http://lettucepieces.com/unravelme/">Madalyn</a> who has done a bit more research into how her ratatouille is made:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_JRMxMjhn9Jw/SIfqpuLrirI/AAAAAAAABhc/cwpzn0FIB0k/s1600-h/ratatouille7.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226403895079307954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_JRMxMjhn9Jw/SIfqpuLrirI/AAAAAAAABhc/cwpzn0FIB0k/s320/ratatouille7.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://margesrandomlife.blogspot.com/">Marge</a> is on the home stretch on one of the socks, she says:<br />"The tour and peleton wait for no one". You're right there Marge!<br /><br /><a href="http://blakeanitty.blogspot.com/">Shelley</a> reported in with this: "Finished the lacework last night during that exciting finish - onto the border… hoping to be using the blanket to snuggle under while watching the sprint finish in Paris…!" YAY!<br /><br />This maybe the last pic we see of Whitney's stunning Gansey.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_JRMxMjhn9Jw/SIfuFtCJUQI/AAAAAAAABhk/_DYStmT2JeA/s1600-h/2696809438_ca10728384.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226407674342101250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_JRMxMjhn9Jw/SIfuFtCJUQI/AAAAAAAABhk/_DYStmT2JeA/s400/2696809438_ca10728384.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Her camera broke yesterday and she isn't sure how she'll keep us up to date. You'll work it out Whitney, as you said "C’est la vie, I suppose. If John-Lee Augustyn can go tumbling over the edge of a mountain, lose his bike, wait forever to be brought a new one, and still go on the attack today, then I can manage this setback, too".<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://riggwelter.wordpress.com/">As for me,</a> I'm feeling a little more confident with my lace now, just hoping I don't fall off my bike inches from the finish line!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqkNQHeOGQq4cIPPODVY-ztNAYoCmjggv79PuER5jSIWvtPCGcbTznvOSFKSBIS-BiZExv5GVAjI9o1MSygeBdPqIbp-bsY0jF78G4AlSZOjG3H24Q8BzuTavawOw71bk1k8ZwVH5pD4/s1600-h/DSCF4437.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226408563481510690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqkNQHeOGQq4cIPPODVY-ztNAYoCmjggv79PuER5jSIWvtPCGcbTznvOSFKSBIS-BiZExv5GVAjI9o1MSygeBdPqIbp-bsY0jF78G4AlSZOjG3H24Q8BzuTavawOw71bk1k8ZwVH5pD4/s200/DSCF4437.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Keep knitting girls, we're nearly there!<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Over at Team SIL we are busy keeping on our toes.</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Tam (rav name Merlot) is on the second sleeve of Beatrix and should be done by Sunday "as long as the pieces dry in time!" <a href="http://www.roseredshoes.blogspot.com/">Rosered</a> is on tier 11 of Lady Eleanor. It looks so beautiful and soft. She is afraid she'll be the Lantern Rouge. I told her she has no worries on that score. I may have to steal it from her as I lag behind on my Adamas shawl! <a href="http://wwwkudzuknits.wordpress.com/">Megan</a> reports that while Stolen Moments is slowly growing, the BSJ is moving ahead much more quickly. Beautiful in blues and yellows. <a href="http://www.ozknitter.blogspot.com/">Ozknitter</a> admits to "more watching than knitting" but is making progress on her socks. <a href="http://www.sidetracked.quellesuprise.com/">Jennifer</a> has been re-"cycling" yarn from thrift store sweaters and is designing her own. She is happier with this project than the ill-fated Swallowtail shawl. <a href="http://www.hpwt.blogspot.com/">Amy</a> is making good progress on the "socks of doom" which were more portable and easier to take to a golf match. Sprout is also coming along nicely. And our <a href="http://www.hobbywhore.blogspot.com/">Kelli</a> has been too busy making baby quilts for friends and playing slowpitch softball to do much knitting.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">The end is in sight.</span>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09917833708894680350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687593818842285623.post-21476139526418367812008-07-22T23:55:00.013+02:002008-07-23T00:06:29.454+02:00Stage Sixteen: Cuneo > JausiersGrueling. Brutal. Those are the only fitting words for today's stage. My official TdF Guide says: "the riders face one of the most intense stretches of climbing in Tour history. After crossing the Demonte river and turning left in the little Italian village of Pratolungo, they face 11,000 feet of uphill work in the following 82km over two of the toughest hors categorie mountain passes in Europe." Yikes.<br /><br />Our two mountains of torture included 1)the Col de la Lombarde (up to 13% grade in some parts -- the Tour has never crossed here before) and 2) the Cime de la Bonette (avg. 6.2 % for 26.7 km, enough to make anyone abandon!). Thankfully for most riders, there was a downhill finish to Jausiers, if they didn't crash first (poor Christian Vande Velde). And in the "but wait, there's more!" category, tomorrow brings us the revered and dreaded L'Alpe d'Huez. It wouldn't feel like the tour without it.<br /><br />A little local culture: Cuneo, Italy is the hometown of Michele Ferrero, owner of Ferrero SpA, as in <span style="color: rgb(153, 102, 51);">Ferrero Roche, Mon Cheri, and Nutella chocolate. <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Here's hoping there are samples of those in the riders' musette bags!!</span></span><br /><p><span style="color: rgb(153, 102, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Jausiers is a tiny French town of less than 1,000 inhabitants. According to the official Tour website, many of its citizens were sent to Louisiana, USA, and Mexico as early as the 19th century, where they made their fortunes and then came home to France to enjoy them. Located in a national park, it is noted for its clear air and water, which inspires every kind of outdoor sport and activity. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Race Report:</span> Cyril Dessel did our Ag2R-La Mondiale team proud today, by winning Stage 16. Team CSC protected Frank Schleck's yellow jersey, with Bernard Kohl in second place, and CADEL in third, trailing by only 8 seconds. John-Lee Augustyn took a nasty turn in the gravel, and his bike went down the side of the mountain. Thankfully, he clambered back up to watch the race until his bike was replaced. Christian Vande Velde also crashed on the descent, and fell to sixth place. </p><p>Yellow: Frank Schleck (CSC)</p><p>Green: Oscar Freire (Team Ribby Man, I mean, Rabobank)</p><p>Polka Dot: Bernard Kohl (Gerolsteiner)</p><p>White: Andy Schleck (CSC)</p><p>Team: CSC</p><p>Lantern Rouge: In 151st place, Wim Vansevenant (Silence Lotto)</p><p> </p><p>And now, an update from Meg on our <span style="font-weight: bold;">Intermediate Sprint Competitions</span>:</p>We had so much fun reading all the entries in the 2nd Intermediate Sprint! Special honourable mentions go to <a href="http://higuru-munda.blogspot.com/2008/07/intermediate-sprint-2-mulhouse.html">Mel T</a>, <a href="http://riggwelter.wordpress.com/2008/07/18/intermediate-sprint-2">Angie</a>, <a href="http://audioknits.typepad.com/">Kristen</a>, and <a href="http://sloth-knits.blogspot.com/2008/07/oh-you-meant-that-france.html">SlothKnits</a> - we are spoiled for choice with all the great places you have taken us to visit! Where will my next holiday be to?!!? And your finalists are [drumroll please...]<br /><br /><a href="http://jerseyknitter151.blogspot.com/2008/07/intermediate-sprint-au-march.html">Ina's trip to the farmer's market</a> (and check out that organic produce seller!)<br /><a href="http://knitcrit.typepad.com/weblog/2008/07/my-intermediate-sprint.html">Martha's tour of DC</a> (help save her bike trail which is under threat!)<br /><a href="http://blakeanitty.blogspot.com/2008/07/tdf-intermediate-sprint-2-regional-food.html">Caffeine Faerie's French Onion Soup</a> (don't miss Step 10!)<br /><a href="http://whitknits.wordpress.com/2008/07/20/le-tour-de-gansey-part-deux-intermediate-sprint-2/">Whitney's Tour de Gansey</a> (the thesis continues!)<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21337277@N06/sets/72157603375396736/detail/">Cathy Ann's cycle tour of the Ohio wine country</a> (it might not be France but yes, Ohio does have a wine country!)<br /><a href="http://cristina61.wordpress.com/the-beauty-in-your-own-back-yard/">Cristina61's Beauty in Your Own Backyard</a> (her area promises to be bombarded by the masses with a description like this!)<br /><br />Vote below for your favourite! Voting will close at midnight PARIS TIME on 25th July (the day of Stage 19), so what are you waiting for?!?? <span style="font-style: italic;">Clickez-vous!<br /></span><br /><script type="text/javascript" language="javascript" src="http://s3.polldaddy.com/p/807335.js"></script><noscript> <a href ="http://answers.polldaddy.com/poll/807335/" >Vote here for your favourite Regional Challenge Intermediate Sprint entry!</a> <br/> <span style="font-size:9px;"> (<a href ="http://www.polldaddy.com"> surveys</a>)</span></noscript><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span>And what are these intermediate sprinters sprinting for you ask? "Tell them what they'll win, Bob!"<br /><br />The talented Katie from <a href="http://www.live2knit.com.au/store/">Live2Knit</a> Luxury Hand-dyed Yarns has set aside two special Tour de France yarns for us and the winners of each intermediate sprint will win one skein of her specialty yarn!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz8s0frbOTU5qJKn6ujq_45mvScN985FcdvSBByw2zeHKoxOazFHw8V1QYA_2QnuwIuK5AH8sAD_LqL5aZ9GzCjyXkKIHLPz4h7TmgTWnwlb38z3bevbxIx-SUgbZNH2b9tfegFDqSdDk/s1600-h/Bamboo_1aSeaGlass_LRG.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz8s0frbOTU5qJKn6ujq_45mvScN985FcdvSBByw2zeHKoxOazFHw8V1QYA_2QnuwIuK5AH8sAD_LqL5aZ9GzCjyXkKIHLPz4h7TmgTWnwlb38z3bevbxIx-SUgbZNH2b9tfegFDqSdDk/s200/Bamboo_1aSeaGlass_LRG.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225958535046610610" border="0" /></a>Mae Bamboo in Sea Glass (though Katie suggests we rename it Loire Valley Green)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PM6JlHhfe8Fxj8PoKxYGVVR5YXPFbwqbZkEX2-C00opgxT0cQhXDdVHDQXL62aXQQgsMROhJNV12V185QGs3idig_7PVxWG8kBWpacCL1kjEbmImHWKnxMSIrwULdvAXGtYvzWSG4NQ/s1600-h/Merino08_3aLava_LRG.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PM6JlHhfe8Fxj8PoKxYGVVR5YXPFbwqbZkEX2-C00opgxT0cQhXDdVHDQXL62aXQQgsMROhJNV12V185QGs3idig_7PVxWG8kBWpacCL1kjEbmImHWKnxMSIrwULdvAXGtYvzWSG4NQ/s200/Merino08_3aLava_LRG.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225958541799366594" border="0" /></a>Shirley DK Merino in Lava (though again Katie cleverly suggests this be renamed Devil Red)<br /><br />Please be sure to stop by <a href="http://www.live2knit.com.au/store/">Katie's shop</a> and say <span style="font-style: italic;">Merci!</span> for providing us with such lovely prizes!<br /><br />And now for some<span style="font-weight: bold;"> team updates</span>...<br /><br />The gang from <span style="font-weight: bold;">TEAM GARMIN-CHIPOTLE </span>really took a rest day. I could only find info for a few members.<br /><br />Kira thinks she has been dropped from l’arriere du peloton too because she accidentally left her knitting behind at her cousin’s house interstate when we visited on the weekend. It will take several valuable knitting days to get it back. She thinks this is the end of her Maillot Vert dreams.<br /><br />Heather says she feels her chain is about to come off.... she’s down to very little yarn and am not done with the sleeves, much less the collar. A desperate message was sent to a friend in Munich who may be able to help out. Her sprinting days of 2008 are almost over. She might have to look for a similar weight in another color to redo the shoulders and collar (and add a tiny boarder to the hem and cuffs). after she gets over her depression, that is. Good thing cold weather is still hard to imagine.<br /><br />Bridget merely sent a picture of a thermometer and the words “too darn hot”. Enough said!<br /><br />Jane's NDDG is coming along great guns and she is just doing the collar as she finished the front on Monday night. She is not sure if she will have enough yarn and thought sheI would join the back and front first, knit the collar, and then knit both of the sleeves at the same time. If she run"s out of yarn so be it, so she says<br /><br />My body is falling apart and my chiropractor is working me over. The only problem seems to be trying to knit while icing a shoulder with tendonitis, and the elbow and wrist that follow. SO progress has slowed but the road beckons. I actually had my bike out.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Team CSC - Still in Yellow...</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://jerseyknitter151.blogspot.com/2008/07/intermediate-sprint-au-march.html">Ina</a> has some gorgeous pics on her blog of her local farmer's market in her Intermediate Sprint #2 entry. Sadly, no pictures of the sexy hot organic produce man...<br /><br /><br />No update on <a href="http://judyyiu.blogspot.com/2008/07/insanity-is.html">Judy's</a> little nightie, but she must be feeling better because she's started more than one project over the last couple of days.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://ennavic.wordpress.com/">EnnaVic</a> has figured out that if she rolls her brim on her tam it looks better, although not quite as cozy warm. <a href="http://spinningninny.blogspot.com/"><br /></a><a href="http://spinningninny.blogspot.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225859122010826834" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_6ryFFtegwq6lWCFh0OjXn_6_WhaAMmnzXWm6mQO7Q7bRFv14_TVfIyFEBQ8pXMZPlMdVoXeIzBmThr3K-QS0z5amGzQh_N8yyoJn1nc1cjKCoMuo7LRLLJeOwS2mfyWRJExSgFB91s/s200/ennavic2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://spinningninny.blogspot.com/">Sarah's</a> lace sweater is giving her grief (at least her yarn-overs are) but she's completed the front and is moving on to the back.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225859368781520450" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBjSzNfSDruIKqyEVlrBQUKABA7M7WacvSDMu6O8fH4YZHpHnq5pAUghrdknYVgV8vQ0xZ0FlxpwNim2FMU1twLzKgDcb885P9zOfBOY63Qrx31SXwWYLEB-D51lkNoK4T2KzZnhIjlo/s200/spinningninny.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><p>And <a href="http://www.baadmedicine.blogspot.com/">I'm </a>on my last sleeve of the February Lady Sweater. I'll be project-free by the time we hit the Champs.</p><br /><p><strong>Team Lampre</strong> update: It appears that, while members are still knitting, many have been sidetracked by projects other than their KAL's, not to mention a slew of other activities and distractions. In between gardening, polo watching, and concocting delicious fruity desserts, <a href="http://http//knitting-kitten.blogspot.com/">Sarah</a> has managed to make progress on the front of the Getaway Jacket. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225899133379566626" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2g558kQhIZACqsQqTSO1_jNJ_PL4gaVLnXfJRir5VlJKD3G3-fKncY7oxgJVtQKR-t-oLPIolcP7pSWqxun29113iwZsH3q33IHgg1BAOydJL0Aoz7CKKmKqQEDP1OQQw_rtqJ-3QJbxl/s200/KAL+sarah.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><p><a href="http://http//cindy2paw.typepad.com/2paw/">Cindy</a> has dealt with the threat of jury duty, a round of appointments, and the lure of starting in on some gorgeous socks, so there has not been a whole lot of Stargate Cardi knitting - though the cute handmade doggie stitch marker offers incentive. </p><br /><p><a href="http://http//corporateknit.blogspot.com/">Donna's</a> Tour has been interrupted by the siren song of new yarns at her LYS, including Jamieson's Spindrift and Noro. Not to worry, she has finished the first sleeve (one to go!) and deserves a rest day.</p><br /><p>After finishing the first item on her long KAL finish-the-WIPs list, (the pink and green socks), <a href="http://http//theyarnyard.co.uk/newsite/component/option,com_wrapper/Itemid,27/">Natalie</a> has been crazy busy with spinning, weaving, and tending to her online store. Wonder what she will finish next?</p><br /><br /><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Team Rabobank:</span></p><br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.bluegarter.org/">Sarah</a> is back from Knitting Camp all fired up with fresh enthusiasm for the craft, if nursing a pair of rather sore hands from so much intensive knitting! She is very close to having her other French-related project finished to show off (pictures tomorrow for Alpe d'Huez, perhaps?), and she's reached the red kite for the summit of the project - a tubular cast off is just around the bend, and then a bit of sleeve action. Her green jersey hopes are high, although she's hitting a serious yarn shortage and will have to spend the afternoon scouring the city for a similar yellow laceweight.<br /><br />Here's the back of <a href="http://bellsknits.blogspot.com/">Bells's</a> beautiful eyelet cardi:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqFssKgpbo0A0ozGx4IfJa8TN4tkyRkzePrzXSug8jGRsnhX4Wa1B9plnECaAB_MviMO-dsPm7USQvEO53pa5z8P2yqSGqykKBYmlv6PUG6leKVTR5m-7yCmaWOMmfzm8VZwmMNQ4S1Qo/s1600-h/TourBellsback.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225905695565233666" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqFssKgpbo0A0ozGx4IfJa8TN4tkyRkzePrzXSug8jGRsnhX4Wa1B9plnECaAB_MviMO-dsPm7USQvEO53pa5z8P2yqSGqykKBYmlv6PUG6leKVTR5m-7yCmaWOMmfzm8VZwmMNQ4S1Qo/s200/TourBellsback.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />(Looks like a marble pastry roller in the background - very appropriate!) And check out <a href="http://www.likelyyarns.com/">Sandy's</a> freshly felted Market Squares bag:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFBVJ_VSizq-Fl9PplT6UcnrZ64C-lRFaDXNjC0FdwOvDlldgR0z86Y36yZxHl48clykzL3zsxr51VWH9Tr6f1Dtfjzm6nwGFOFXQs_JG6y1UG0Y6yj4-KFUgPBZNZgtkLlVZQUAkCzSt/s1600-h/TourSandyfelt.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225906253038284322" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFBVJ_VSizq-Fl9PplT6UcnrZ64C-lRFaDXNjC0FdwOvDlldgR0z86Y36yZxHl48clykzL3zsxr51VWH9Tr6f1Dtfjzm6nwGFOFXQs_JG6y1UG0Y6yj4-KFUgPBZNZgtkLlVZQUAkCzSt/s200/TourSandyfelt.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />If I were Sandy, I'd have a hard time attending to the finishing details with this great loot on hand from our Team Time Trial victory:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjec8oZTsaMWVbIeKVmi0yUE8BamCE7v50RfEFci6NaRr8-HGUFafc8242YLBDgHLHaeVptY0EvsmqpZy5xfUkHdnAHRe_6jDWo8BQiVGJ8ciijvTikox3FEX2l1dXTkr-dLCbC61YhHmZr/s1600-h/TourSandyloot.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225906634752457794" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjec8oZTsaMWVbIeKVmi0yUE8BamCE7v50RfEFci6NaRr8-HGUFafc8242YLBDgHLHaeVptY0EvsmqpZy5xfUkHdnAHRe_6jDWo8BQiVGJ8ciijvTikox3FEX2l1dXTkr-dLCbC61YhHmZr/s200/TourSandyloot.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Cleckheaton Country Silk...mmmm. Maybe she can cast it on while the bag is drying. Speaking of bags, have a look at <a href="http://sloth-knits.blogspot.com/">Erika's</a> Rabobank bag/rasta hat:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMTxoAM9LhkCVb4mhO5wDjZj6xSxpNHeDZkPYhAHL0Q6wIWkjRxIp7SGYnMG6u2U77sXOIZuRS0ZuSdTKlalX612sCHfWcMDgsGw-ipdRyi8ucYaqs1Ol1A1ZVvkJDDfae-TYN-uErt2kE/s1600-h/TourErikabag.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225907034052854290" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMTxoAM9LhkCVb4mhO5wDjZj6xSxpNHeDZkPYhAHL0Q6wIWkjRxIp7SGYnMG6u2U77sXOIZuRS0ZuSdTKlalX612sCHfWcMDgsGw-ipdRyi8ucYaqs1Ol1A1ZVvkJDDfae-TYN-uErt2kE/s200/TourErikabag.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And <a href="http://knights-dont-knit.blogspot.com/">Kate</a> seems to have been too busy (or too modest) serving as Team Captain to share the evidence of her own imminent triumph in the Green Jersey category:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZpYCwQyXMK_wn53kv4WBUuNT18zQ3EhwPtvaher_is78jPf9nkxjanZA8kG8Jdsd0TJoUzG2pWcyO5UfHqOBjip5XqowwHyFgdbcsW1NHQgilGsfpKMC6bgnSqTr6q8p7ABuEp06Wq-q/s1600-h/TourKateondu.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225907466450919698" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZpYCwQyXMK_wn53kv4WBUuNT18zQ3EhwPtvaher_is78jPf9nkxjanZA8kG8Jdsd0TJoUzG2pWcyO5UfHqOBjip5XqowwHyFgdbcsW1NHQgilGsfpKMC6bgnSqTr6q8p7ABuEp06Wq-q/s200/TourKateondu.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />All the knitting on her Ondulation tunic is complete - a bit of edging, a few buttons, and she'll be stepping onto the podium! Go Rabobank!</p>knitseashorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08594976722011232979noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687593818842285623.post-79035079688275288342008-07-21T23:55:00.011+02:002008-07-22T18:55:22.925+02:00Rest DayOnce again, it might be a rest day for the cyclists but the knitters are forging ahead! There are some really exciting things happening in the knitting peloton - read all about it here with your team updates!<br /><br /><div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Team FDJ Update: </span><br /><br />Things have been a bit quiet here at Team FDJ these last couple of days. A lot of our team have been away for the weekend, myself included. I took a quick break to the Blue Mountains (west of Sydney) and did manage to get in some TDF knitting time. My first Baudelaire sock now has a heel.<br />Lynn however has finished the shrug she was making, and is now onto the Indian Summer Socks. Despite some mountainous terrain, having to reknit the cuff a few times, she's now speeding down the other side of the Alps.<br /><a href="http://mylife-wordsandpictures.blogspot.com/">Helen</a> has some progress on her I Do Shrug, and is going for the sprint to finish the other side in the remaining week of le Tour:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCWLo0NA-A16HdTZbEhlftZWfkP4AwuaRd7C3m3HsRnDAimY2lPg-Gock2zDBbI7co9iKObUGsNErsBeKrxZexva7uJNSE94_1wC9VPU3NRPciYD_FXSckBIpwGCJVRaU8j3p1G4G_EmCt/s1600-h/i+do+shrug.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225433713800069826" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCWLo0NA-A16HdTZbEhlftZWfkP4AwuaRd7C3m3HsRnDAimY2lPg-Gock2zDBbI7co9iKObUGsNErsBeKrxZexva7uJNSE94_1wC9VPU3NRPciYD_FXSckBIpwGCJVRaU8j3p1G4G_EmCt/s200/i+do+shrug.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://janinehempy.blogspot.com/">Janine</a> has decided to add one or two repeats to her Clapotis, which will involve another trip to the yarn shop for the 7th ball. As she states, "<span style="font-style: italic;">Oh no! More yarn shopping! The horror!" </span>(or is that <span style="font-style: italic;">quelle horreur!)</span>.<br />See you on the other side of the Alps!<br /><br /><strong>Team CSC:</strong><br /><br />We're carrying the yellow jersey!! WOO HOO.<br /><br /><a href="http://passionfruit.typepad.com/">Jacqueline</a> is doing well with her "Gather Robbie into my Pullover". I think maybe Robbie needs a hug or two, given he's ghastly performance so far. I'm sure Jacqueline would be more than happy to help with this!!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225478289096313138" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8VWOVuk5qTaDr-nweia-45JfyaDIf1i0TZYhSYxJdGBMcmawOQAOIkzL-pdTuZH0nwi3ELj3wWze3HBAi60AMuqk2fb9d5OvXA09ZvyIXeXn-sA_G3aCi09Q1KFt2D62qwTqvECJ2Z4/s200/1a1.jpg" border="0" />CathyAnn's cardigan is having a rest day as it's too hot to be working on it. Instead she's started a Cat 1 climb (toe-up Cat Bordhi socks from New Pathways) - sounds more like a HC climb to me!!<br /><p><a href="http://ennavic.wordpress.com/">EnnaVic's</a> tam is done. Although, she's not sure she loves it. What do you guys think??<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225479401527178178" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkPlowXCM5wIgKwW9rOa99-_kvB59olqJsS0fhxytYnbiRFrQ4YEHMqaiOhw393lWFbd0I6UeCFtF0O_G7OPKXsZebc6mjDLbncZgQo6QBbWY_Vo27ywUsLkQBnG9DUBvOOh059uuI1w/s200/ennavic.jpg" border="0" /></p><a href="http://yarn-tails.blogspot.com/">Elisa</a> (who has multiple TdF goals) started her #3 project - a BSJ, as she complete her first goal...<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225480171869986370" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbqptP0MMlLmT_CjXmlFNstWA2AVDiuYvBZn5uKTNEVKDfQze7cDb-dmuSHcRbvgcgiIZqgTJ5K0knc8vKRHLBT7SJYDlWXKWnLhIV6zmpjy7lnue2wtbs7ihZKCSJyp0AbZhfi_TTi4/s200/13a.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225480124014355858" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpwMg6xNewSYMFop7K9MhlMVqIo3ohPzQ-7oeAls4YILNqWlCHWSYyuETDhVOq1eny5wCmjwW0EL-dBeL9x3viEQz_SxHIyUeVW8PeVKcVyq0t5kLDmYJI_vF8RydS6gFebBxXZgajI4g/s200/12a.jpg" border="0" /><a href="http://belaybunny.wordpress.com/">Christina</a> is about 80% done her Upstairs shawl and almost half-way done her Kimono shawl. She her lovely collage (and being British the big pic of Cavendish from <a href="http://www.cyclingfans.com/">http://www.cyclingfans.com/</a>).<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225481173044914034" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKiURaMwwkWQ1avBi1oy14hklRT10agcPAOg1TZANnYMfBBaRw14HvRCSCNRrIJRI6u1hqAu9eBninVokYIrdKQLHBRIN8OiDKx_3KTVkYG9teMERjDzac31VeVHZp-Zy7n5wpDF6ka0/s200/2681246313_f16f4ed115.jpg" border="0" />And <a href="http://judyyiu.blogspot.com/2008/07/owee.html">Judy</a> is having hip twitches thanks to the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RFxGn6C6ak">Bacardi Mojito commercial </a>that she sees ad nauseum with the Versus coverage!! Click at your own risk.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Team AG2R-Mondiale</span><br /><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/cioccito">Jen</a> has accomplished her Tour goal of finishing a carseat blanket and monkey socks as gifts and knitting the Capelet and the Ribbed Lace Bolero. Next she'll be starting on the <a href="http://www.flintknits.com/patterns/ladysweater.pdf">February Lady Sweater</a>. Way to go Jen!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotgnMM1_yyZktU5SRbPCVPaj8K7XQy5l53mbfc2UH-vZac4MLCLCP8x24xa1cPFNLDF9poI0XJVaB3u9v-9ylO2rAG0jJeY6xsUUrHFuNA7KkHAfngw2wt6aKdmtf8t0Jeox1u3iMqiK7/s1600-h/Jen's+blanket.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225554114133032914" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotgnMM1_yyZktU5SRbPCVPaj8K7XQy5l53mbfc2UH-vZac4MLCLCP8x24xa1cPFNLDF9poI0XJVaB3u9v-9ylO2rAG0jJeY6xsUUrHFuNA7KkHAfngw2wt6aKdmtf8t0Jeox1u3iMqiK7/s200/Jen's+blanket.JPG" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ixppmhbo55bz1H7F5dSTyOnCgi-mJEt43yOAgtge_5Hsc0YOjUC3WAaQJZt6Z_rKfyTw1A-oK7PkptvGRkALJeknVFFblqyN8M9cpuhXECWsebjgnAThwHy_0eOpRXr84MycceowQeYG/s1600-h/Jen's+monkey+socks.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225554110111787138" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ixppmhbo55bz1H7F5dSTyOnCgi-mJEt43yOAgtge_5Hsc0YOjUC3WAaQJZt6Z_rKfyTw1A-oK7PkptvGRkALJeknVFFblqyN8M9cpuhXECWsebjgnAThwHy_0eOpRXr84MycceowQeYG/s200/Jen's+monkey+socks.JPG" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZ98x78CZEleEbW4Lt8L8a4UtxI0okdcUdlmW6VupEgSTO7SNYI1iOiKkUmpDvkaj3vuKbfL2pFe_WRkcrPDii3pGeOWLm_BSW32Sy_Jh-b0s4_8_JyqfQn08F-npBe1EQ7_mwQE1es5Q/s1600-h/Jen's+capelet+done.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225554106730252418" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZ98x78CZEleEbW4Lt8L8a4UtxI0okdcUdlmW6VupEgSTO7SNYI1iOiKkUmpDvkaj3vuKbfL2pFe_WRkcrPDii3pGeOWLm_BSW32Sy_Jh-b0s4_8_JyqfQn08F-npBe1EQ7_mwQE1es5Q/s200/Jen's+capelet+done.JPG" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZYiaD1QW8pWz6Zkc3X9IOilD2K4vRZydR9FjonPn5hQZjTIWl79F-qZwOnBPpytSGULeoZ8VKkxuFsRNlRYqjCQJf3EOh6U4Lh6ZfWbPfDJn-6psTY9Zc1y9jwfkp_Zobas2P0uZVZVk/s1600-h/Jen's+bolero.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225554114585883810" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZYiaD1QW8pWz6Zkc3X9IOilD2K4vRZydR9FjonPn5hQZjTIWl79F-qZwOnBPpytSGULeoZ8VKkxuFsRNlRYqjCQJf3EOh6U4Lh6ZfWbPfDJn-6psTY9Zc1y9jwfkp_Zobas2P0uZVZVk/s200/Jen's+bolero.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><p></p><strong>Shock! Horror! Outrage! Drunken revelry at Camp Credit Agricole</strong><br /><p>Well it looks like a good shearing was exactly what we needed here at the sign of the flying sheep. Not only did our cycling team mate Simon Gerrans take a stage win but we had a knitting team win in the intermediate sprint. Thanks to everyone who voted - it was just what I needed to spur me on after my rather lacklustre performance in the middle week - 95 rows under my belt and still going for it!</p>The rest of the team are in similar spirits. Lyn has felt the return of her puff and has finished the back and 13cm on the final sleeve - she's planning a big collar finish!<br /><p><a href="http://lincolnknits.blogspot.com/">Kit</a> has made a welcome return to the peleton and is making good progress on her Baby surprise jacket despite some 'technical adjustments'.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225573718485458242" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mbojwmeFGKs1InN3WUvl4f03DQT0fIa0kVLF1IMVZ9SpiDWZFQ6aLIqFrboZwJZgDeANoLm3S8SA7_0gDiXK7bHcON-YT2JudcEGvNzTKV0IzYrgj-sAdHneNlqGfR0lRkob9nMb7gpA/s200/DSCN5388.JPG" border="0" /></p><p><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/gbina/tour-de-france-afghan">Gina</a> isn't wasting any time and has sewn together her three finished squares while waiting for her yarn to arrive tomorrow. </p><p><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/ckknit/breton-girl">Carolyn</a> , the tactician of the team is cleverly using the rest day for some light conditioning, tackling the decreases on the front of her Breton Girl in anticipation of the long hard increases to come. </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225574995885217074" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljUBZRfbp4Sd4tkRifrbOlzStCVWG96JD1tVNvsF28ZvdJfJ9b0Ah9zGOSt25-gYwgn8uwW80jj8FRUHrmzrq_y3PNBlwgmamD3ahQ0XyR-UsRdEFgdzVZSE52m74FgLLqCPhNlg3s_ea/s200/2689442244_1660ed236b.jpg" border="0" />Once again, despite our hangovers from celebrating our success, another performance showing the strength and depth of our squad. Allez lez Moutons!<br /><p></p><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Team Quick Step Update</span><br /><a href="http://alittlebitcrafty.blogspot.com/">Jennifer</a> has back tracked and gone back to the Monet bag.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqxzEA_kLRPi8gU-d8R5LE09hR2aLv6hIWeEgrJBvt8wuPZov1Kgbmp4r9EmYot8M192jq6XBIoVRXhikn6SrBeH1PGC6CPmr8-7Y6tCB8QnlsjLt7BQsT7_T5zyzK9cwi27910ptOQg/s1600-h/monetV2back2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqxzEA_kLRPi8gU-d8R5LE09hR2aLv6hIWeEgrJBvt8wuPZov1Kgbmp4r9EmYot8M192jq6XBIoVRXhikn6SrBeH1PGC6CPmr8-7Y6tCB8QnlsjLt7BQsT7_T5zyzK9cwi27910ptOQg/s320/monetV2back2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225695607953371538" border="0" /></a><br />she says she is test driving a few more colour combinations, "this time mohair doubled, rather than a blend of 4ply wool and 8 ply mohair".<br /><br />Well done to <a href="http://knittinginthedark.com/">Lauren</a> who has finished "Thermal"<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_JRMxMjhn9Jw/SIVoMZM1doI/AAAAAAAABgk/N9ndol-Lmp4/s1600-h/sweater_thermal_finish.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_JRMxMjhn9Jw/SIVoMZM1doI/AAAAAAAABgk/N9ndol-Lmp4/s320/sweater_thermal_finish.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225697504765769346" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">pattern:</span> Thermal (Ravelry pattern link) from Knitty Winter 2006, size B (with ribbing unstretched it’s about 32″ around, but after a wash it should relax some)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">yarn:</span> less than 4 skeins of Araucania Ranco Solid in Teal<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">needles:</span> 24″ 2.5mm Addi Turbo and INOX 2.25mm dpns for sleeves<br /><br />It's good to see <a href="http://lettucepieces.com/unravelme/">Madalyn's</a> smiling face...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_JRMxMjhn9Jw/SIVpWnYqpvI/AAAAAAAABgs/PJoV3y3oyg0/s1600-h/chaleureux08july20.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_JRMxMjhn9Jw/SIVpWnYqpvI/AAAAAAAABgs/PJoV3y3oyg0/s320/chaleureux08july20.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225698779883808498" border="0" /></a><br />Who's racing on with "Le châle chaleureux". Go see her blog for a poem about Aubergine's (and her Intermediate Sprint #2)<br /><br />Another great finish for Team Quick Stitch! Yay! <a href="http://margesrandomlife.blogspot.com/">Marge</a> has finished her FairIsle Cardigan, all blocked and ready to go.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_JRMxMjhn9Jw/SIVqwVcJ4EI/AAAAAAAABg0/dJ81_cmQPic/s1600-h/IMGP3733.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_JRMxMjhn9Jw/SIVqwVcJ4EI/AAAAAAAABg0/dJ81_cmQPic/s400/IMGP3733.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225700321254826050" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://blakeanitty.blogspot.com/">Shelley </a>is cooking up Onion Soup for her Intermediate Sprint #2<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_JRMxMjhn9Jw/SIVr7TCIl4I/AAAAAAAABg8/o2oWLGL3RSw/s1600-h/DSC00589.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_JRMxMjhn9Jw/SIVr7TCIl4I/AAAAAAAABg8/o2oWLGL3RSw/s200/DSC00589.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225701609099007874" border="0" /></a><br />Bon Appétite indeed!<br /><br /><a href="http://whitknits.wordpress.com/">Whitney </a>says "It may be a rest day for the cyclists, but for those of us crazy enough to try to knit an adult-sized gansey in three weeks, there is no rest to be had. I’m making good progress though; enough that it’s time to share…"<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_JRMxMjhn9Jw/SIVs24nVviI/AAAAAAAABhE/UaOPGv1MlLw/s1600-h/2689858945_0aea08df08.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_JRMxMjhn9Jw/SIVs24nVviI/AAAAAAAABhE/UaOPGv1MlLw/s400/2689858945_0aea08df08.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225702632799452706" border="0" /></a><br />"Think I can do it all before the cyclists have their little romp around the Champs-Élysées?"<br />Sure you can Whitney!<br /><br /><a href="http://riggwelter.wordpress.com/">As for me,</a> well we've had a good few days of sun, and trust me that's rare for Wales, so I've been knitting "dans le jardin"<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQ_-IxfuiEsQnRY-X4BD_3x2AWMaNNs2x3ZT2T763WvZuf4z_2Me-PRyvcXY2geQMRkSihlm6eDEcf6qD9FNO4Zx_X66ZkXsf5ArercmVB9Er65ebFr1d5Wm2ULBsJXnGIKz5vKPNgtM/s1600-h/DSCF4414.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQ_-IxfuiEsQnRY-X4BD_3x2AWMaNNs2x3ZT2T763WvZuf4z_2Me-PRyvcXY2geQMRkSihlm6eDEcf6qD9FNO4Zx_X66ZkXsf5ArercmVB9Er65ebFr1d5Wm2ULBsJXnGIKz5vKPNgtM/s320/DSCF4414.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225703689595432466" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">TEAM COLUMBIA</span><br /><a href="http://aknittingaffair.com/">Morgan</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">chef d'equipe</span> finished the race ahead of schedule. Pictures however are stuck on the camera. She has made it her new goal to get it off of the camera and blogged about!<br /><br /><a href="http://cristina61.wordpress.com/">Christine</a> is worried about the silk she is using and how it will behave after it is washed. Also she had to say this "For what must be the sixth time I’ve transferred all of my stitches onto waste yarn so I can be sure that my Simple Knitted Bodice is going in the proper direction(s). It is a little bit tedious to keep doing this, but to my mind it’s well worth the trouble. I’ve been able to see before going too far that I had needed to decrease my stitch count or shorten the torso."<br /><br /><a href="http://mariknits.blogspot.com/">Mari</a> is still on vacation. When asked she stated "Some Tour knitting got done, but unfortunately not as much as I would have liked. There will be some definite uphill knitting tomorrow. It is going to be a long mountain stage."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/iowakathy">Kathy</a> has completed the race!<br /><br /><a href="http://squid-knits.blogspot.com/">Devorah</a> is throwing a little contest over at her blog as a challenge for the course. Check it out.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/lynwymer">Lyn</a> stated when interviewed "Rather too many false starts and detours, time is running out. Still sticking to the entrelac theme, but a change of yarn and pattern. Think this will have to be a stole rather than a scarf …"<br /><br /><a href="http://twinkletoesuk.wordpress.com/">Jo</a> had lots to say. "Well I fell off my bike on Saturday… must have been a steep hill….<br /><br />Glancing down the lace admiring how pretty it was I noticed a slight mistake on the edging… where a wrap over had twisted the wrong way… not a problem.. I tinked the 4 rows back and corrected..<br /><br />but then… in the main pattern…. identically. symetrically opposite each other.. I spotted another mistake…. Over two rows… I’d done another errror… missed a yarn over and a decrease….<br /><br />It was the same both sides so matched.. but I knew it was there…. and a good 25 rows back from where I was…<br /><br />so do I rip it back or ignore it… knowing I’m the only one that knows it’s there, and as I’ve done it the same (no idea how!! - I even checked the pattern in case it was a misprint!!)… I decided to put it to one side and look again later…<br /><br />(OH then surprised me by taking me away for the weekend!)… so in a calm and rational mood I picked it up again last night…..<br /><br />and ripped it back!!!! I knew i wouldn’t have been happy and it would have kept calling me…<br /><br />Feel much better, and knitted back half of what I’d frogged - so a good recovery and nearly caught up with the rest of the peleton!!"<br /><br /><a href="http://knitcrit.typepad.com/">Martha</a> was very truthful when interviewed "As a member of the Tour de France KAL, I am way behind. I'm lagging in both my project (the second one cast on) and in reading the blog entries of other participants. However, I have not given up. Yesterday and today, I have been knitting like a sprinter. Today, I made a personal commitment to the second intermediate sprint competition."<br /><br /><a href="http://barbararochester.blogspot.com/">Barbara</a> is racing ahead to the finish line! "I had been persistent and am just about to the point of separating for the placket of the sweater!"Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09917833708894680350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687593818842285623.post-36478162457286765472008-07-20T23:55:00.003+02:002008-07-21T13:29:02.795+02:00Stage Fifteen: Embrun > Prato NevosoWelcome to the first of three days in the high mountains of the Alps! Today brings us many firsts, bests, and other superlatives. Both Enbrun and Prato Nevoso are hosting the Tour for the first time ever...today's first mountain climb, the <span style="font-style: italic;">hors categorie</span> Col Agnol, at 2744m, is the highest international pass in the Alps (it connects France and Italy), and the third-highest paved road pass in the Alps overall...the Tour goes over this pass for the first time ever in 2008!<br /><br />The Category 3 climb of the Collo del Morte sounds scary but I'm sure will pale in comparison with the 11km Category 1 climb to the finish at the ski town of Prato Nevoso. Any riders with any energy left might care to check out the town's Snowboard Museum...<br /><br />Team CSC dominated the tactics in the fight for the yellow jersey today, with strong pace making that left Cadel Evans jersey-less at the end of the stage. Not only has CSC gotten their man, Frank Schleck, into yellow, Carlos Sastre 'rode himself back into the race' (to borrow a Phil and Paulism) - at 6th place overall but less than a minute behind his teammate, Sastre is still one to watch! Today's stage blew the Tour wide open, with no less than five riders less than a minute behind Schleck.<br /><br />Even though Cadel's no longer in yellow, Australians still have something to celebrate with Simon Gerrans winning his first stage in four Tours de France. He was part of a four man breakaway early on, was briefly dropped by the breakaway, and - despite being pitted against better-acknowledged mountain climbing specialists - managed a great attack just at one of the final bends on the summit finish to snatch the stage win. And boy did he look happy crossing that finish line!<br /><br />The standings after Stage 15:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Yellow</span>: Frank Schleck (CSC)<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Green</span>: Oscar Freire (Rabobank)<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Polka Dot</span>: Bernhard Kohl (Gerolsteiner)<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">White</span>: Vincenzo Nibale (Liquigas)<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Team</span>: Team CSC<br /><br />And a reminder - you have just 24 hours to enter the <a href="http://tdfkal.blogspot.com/2008/07/stage-eleven-lannemezan-foix.html">2nd intermediate sprint!</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Team Rabobank:</span><br />Well, we're excited! Go Oscar Freire - woot!! (And from the Aussies on this team: Cadel, we know you can do it - you can get the yellow back again!)<br /><a href="http://knitosaurus.com/">Alli</a>'s excited - she is just back from a remote fishing trip/knitting retreat, and says she is "this close" to finishing - bring it on! <a href="http://sloth-knits.blogspot.com/">Erika</a> has been experimenting with new recipes to catch something of the flavour of the Tour - timing her risotto perfectly to match the Tour's entry into Italy. <a href="http://bellsknits.blogspot.com/2008/07/entertaining-seven-year-old-beginners.html">Bells</a> has been spreading the love of all things food and fibre unto the next generation (go and reassure her that all 7yr olds are like that). Bethgirl (<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/bethgirl">Rav</a>) has nearly finished the heel of her second Baudelaire - and you know it is all about <span style="font-style: italic;">la descente</span> after that! Our glorious leader <a href="http://www.bluegarter.org/">Sarah</a> should be back from knitting camp very soon, and we're all dying to see what she did while she was there, and <a href="http://thepiedaterre.blogspot.com/">Maria</a> has been finding some entertaining ways to escape the pressure of it all. <a href="http://knights-dont-knit.blogspot.com/">I've</a> got plans to crochet pretty edges around my Ondulation Tunique (wish me luck), but yesterday these were delayed by a bit of <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter06/PATTcalorimetry.html">Calorimetric</a> action last night, resulting in me modelling it in front of the Tour-on-tele at midnight (look if you dare).<br />Sunday is approaching with ever-increasing swiftness - may your needles fly, your wheels spin, and may you avoid the ghastly tangles of outrageous fortune as we set our sights on Paris!Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09917833708894680350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687593818842285623.post-39708104358243245532008-07-19T23:55:00.011+02:002008-07-20T09:27:11.952+02:00Stage Fourteen: Nimes > Digne-les-Bains<span>Nimes always reminds me of Hercule Poirot, though I can't find which mystery is set there. If anyone knows, please share in the comments!<br /><br />Digne-les-Bains is noted for those beautiful lavender fields, and Victor Hugo's <span style="font-style: italic;">Les Miserables</span> begins in Digne (wikipedia). It is also a thermal spa, and the former home of Alexandra David Neel, an explorer and writer.<br /><br />Very Quick Race Report: As the teams headed towards the Alps, Oscar Freire took advantage of one of the last flat stages and won the sprint. Cadel Evans still holds on to the yellow jersey, as the Tour heads into Italy for a mountain top finish tomorrow. Mark Cavendish, British Sprinter Extraordinaire, is likely headed home to rest and prepare for the Olympics.<br /><br />Yellow: Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto)<br />Green: Oscar Freire (Rabobank)<br />Polka Dot: Sebastian Lang (Gerolsteiner)<br />White: Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas)<br />Team: CSC<br /><br />Lantern Rouge: You Know Who, moved up to 157th place<br /><br />The winner of our KAL intermediate sprint is Jane, Team Leader of Credit Agricole (Thor needs to get some pointers from her on the sprints!). Jane has won a skein of made-for-us DK weight yarn from Katie at <a href="http://www.live2knit.com.au/store/">Live 2 Knit</a>, in her choice of colors, a red or green. [ed note: I am racing to get this post up, so I'll provide links to the yarns later on]. Felicitations Jane!!!<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Team <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">CSC</span>:</span><br /><a href="http://judyyiu.blogspot.com/2008/07/slow-in-stead.html">Judy's</a> injury has definitely slowed her down, but she's hanging on (she suggests as a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Lanterne</span> Rouge) and making progress. But now she's concerned about running out of yarn...it might go from a little nightie to a little tank top. Either way it'll be sassy!<br /><a href="http://http//ennavic.wordpress.com/2008/07/19/the-irony-of-it/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">EnnaVic</span></a> had some frogging of the "cursed" tam, but has now officially finished her project. The bad part, she thinks the finished hat is not flattering to her face! Hopefully we can see for ourselves with pictures tomorrow.<br /><a href="http://www.baadmedicine.blogspot.com/">I'm </a>done the body of my Lady Sweater and need to find some 5mm <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">DPNs</span> to finish the arms. We're 2/3 into the race, and I think I'm 2/3 of the way done!<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">From Team <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Garmin</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Chipotle</span>:</span><br />My heart was in my throat the last few yards. I was so hopeful that Julian Dean could pull it off. Fourth is not bad. Our team has made a very good start this Tour,<br />Thanks to the great coverage and photography of the various historic buildings and gorgeous countryside,<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Jane</span> has almost convinced her other half that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">theyshould</span> start saving in earnest for their own holiday to the France… <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Whoo</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Hoo</span><br /><br />If we are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Whoo</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Hooing</span> in France I will have to get my other half on the train, also.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Rosemary's</span> Maillot <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Dentelle</span> is 40% complete, with all of the back and most of one front done. She points out that the commentators keep missing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">VdV</span> despite his brilliant riding until the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">GC</span> listings come up. We are just coming to the ALPS Rosemary and hope is on the road!<br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Kira</span> has flown from Hobart, Tasmania over to Victoria for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Bendigo</span> Sheep and Wool show. Hopefully we will have pictures when she returns.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Norma</span> is hurrying to get her knitting done while it is winter in Queensland. She tends to knit for friends/family further south where it is colder. Apparently there are only SO many <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">woolies</span> you can wear in Queensland. Sounds divine!<br /><br />From <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Anne</span> comes the words “One down, One to go!” And here is the proof. Go Anne, it looks beautiful.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMwt1YG_r7M_8QhIAe5vbw9XneQfDOMQL7RSAP0T_BE5i2TayImziclYgGgWKZ8G-uWKctWiOoI1OSAeLvERtGvN8Pc7vr6VP0_wJ_0q7VV5yTCmKvP0FTys4W-AkwO6DZxRQ_goggt4/s1600-h/100_3211.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224752197796773474" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMwt1YG_r7M_8QhIAe5vbw9XneQfDOMQL7RSAP0T_BE5i2TayImziclYgGgWKZ8G-uWKctWiOoI1OSAeLvERtGvN8Pc7vr6VP0_wJ_0q7VV5yTCmKvP0FTys4W-AkwO6DZxRQ_goggt4/s200/100_3211.JPG" border="0" /></a>I am sorry to report that 1776 has design problems and has retired from the Tour. An <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Austerman</span> sock yarn has <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">voluntered</span> to replace it and it is cruising along.</div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Team AG2R-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Mondiale</span></span><br /><a href="http://the-view-from-the-hill.blogspot.com/">Katie</a> is up to the knee on the first leg of her nether garments and the varying widths is doing interesting things to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">varigated</span> yarn.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9bYu_f_OnA7DCapYYh9rtirJ-qIBGFaGZTAV1S8GCO0XeZmYoYtfJVFWlTpQcOuFr3XSL08s0tKQq4tvtk5_SMcuUyoz2WAmG_QXs06a3r7016-r72GLfHECYL4sjQJy-YbRBe9JsJm5h/s1600-h/Katie+2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224787465559380306" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9bYu_f_OnA7DCapYYh9rtirJ-qIBGFaGZTAV1S8GCO0XeZmYoYtfJVFWlTpQcOuFr3XSL08s0tKQq4tvtk5_SMcuUyoz2WAmG_QXs06a3r7016-r72GLfHECYL4sjQJy-YbRBe9JsJm5h/s200/Katie+2.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://paisleywomble.blogspot.com/">Paisley</a> has finished her second sprint which is a <a href="http://pirouette.vuodatus.net/blog/402495">Jacques Cousteau Chapeau/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">pipo</span>/hat</a>. (Am I the only one in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">KAL</span> that can read the Cousteau hat pattern in its original language?) It had a decrease that she hadn't used before - a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">KKS</span>. Now she's working on her real project – a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Clapotis</span>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJQajjk-CCq1GflcO4rHTj1thVcTYt5dADdZg6e_SJpNgHKWfI_42FWnIokhJUjNum08-UjQaFKb9GZ70aVgRAWb71RY-yvf5R-XWcb6RDKs-QeZDoUAVbyDpKmqCebeY41qVW79Am9Jd/s1600-h/Paisley+2nd+hat.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224787467191543874" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJQajjk-CCq1GflcO4rHTj1thVcTYt5dADdZg6e_SJpNgHKWfI_42FWnIokhJUjNum08-UjQaFKb9GZ70aVgRAWb71RY-yvf5R-XWcb6RDKs-QeZDoUAVbyDpKmqCebeY41qVW79Am9Jd/s200/Paisley+2nd+hat.JPG" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYg1PCfK4VwWvdSAFRCn35j0IHWpJoAs27mtC4G9qPSMpgYoS5aEdEj88hY4QwqED9VUz1zNyTnsv_a2Px9UhoH30wDnNyyHVY4Pf6eQZgsm5uFPFqd-YJ2AH8wLdz5TLiAaGQHwUhcnyA/s1600-h/Paisley+shawl.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224787464035491250" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYg1PCfK4VwWvdSAFRCn35j0IHWpJoAs27mtC4G9qPSMpgYoS5aEdEj88hY4QwqED9VUz1zNyTnsv_a2Px9UhoH30wDnNyyHVY4Pf6eQZgsm5uFPFqd-YJ2AH8wLdz5TLiAaGQHwUhcnyA/s200/Paisley+shawl.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/cioccito">Jen</a> has finished the <a href="http://kellymaher.wordpress.com/2007/07/04/ribbed-lace-bolero/">ribbed lace bolero</a> and is back on track with her monkey socks.<br /><br /><strong>Exclusive news from the mountain hideaway of Team Credit <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Agricole</span></strong><br /><br />Freewheeling along in the sunshine, don't you just love this time of year, the birdsong, the fresh mountain air...wait a minute.... who are those people behind us? What do you mean a race? This calls for decisive action. Shave our legs for maximum aerodynamics? Nah - we need decisive action - grab that shearer someone, the Flying Sheep are getting <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">shorn</span>!<br /><br />I think it's fair to say that we have been a bit off the pace in this difficult middle week but have no fear, in our gleaming white close fitting livery we mean business in the final week of the Tour. Let's review the roster:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/LynS/montparnasse">Lyn</a> is now two thirds of the way up the back of her <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Montparnasse</span> and feels like she's running out of puff . Come on Lyn, you've been our anchor sheep for the first part of the tour - perhaps being a few pounds lighter in the fleece will put a spring in your hooves!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224795249526367202" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUvbsaXSn3iHAR2VanzxfrN6loA7JYY7i4PgqkKBfK-3JoqYDZ7v3mxbws7THF2nQmNTEp7sEwELCIqJa0zaCqn_W63Cn3UEY3KZIS5il91T0l-tp25_1bTJBVChBQv4vlrcachOY91Nqr/s200/2679038028_cbd798808e.jpg" border="0" />On the other hand, where some are losing their wind, some have found their legs and are kicking for home - Sarah has now done 15 repeats of Le Rectangle - that's half the central panel! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Tres</span> impressive...<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224796402322671698" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzNWfCSdZhmn5l6x0dN5SJMnyyA7gCZpM2nrSqhH4Dyw1plUoVDJbsYb0AJnUgehDGG-mLNAMjWydjeBn8LTtFxC4U7nU1ttPmonpeMPUHnaLrzZ_gsITBrdWRk9VGj_5gZjh4TUn-w2x/s200/100_1955.jpg" border="0" /><a href="http://knittingtastic.blogspot.com/">Rachel</a>, another stalwart of the team is showing her character by making further progress on her Chanteuse Socks. She's on the second sock now so finishing should be a breeze!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224798715251849810" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmuJYU-5d0BcKFA8DcUr1deLVj04ofrhRxu3HYz-bw3_Io_kdGe5ZN5nE4Lyg0PRmgc8FQGNLN1g0QXXCHpLocm0hH92hL7qNeSvp-R-CrDoyxi7SBN3WEgIXkU5FRoGo9LNFu2sNNega/s200/IMG_2372.JPG" border="0" /><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/gbina/tour-de-france-afghan">Gina</a> is taking a brief ride in the team car, waiting for her new yarn <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">to arrive</span> on the 21st. In the meantime, here is another of her scorching squares. With a couple of day' rest behind her, on 21st other teams will be eating Gina's dust as she sprints towards the finish!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224799413523642018" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5df1kM5ltisRjjh0NZ95f4-XdMNdzSCB9Z5-09EjDcS7R08SZs99Cd2MOgn-iuZbd68Fq_ZFXxASPY8h95PvzmlNal0wIBXl4H02J2gS5KszC28QCrX2hU_Wpw6iL1lFzKlJOMXZXhOz/s200/2677832089_0da1257f6f.jpg" border="0" />Look at the shape of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/ckknit/breton-girl">Carolyn'</a>s Breton Girl - how French is that? She is planning to pick <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">up speed</span> on <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">the front</span> - we'll be cheering you on, Carolyn.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224800568040686866" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyQ-HCa-BNEI9dZVJMXGc-tBP8SAnqB1Sf0eKPhRHIHAVZGGhtIjZgMIGIw7JktaIJ03SxG0FJ9jOE4nq4kGM0DxUFmw5NlIQgl_G2xgJQ4m4FZh6MKHzCi0ULeX9kRzuH-tsLyrIXoD5h/s200/2675759968_2fcdf12e64.jpg" border="0" /><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/CiCi/gilet-468-t6-630">Marci</a> has finished her first sleeve. We are quietly confident about Marci.<br /><div></div><br /><div>As for me,I feel the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Lanterne</span> Rouge of my own team. According to my faithful lap counter I have clocked up 77 rows now, a pitiful three more than my last showing. However, thanks to my new haircut I will be showing the flock a clean pair of hooves.</div><br /><div></div>Less of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">belement</span>, let's see more <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">pedalment</span>!<br /><div></div><br /><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Allez</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">les</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Moutons</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Volantes</span>! </div><div></div><br /><div><strong>Team Lampre</strong> update: Two members reporting progress: <a href="http://peaknit.blogspot.com/">Stacey</a> is cruising along on her February Lady Sweater in swoon-worthy Dream in Color Classy in "Lagoon". She is contemplating the perfect go-with buttons. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224807491594730738" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyCcWk0U5hRsV3mZRADWSZ8Olvx6HTPC2xP0zMVeeuIErsJETRghzsuoD-xnO9zHxWvj1nO6nHNzc6faZmUggsbTU1vf5AfuXKUcGkrD_5Ja04m_qMkoQpJ6JI7R4YEQmvjbPaPvOwPOr/s200/KAL+stacey+FLS.jpg" border="0" /></div><a href="http://http//audioknits.typepad.com/audioknits/">Kristen</a> is at the half-way point, having finished the back of the Hand in Hand vest. On to the front!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224807497513995826" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1J1pvkyoqzUI3a4ZY6g-Oep8lM-r5OrxGUJH9Jdtb9wJASSAki_GVrIqF5bagNdFn7z4t2E1-oZerEi-EKZOBSnYQ1IlwN_N7Gc2BMlQ-n7ow3ZyYU70xoGUf7segMgyupH9WS1hfn7SN/s200/SAT+vest.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">Team SIL</span> is cycling along with one member finishing an entire sweater and working on another!</div><br /><div></div><div><a href="http://www.higuru-munda.blogspot.com/">Melanie </a>has finished her Molly Ringwald and is starting a new sweater project. She is making the bed jacket from Knitting Lingerie Style. This provides her with two new challenges: short rows and the dreaded crochet! I'd bet (if it weren't illegal to bet on sporting events here in the US) she'll finish!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPJQc_EyGdO-qyhA31VedAwC16cS_anTxY2vcdbLtuDMfhkKAiX0PlC028WCfNi4w5KDDat7MhAcL2qk5yLVnXKiS1Zqr8_0b2qQ8RKJwexBzJyMPwLUr8Ygzx-VmfkUEGrt25Pj4RrI/s1600-h/melanie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224699671407404434" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPJQc_EyGdO-qyhA31VedAwC16cS_anTxY2vcdbLtuDMfhkKAiX0PlC028WCfNi4w5KDDat7MhAcL2qk5yLVnXKiS1Zqr8_0b2qQ8RKJwexBzJyMPwLUr8Ygzx-VmfkUEGrt25Pj4RrI/s320/melanie.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><a href="http://www.baadmedicine.blogspot.com/">Joline</a> shares this photo of her Lady Sweater. It fits the bill for summer knitting. Interesting and lacey. She is loving it but has been busy lately....<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224698343495547762" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22MGUcV4ep6W3A7GCgUFhhKGk79JqlW5RIGguF8pGb21ASs4ZQnkJsRG_AjXGWQ2fDi6L-a41dUX2D-lPcFVSebhsoYgsQr-XpV8PEx-Ai0cD6BJa8-JMiaHgQ47e39HYvNjhgRhofwA/s320/joline" border="0" /><br /></div></div><p></p><div><a href="http://www.kudzuknits.wordpress.com/">Megan </a>checked in to show off the progress on her Stolen Moments shawl. It's "long, like the Tour is long" and enough to keep her busy but also a little boring. So, she's going to make a Baby Surprise Jacket just for fun.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-BaVGldTob7Gg8WVllc_e2SatkkiFs9u7mtK1VMKdqEo4r7KpZFZBFXpMU-oi9hRkkb-SPsksk9rcwZ64uxPZkqyDyFbDbEiHl4ncFLRiZWikKVCw9I0sGVdy_KEfxDa9ncyFWEEw-pc/s1600-h/kudzu.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224698905095606962" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-BaVGldTob7Gg8WVllc_e2SatkkiFs9u7mtK1VMKdqEo4r7KpZFZBFXpMU-oi9hRkkb-SPsksk9rcwZ64uxPZkqyDyFbDbEiHl4ncFLRiZWikKVCw9I0sGVdy_KEfxDa9ncyFWEEw-pc/s320/kudzu.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><a href="http://www.roseredshoes.blogspot.com/">Rosered</a> is on tier 9 of her Lady Eleanor and while she won't finish by the end of the Tour, she has "totally got the hang of this entrelac business". </div><div></div><div><a href="http://www.whatyouthinkongrows.blogspot.com/">I</a> am thrilled to be finished repeat number 9 of my shawl and will hopefully forge onward over the weekend.</div><div></div><div>The weather here is unbearable this weekend and keeping up the motivation is a real challenge. </div><p></p></div><a href="http://nanaironoashita.blogspot.com/">Kate</a> here, checking in for <strong>Team Liquigas</strong>! I have to admit, I have been remiss in my knitting, especially as I am a Green Jersey contender. However, I have a valid excuse--er, reason. Otakon is in a little under three weeks and I have costumes to work on! Lots of sewing means less knitting. I'm out on pictures, too. I swear I'll have some soon, though!<br /><a href="http://mogiebear.livejournal.com/">Rosemary</a> has finished her Montparnasse, and it's lovely, despite having to add shoulder gussets. She's started her Notre Dame de Grace pullover, but pictures are delayed by packing for camping.<br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.betseydoodle.ca">Nancy</a> has had a bit of a knitting vacation due to houseguests, but she's picked up her needles with a little less than 30 edging repeats left. Here's to hoping she'll finish this weekend!<br /><a href="http://www.barristers-yarn.blogspot.com/">Tanya</a> is cruising along on her clapotis, and even has two other pairs of socks otn. Also, an adorable little girl.<br /><a href="http://live-learn-knit.blogspot.com/">Amy</a>enjoyed a nice day at the beach with many wise questions and comments from her son (where <em>do</em> waves go when they stop being waves?) and after quite a contemplative time came home to yarn-y and chocolatey goodness through the mail. Now that's an ideal day off.knitseashorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08594976722011232979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687593818842285623.post-1606391132309342162008-07-18T23:55:00.014+02:002008-07-19T07:23:03.836+02:00Stage Thirteen: Narbonne > Nîmes<div>It's another day for the sprinters as Stage 13 travels near the Mediterranean coastline from Narbonne to the Roman city of Nîmes, where <a href="http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/cas/fnart/arch/roman_arch.html">ancient architecture</a> contrasts with the modern architecture in the city centre, including works by some of our most pre-eminent contemporary architects such as Sir Norman Foster. However, the most relevant interesting tidbit about Nîmes for our purposes is that it is well known for its textiles - a fact which is reflected in the name given to one of its specialty fabrics: <span style="font-style: italic;">Serge de Nîmes,<br /></span> better known nowadays as denim!<br /><br />Take a bow Team Columbia! Your unstoppable Mark Cavendish, dubbed by some as "the new Robbie McEwan", nosed ahead of Robbie McEwan (now, sadly, dubbed "the old Robbie McEwan"?) to win the bunch sprint in Nimes in clinical fashion, though coming from a boxed-in, unwinnable-looking position 300m from the finish line.<br /><br />Cavendish is <a href="http://tdf.sbs.com.au/tdf2008/news/article/a/2112/h/--Cav--makes-it-four-as-Evans-keeps-yellow">quoted</a> as saying of today's finish, "I put in another kick with about 100 to go in case I died. I didn't die and I was able to hold on so I'm pleased." Goodness me, I'm pleased he didn't die as well! And I'm sure the UK Olympic authorities are also quite pleased. Apparently Cavendish has been under pressure to leave the Tour to go rest and prepare for the Olympics, which begin in Beijing on 8th August. There are whispers that Cavendish may in fact leave the Tour in the next day or so as we head into <span style="font-style: italic;">les Alpes</span> - where the opportunities for sprinters will dry up. Time will tell - but personally I think it'd be great to see him ride into Paris on July 27th!<br /><br />Gerolsteiner's Sven Krauss had probably the most spectacular crash we've seen this year. While he walked away unscathed, his bike was carried off the road broken in half!<br /><br />The standings after Stage 13:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Yellow</span>: Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto)<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Green</span>: Oscar Freire (Rabobank)<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Polka Dot</span>: Sebastian Lang (Gerolsteiner)<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">White</span>: Vincenzo Nibale (Liquigas)<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Team</span>: Team CSC<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reminder:</span> There are just two days left to enter the <a href="http://tdfkal.blogspot.com/2008/07/stage-eleven-lannemezan-foix.html">2nd Intermediate Sprint</a>!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Team AG2R-Mondiale</span><br /><a href="http://stitch.peoplesmeat.com/">Steph</a> has changed her project and is now working a UFO that's over a year old. There's still time to wear the <a href="http://shop.interweave.com/Ms-Green-P659C63.aspx">shorts</a> this summer if she finishes them by the end of the Tour.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9euVzrJd5TcmQWrCl5SDW4rk3twk0aTFqr5F1407QYGKjxe3kj4zQbT7itiG-lBxOEs2oThwd2L_KZDtI_O5KA3tq6oZH6tbOC5F2DZ0mK-QiUgxJjFr4EIjNLYOh6Ci3utSS69pz5oH/s1600-h/Steph's+shorts.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224270501914481586" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9euVzrJd5TcmQWrCl5SDW4rk3twk0aTFqr5F1407QYGKjxe3kj4zQbT7itiG-lBxOEs2oThwd2L_KZDtI_O5KA3tq6oZH6tbOC5F2DZ0mK-QiUgxJjFr4EIjNLYOh6Ci3utSS69pz5oH/s200/Steph's+shorts.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><p></p><strong>Team Lampre</strong> update: After much debate over how to deal with running out of yarn, <a href="http://http//theyarnyard.co.uk/newsite/component/option,com_wrapper/Itemid,27/">Natalie </a>had a happy ending with her pink and green socks, going for a sassy stripe.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224414399687557266" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vAkNMgcZC-t85Ydidt1ob2wIuSiw49iRRjWiAlfxAQhsv5tXSn8NVWunSbT9CEixvzJeJ0S-yWt8nWGbAXYv7DzhpBklwNaO03xcGaUk2_ZF3o4nl966qQ9k2e1SEtFbSyHmKWyyE7Nm/s200/KAL+natalie+socks.jpg" border="0" /><a href="http://http//corporateknit.blogspot.com/">Donna</a> is so close to finishing Tempest: "Whoopee! Still riding well. Though I must admit to some exhaustion. I am not usually so committed to a single project. But the linen on the Addis is superfast. Fronts done. Back done. On to the sleeves. Three cheers for people who design three-quarters length sleeves for fast knitting (and a cute look)."<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224414405260484498" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6tRBQ-4mnRdUnj3Es0x9S-p2FIqch8Y1GuH3U4_NKjBGB1vE6qx3mWoRoHWDwK6lFhyAgoBYXe1Kjx-uHW514vXVRG9hmFJFXz037D6PnJVRLVgcAhAf4-Vm83-YwJdT4h2WUqswYjlC/s200/KAL+donna+tempest.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Team CSC:</span><p>CathyAnn has taught herself magic loop and these seems to be working better for her sleeves on the cardigan. She still isn't sure about the fit of the peplum but it's looking like it will have to be frogged somewhat...another mountain for her to climb!</p><p><a href="http://yarn-tails.blogspot.com/2008/07/done.html">Elisa</a> is DONE. Her cardigan is complete except for buttons. Finishing pics coming soon.</p><p><a href="http://jerseyknitter151.blogspot.com/2008/07/k-is-for-karma.html">Ina</a> has been busy with tomatoes, bananas (in the form of socks) and other non-TdFKAL things!!</p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Team Rabobank:</span></p><p><span>With Oscar Freire sporting the Green Jersey, there is no excuse for us not to be steaming ahead on our TdF knitting – unless you are Maria, who <a href="http://thepiedaterre.blogspot.com/2008/07/run-run-rudolph-marias-gotta-make-it-to.html">just dashed off to GREECE</a> for a massive Girl’s-Several-Nights-And-Days-Away-Somewhere-Utterly-Gorgeous Trip (are we jealous….yes!) (and check out the outfit-maker thingy she uses for her pic!)<br />And then there is our Team Captain <a href="http://www.bluegarter.org/">Sarah</a>, whiling away the weekend at Knitting Camp (oh yes, we’re jealous!!)</span></p><p><span>Although saddened by riders testing positive and withdrawals, knitting-wise, <a href="http://www.likelyyarns.com/">Sandy</a> has crested the peak of her entrelac bag, and is starting the downhill run – she says she is a little over halfway done. She has also been working on a Spring Forward sock, and has some gratuitous yarn pr*n – be warned!</span></p><p><a href="http://bellsknits.blogspot.com/2008/07/tour-de-france-chasing-breakaways-from.html">Bells </a> is finding it hard to get through the peleton – she has finished the back of her sister’s cardigan, but those pesky sleeves have been spinning her in circles. However she has them on the straight and narrow again now and is picking up the pace.</p><p><span>MeganO (Rav) has been cycling and knitting (not simultaneously) but is now resting her hands before picking up the Eyelet Cardi again, bethgirl’s (Rav) project page says she is into the second Baudelaire, <a href="http://nerdyknitter.wordpress.com">Lisa</a> put up a tantalising plan of hexagons on her project page but is having too much fun to show us any more, and <a href="http://sloth-knits.blogspot.com/">Erika</a> has finished the stripes on her BYOBag, and is looking forward to the openwork section once she conquers the seed stitch stage!</span></p><p>As for <a href="http://knights_dont_knit.blogspot.com">me</a>, some long days and splashes of housework have come between me and my TdF Ondulation tunic, so I have been finding a little relief in the twisty cables of my Rattlesnake Creek sock – but it is Saturday, and there will be daylight knitting and testing on the recipient, so stay tuned!</p><p>And to make up for the lack of knitting pics, here is Ribby Man cheering our team on for glory!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knights_dont_knit/2640762832/" title="Ribby Man cheering on Team Rabobank by knights_dont_knit, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3028/2640762832_cdc176c768_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Ribby Man cheering on Team Rabobank" /></a><br /></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></p><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Team Quick Step Update</span><br /><a href="http://thewonderfulgretchen.blogspot.com/">Gretchen</a> is pedaling along with her French Market bag.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_JRMxMjhn9Jw/SIF3IOWO86I/AAAAAAAABgU/SqpfYEnufcg/s1600-h/2680770652_0191240aa1_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_JRMxMjhn9Jw/SIF3IOWO86I/AAAAAAAABgU/SqpfYEnufcg/s400/2680770652_0191240aa1_m.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224588025900495778" /></a><br />and is so pleased with this one, she's making Market bags for everyone! Ok, just her children then.<br /><a href="http://lettucepieces.com/unravelme/">Madalyn</a> has come to the decision that her Lucy Shawl was a bit too challenging and has found a new lace project that she feels she'll get on with.<br /><a href="http://www.knitty.com/issuefall04/PATTcozy.html">Le Chale Chaleureux</a><br />Good luck Madalyn<br /><a href="http://whitknits.wordpress.com/">Whitney </a>is learning about her region for the Intermediate Sprint #2, the post is coming soon and if you want to know a little bit about where I'm <a href="http://riggwelter.wordpress.com">(Angie)</a> from and my town's big secret, go see my blog.Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09917833708894680350noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687593818842285623.post-48718790629087991232008-07-17T23:55:00.013+02:002008-07-18T11:34:45.823+02:00Stage Twelve: Lavelanet > NarbonneToday's stage brings us to Lavelanet, a town whose name comes from the Latinish word "avelana," or hazelnut, according to the official TdF website. The town used to be surrounded by hazelnut trees -- if you are hitting the local cafe today, some hazelnut coffee might be in order, in honor of Lavelanet! It is also known for clothing manufacture.<br /><div><span><br />Our end stage is Narbonne, near the Mediterranean Sea. Narbonne was built on the Via Domicia, the first Roman road in France, and near the Aude River. The Canal de la Robine was built, and connected to the Canal du Midi, also known as the Royal Canal, in 1787. This canal provided a shortcut to the Mediterranean Sea. Though the Canal closed in 1989, it is a UNESCO world heritage site. Its name is near and dear to sock knitters, for the pattern for Nancy Bush's Canal du Midi socks were published in her book, Knitting on the Road. Narbonne is also known for its winemaking.<br /><br />Race Report: The Cobra was bit back today, when Riccardo Ricco tested positive for a new version of EPO. He and his team Saunier Duval, have officially left the Tour. How incredibly sad.<br /><br />On a happier note, Mark Cavendish (Columbia) won the sprint and today's stage. Leaving the Pyrenees, riders raced on a mostly flat transitional stage today, giving the sprinters an opportunity to shine. Our GC contenders stayed the same, which means <span style="font-style: italic;">Cadel is still wearing the yellow jersey</span>! Good times.<br /><br />Standings:<br /><br />Yellow: Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto)<br />Green: Oscar Freire (Rabobank)<br />Polka Dot/KOM: Sebastian Lang (Gerolsteiner)<br />White: Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas)<br />Team: CSC Saxo Bank!<br /><br />Lantern Rouge: Wim Vansevenant (Silence-Lotto) holding steady at 158th place. How does he do it?? Especially with his team leader in the yellow jersey??<br /><br />And now, our team updates!<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Team FDJ News</span>:<br /><br />Well it's been a rather busy couple of days in the Pyrenees, followed by a rest. But no rest for the knitters of Team FDJ, we have been whizzing along with our projects!<br /><br /><a href="http://janinehempy.blogspot.com/">Janine</a> has completed the 13 repeats of the pattern in her Clapotis:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjainEugwxyMs6VyqoK6sEGOxJl3jga1NjPl0xQWBK5cN84psYVj1Cj-CkKM5LopiA9x311KdyegWn4uncP_tZ_cwe6zUqB1FyQs5yvsiOKbP1TgVDdauhXdg2KYxDYTGGSDfOZl_rex2AP/s1600-h/clapotis.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223950865541981506" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjainEugwxyMs6VyqoK6sEGOxJl3jga1NjPl0xQWBK5cN84psYVj1Cj-CkKM5LopiA9x311KdyegWn4uncP_tZ_cwe6zUqB1FyQs5yvsiOKbP1TgVDdauhXdg2KYxDYTGGSDfOZl_rex2AP/s200/clapotis.jpg" border="0" /></a>She's thinking about making it longer; any Clapotis experts who want to provide some advice, please feel free.<br /><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/lavendarlime">Sarah</a>'s Juno Regina stole has been growing steadily, especially during the flatter stages of Le Tour. She's hoping to get in a big chunk of knitting before we hit the Alps. It's looking gorgeous so far, <span style="font-style: italic;">n'est pas</span>?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgzobcBJOREK0jZsVThIAlWMqsd95MK44b4sSUj1kH_3kh1IhaiQpzTr719B4oLlVtLOEuntLrO_VATg5zkSpUkQRj76A0TEDJmsRE5Oe5FdxYpPp3Fo4kgotCQm26KDv6X4BIRngdxuA/s1600-h/juno.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223951628061735170" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgzobcBJOREK0jZsVThIAlWMqsd95MK44b4sSUj1kH_3kh1IhaiQpzTr719B4oLlVtLOEuntLrO_VATg5zkSpUkQRj76A0TEDJmsRE5Oe5FdxYpPp3Fo4kgotCQm26KDv6X4BIRngdxuA/s200/juno.jpg" border="0" /></a>Also, Julia has made some amazing progress on her Entrelac Chaussettes:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDdCYdkPpLhi-5MR8qvrv2U97rjYbiCZ4Eu5k0LwiynvLRkVu47wSIwrXXq-HyYrroFoVyAqtky8kiQvtSQyX3CeNMVvCjmpj7HE-D3G6U1OJRk98XYvupzF2065HwokUa5vwnUu10SFQ/s1600-h/entrelac.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223952449890373330" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDdCYdkPpLhi-5MR8qvrv2U97rjYbiCZ4Eu5k0LwiynvLRkVu47wSIwrXXq-HyYrroFoVyAqtky8kiQvtSQyX3CeNMVvCjmpj7HE-D3G6U1OJRk98XYvupzF2065HwokUa5vwnUu10SFQ/s200/entrelac.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Stacy is also coming along nicely with the Mon Cheri baby sweater, despite some slight mojo issues this week - let's cheer her on from the roadside!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8lHqeAMi5AadP8iFnED7u-JlthX4b7lS08hZqPgA0ahSP3vYzYT9OSysf4aciQh6_lqngXUHokNdLpG2SxO1QLDndJvvvPXQZyJEhYUH9-sqjMtwUevKhuDn2BDjEVcz6V-CLZLhTa4_/s1600-h/mon+cheri.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223953306487542034" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8lHqeAMi5AadP8iFnED7u-JlthX4b7lS08hZqPgA0ahSP3vYzYT9OSysf4aciQh6_lqngXUHokNdLpG2SxO1QLDndJvvvPXQZyJEhYUH9-sqjMtwUevKhuDn2BDjEVcz6V-CLZLhTa4_/s200/mon+cheri.jpg" border="0" /></a>As for myself, I'm going away for the weekend and am taking my Baudelaire socks with me. I've got a 2.5 train trip plus a lot of movie watching and general swanning around time. So I'm hoping to return with one completed sock, photographed and all!</div><div></div><br /><div><strong>Team CSC:</strong></div><br /><div><a href="http://ennavic.wordpress.com/2008/07/16/a-couple-of-quick-photos/">EnnaVic</a> is taking an extended rest day, but looking forward to getting back to her sunflower tam. She figures 3 rounds a day on the Tam, and she'll hit the finish line flying! She is also celebrating a Kiwi win for NZ cyclist <a href="http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/cy/profiles/1500000000009386.html">Hayden Roulston </a>(he's a cutie) in the four-day Tour des Deux-Sevres in France a couple of days ago.</div><br /><div><a href="http://yarn-tails.blogspot.com/2008/07/closing-in-on-finish-line.html">Elisa </a>has made huge progress with her cardigan. She's finished the collar, bottom band and the left front button placket. With this an all the plying she's doing with her handspun, she'll be in need of another rest day soon!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224010391228571298" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAjexZLDZ50YOPq4JruX10mKVF2bzZOfpmClIdwr0Jo8QyxZ9kG24AW45bG-bP3nG7xhfQ_u0OsfWseh0Xz2_FmXMoF708J84sCz1lTuD0dmeCBhj_dW_B632_ZDVra5pjtDffgaVHw2U/s200/epspins.jpg" border="0" /></div><a href="http://www.baadmedicine.blogspot.com/">I'm</a> almost done the front of my Lady Sweater and hope to start the sleeves on the weekend.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Team AG2R-Mondiale</span><p></p> <p><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/cioccito">Jen</a> has taken a detour to finish a <a href="http://kellymaher.wordpress.com/2007/07/04/ribbed-lace-bolero/">ribbed lace bolero</a>. She only has to bind off.</p> <p><a href="http://gemma747.blogspot.com/">Gemma</a> pinned out her shawl-in-progress and the tail is suddenly visible. The magic of lace!</p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtP-ThkFKGYiuqqRDjgY_LPCN9eowiZvwDF1Z-zvXLR8VyUAu8Q7SHbOciRk8YTAcoCRMwlGGmd3RqDu0xqNLUqEYJ45UiOmm1iho0GDtzzfSqUh2B5W9VnXnaaP6C0ncxwc7XhxqpQud/s1600-h/Gemma+tail+pinned.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtP-ThkFKGYiuqqRDjgY_LPCN9eowiZvwDF1Z-zvXLR8VyUAu8Q7SHbOciRk8YTAcoCRMwlGGmd3RqDu0xqNLUqEYJ45UiOmm1iho0GDtzzfSqUh2B5W9VnXnaaP6C0ncxwc7XhxqpQud/s200/Gemma+tail+pinned.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224072018013690946" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">TEAM COLUMBIA</span><br /><a href="http://aknittingaffair.com/">Morgan</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">chef d'equipe - </span><span>has been working away on her Wicked. Worried about running out of yarn even though its not likely, she sent a frantic email to her supplier in hopes of finding the same lot. Also, she has conquered a hill by learning bust darts.<br /><br /></span><a href="http://cristina61.wordpress.com/">Christine</a> has been busy splurging and shopping but has still found time to work on her skb. Progress is looking great!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fiberaddict/2677397435/" title="skbChristine by FibreAddict, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3272/2677397435_7fdcabc5b5_m.jpg" alt="skbChristine" height="180" width="240" /></a><br /></div><br /><a href="http://mariknits.blogspot.com/">Mari <span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></a> has gone on vacation to a wedding. Hopefully all the partying won't interfere too much with her TDF! Have fun Mari.<br /><br /><a href="http://allstitchedup.blogspot.com/">Jam_Mam</a> is working on a beautiful lace shawl and has made some good progress on it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fiberaddict/2678224638/" title="1wedding by FibreAddict, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3247/2678224638_3a4b8a6ced_m.jpg" alt="1wedding" height="180" width="240" /></a><br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/iowakathy">Kathy</a>'s mobius capelet is growing in leaps and bounds. She will be taking a picture and getting input on length.<br /><br /><a href="http://squid-knits.blogspot.com/">Devorah</a> puts it best "Theoretically, I have been diligently working of my Tour de France socks. In reality, what was supposed to be a sprint has turned into a climb up the mountains. The mountains being real life."<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fiberaddict/2678234930/" title="squidknits by FibreAddict, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3220/2678234930_0b4c613fe5_m.jpg" alt="squidknits" height="180" width="240" /></a><br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/lynwymer">Lyn</a> has had two false starts. Here is hoping that third time's a charm!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/artfulscribe">Roxana</a> was interviewed when she was hit hard ... " Road) <br /><br />This Bastille Day shall go down in infamy…<br /><br />I’ve been run over by the proverbial team bus. Today on our drive home from NY, I started thinking, hmm…now would be a good time to slip the sock on my foot and give it a go (don’t worry, I was in the passenger seat). Disaster. Far too small for my feet. It looks like a perfectly normal sized sock, but I think the problem is that I’m knitting it in cotton, on a size zero needle. No give whatsoever. Thought surely my eight year old could slip her foot in there and save the day. Nope. Grabbed the six year old. Impenetrable. How could this be??? It looks like an adult sized sock, but it lies, it lies!<br /><br />I don’t know what I’m going to do now. I could frog it and start again, but I don’t trust this evil yarn. If I’m to continue, I think it’s going to have to be with something totally new and possibly not very French. So upsetting! I was having so much fun cheering on the team with my blue sock!"<br /><br /><a href="http://twinkletoesuk.wordpress.com/">Jo</a> is motoring along and had this to say ... "Well.. After the wheels fell of my race at the start (not to mention the chain, and the saddle)… The bike is rebuilt and I’m back on course…<br /><br />Had a great day yesterday.. the maps I’m following are really clear and easy to follow.. even if every turn is completely different to the previous one!!! No easy there and back on this route!!!"<br /><br /><a href="http://knitcrit.typepad.com/">Martha</a> crashed and burned with her Polka Dot project and has changed it to Aleita Shell by Bonne Marie Burns. GO Martha!<br /><br /><a href="http://barbararochester.blogspot.com/">Barbara</a> was going to be starting the pocket. Let's hope the light helped her see against all that blackness.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fiberaddict/2677456607/" title="July by FibreAddict, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3223/2677456607_184afffe1c_m.jpg" alt="July" height="135" width="240" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Team Quick Step Update</span><br />It was good to see<a href="http://www.qsi-cycling.com/eng/shownews.php?newsid=2828"> our men</a> at the front of the peleton lately, and Team Quick Stitch aren't far behind...<br /><a href="http://www.skeinsherway.com/">Alli</a> has finished her Cropped Cardigan!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_JRMxMjhn9Jw/SIBeT-0oRTI/AAAAAAAABf8/hDNnfT_Kzvs/s1600-h/100_2273-788167.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_JRMxMjhn9Jw/SIBeT-0oRTI/AAAAAAAABf8/hDNnfT_Kzvs/s320/100_2273-788167.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224279265124042034" /></a><br />She veered off course for a while, forgetting to make the same modifications she had made on the first sleeve, on the second but like a true pro, made it back to the front of the peleton and took the stage...maybe we should nickname Alli "The Cobra"?<br />Another to finish a project is <a href="http://alittlebitcrafty.blogspot.com/">Jennifer</a>, who has completed this stage with a beautiful beret (wrong size or not).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02Yo3Qp8Jj5K5GXSGiu7BqfT1eK5fQf2GLnmGQeh5sa6igxsAWZfyTTabWLLyr5EtIn68n8oN7YN4dWRzhqnwcY5lnlfAp-IraUQms8BK1go9r5ejRPo1__0NGKnLvL79AhzWjyz7Q9k/s1600-h/MonBeret2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02Yo3Qp8Jj5K5GXSGiu7BqfT1eK5fQf2GLnmGQeh5sa6igxsAWZfyTTabWLLyr5EtIn68n8oN7YN4dWRzhqnwcY5lnlfAp-IraUQms8BK1go9r5ejRPo1__0NGKnLvL79AhzWjyz7Q9k/s400/MonBeret2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224280867371104402" /></a><br />Poor <a href="http://lettucepieces.com/unravelme/">Madalyn</a> is trying desperately to catch up but her Lucy Shawl is refusing to play nice! <br /><a href="http://whitknits.wordpress.com/">Whitney</a>, who has finished her shoulder straps is ready to knit down the sleeve.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_JRMxMjhn9Jw/SIBiJuR28rI/AAAAAAAABgM/PJb3ad_VEVc/s1600-h/2674577061_e7ba8b3e74.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_JRMxMjhn9Jw/SIBiJuR28rI/AAAAAAAABgM/PJb3ad_VEVc/s320/2674577061_e7ba8b3e74.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224283486931055282" /></a>knitseashorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08594976722011232979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687593818842285623.post-63224008642226009902008-07-16T23:55:00.013+02:002008-07-22T01:06:44.523+02:00Stage Eleven: Lannemezan > FoixAfter a well-deserved rest, the cyclists are back on the road today! The Tour is far from decided and far from over. What twists and turns will fate throw the riders in the next 10 stages?! Certainly today's route will take the riders through the twisting roads of the foothills of the Pyrenees, a route never before included in the Tour itinerary. The three towers of Castle Foix seen against the backdrop of the Pyrenees mountains will provide plenty of beautiful scenery for Paul and Phil to embellish their commentary!<br /><br />Team CSC's Kurt-Asle Arvesen was part of the 12-man breakaway 20km into the stage and went on to win it - narrowly beating Lampre's Alessandra Ballan and AG2R's Martin Elmiger. Because no one in the breakaway group was a threat in the GC standings, the peloton (and mainly Team Silence-Lotto) let them go ahead without any response and as a result we have no change in the yellow jersey standings.<br /><br />The standings after Stage 11:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Yellow</span>: Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto)<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Green</span>: Oscar Freire (Rabobank)<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Polka Dot</span>: Riccardo Ricco <strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">(Saunier Duval-Scott)</span></strong><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">White</span>: Riccardo Ricco <strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">(Saunier Duval-Scott)</span></strong><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Team</span>: Team CSC<br /><br /><div id="result_box" dir="ltr"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Have you voted yet?</span> If not, pop on over to the <a href="http://tdfkal.blogspot.com/2008/07/rest-day.html">Rest Day</a> and cast your vote for your favourite entry from our shortlisted Intermediate Sprint #1.<br /><br />Once you've voted, it's time to start work on <span style="font-weight: bold;">Intermediate Sprint #2</span>! And here 'tis:<br /><br />The Regional Challenge:<br />Every region and town in France seems to have its very own specialty wine, cheese, or produce that it is particularly well known for. One of the joys of the Tour de France is to discover the flavours which characterise each region. This week's intermediate sprint is all about regions:<br /><ul><li>France Option: Present us with a regional French specialty - have a wine or cheese tasting, cook a regional dish (<a href="http://www.sbs.com.au/food/recipeindex/RecipeByTVShowMain/28/1/">here's some inspiration</a>), or research a regional product such as perfume or fashion and tell us all about your findings!</li><li>Cycling Option: Get on your bike and show us something special about your own region where you live and cycle!</li><li>Knitting Option: Is your project inspired by or traditional to a particular region (whether French or not?) Investigate the origins of a technique or pattern you're using and tell us all about it! Note: entries need not let pesky facts get in the way of a good story!</li></ul></div>Entries may be posted on your blog or (if you do not have a blog) on a photo sharing service such as Flickr or Picasa (you can use the caption and comments/notes facilities to explain your entry).<br /><br />In order to enter, please leave a comment on this post containing a link to your entry. Entries will close at midnight, Paris time, on July 21st (at the end of the next Rest Day following Stage 15).<br /><br />The Tour co-hostesses will select a shortlist of entries, which will then be opened up to a vote by all TDF participants to decide the final winner! <span style="font-style: italic;">Bonne chance</span>!!<br /><br />And now - the news from the knitters following their rest day - but from the looks of things, many people have been very busy indeed!<br /><br />A very brief update from the <strong>Leaky-Gas </strong>team.<br /><br />Look what <a href="http://betseydoodle.ca/">Betseydoodle</a> has been up to :-) Isn't it lovely.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33npZW4WU3M0jnER-RWYFR91LytYwV1aomZHVzxVq1MdXL1g8YOCcNKUm3j7tmfWxVb3KH0T1LIdxNnW1UvG822yLSjNOTNXZyO_QgaahoTTBal92OHrsJtjpcp9XUjiIyhJOXWDTtJY/s1600-h/Betsy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223521561163011506" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33npZW4WU3M0jnER-RWYFR91LytYwV1aomZHVzxVq1MdXL1g8YOCcNKUm3j7tmfWxVb3KH0T1LIdxNnW1UvG822yLSjNOTNXZyO_QgaahoTTBal92OHrsJtjpcp9XUjiIyhJOXWDTtJY/s320/Betsy.jpg" border="0" /></a> And <a href="http://aknitasknits.blogspot.com/">I</a> have a heel - with wraps and short rows :-)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4p6SAap7kJd05SsTlHUbZSkdchQK7OPCWUIZohYVhDD6XvhPo-Vc3aLo2aFAkb7sXiO5wcw1VQwEmlaw59xGXrvAcpRrHb7siVWDAtUgDP_dnjjXNunygrOBvCPdkjDDxDJq_JIYrTfE/s1600-h/100_3694.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223520538164062354" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4p6SAap7kJd05SsTlHUbZSkdchQK7OPCWUIZohYVhDD6XvhPo-Vc3aLo2aFAkb7sXiO5wcw1VQwEmlaw59xGXrvAcpRrHb7siVWDAtUgDP_dnjjXNunygrOBvCPdkjDDxDJq_JIYrTfE/s200/100_3694.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUp8nERrqA8q5mB9lRQ_vz9X4gltSv6qK-dnbBjH1Nq0oQeAhG54UUrw3bbjW-FzVdYEOVwV8P8obZOayAXfymb3KtqX31DR87-5R3hJHQu0XjrHOHa1I5rTvwdL52oq2nhSO2ytBGeDg/s1600-h/100_3698.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223520287265546978" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUp8nERrqA8q5mB9lRQ_vz9X4gltSv6qK-dnbBjH1Nq0oQeAhG54UUrw3bbjW-FzVdYEOVwV8P8obZOayAXfymb3KtqX31DR87-5R3hJHQu0XjrHOHa1I5rTvwdL52oq2nhSO2ytBGeDg/s200/100_3698.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This briefest of updates sadly brings my stint on the TdF KAL and blog to a close. It's been such fun getting to know you all :-)</div><div></div><div>Jusqu'à ce que nous rencontrions le gain</div><div>[The lovely <a href="http://nanaironoashita.blogspot.com/">Kate</a> will now be giving us our Leaky-Gas updates - Ed.]<br /><br /><div></div></div></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Team AG2R-Mondiale</span><br /><a href="http://the-view-from-the-hill.blogspot.com/">Katie</a>'s up to the calf shaping in her Neither Garments and has already done stripes in the special tour colours. She also attended her first knit night where she did most of the knitting.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSjjLjC3Wx1fdxZLRaUYo-iAHeaBEI5xUmKDd6ZuJmE_O7HvTUxaVQLzmnRYJL6TIr8A6TYp71tSchSb-avNk-qsOoQr7AGFwCkd283uDuHTTuAGbBaGqiY4Uax30ggrlb9Bj7Dl8BQk6/s1600-h/Katie's+Neither+Garment.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223547502554528050" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSjjLjC3Wx1fdxZLRaUYo-iAHeaBEI5xUmKDd6ZuJmE_O7HvTUxaVQLzmnRYJL6TIr8A6TYp71tSchSb-avNk-qsOoQr7AGFwCkd283uDuHTTuAGbBaGqiY4Uax30ggrlb9Bj7Dl8BQk6/s200/Katie's+Neither+Garment.JPG" border="0" /></a>After knitting more 10 rows, <a href="http://gemma747.blogspot.com/">Gemma</a> started the wings on her dragon shawl. She may be on the look out for a pilgrim for a good photo opportunity.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XRzRuwqLNl9w1tz6aHR6OtbfyCEux1cXrW-V11eTmy6ISb10yuJFCNTCDbvbv7bFzBNDWTWjUK37yK2RYglhWaCNPOY1CZeHc25126YVtZffqk9DFs_WnoU3YY0RimvOWGk5DIg7YvpC/s1600-h/Gemma+151.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223547498498306946" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XRzRuwqLNl9w1tz6aHR6OtbfyCEux1cXrW-V11eTmy6ISb10yuJFCNTCDbvbv7bFzBNDWTWjUK37yK2RYglhWaCNPOY1CZeHc25126YVtZffqk9DFs_WnoU3YY0RimvOWGk5DIg7YvpC/s200/Gemma+151.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">And with the winner of today's stage....Team CSC:</span><br />A big Woo Hoo for our team with the stage win!<br /><a href="http://loppypop.com/blog/?p=97">Lori</a> truly enjoyed her rest day with no knitting on the Pi Shawl. Instead she drank wine and knit on another project. Maybe tomorrow she'll get back to the shawl.<br />We hope <a href="http://spinningninny.blogspot.com/">Sarah </a>got all her frogging done on her lace sweater, and is back on the road to Paris.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Team Rabobank:</span><br /><br />The rest day came just in time for poor <a href="http://knights-dont-knit.blogspot.com/">Kate</a>, who got walloped by her daughters' tummy bug. But like a true pro, Kate is indefatigable (she posted recipes for FOOD from her sickbed, which is an incomprehensible show of fortitude in my eyes) and was quickly back on her feet with needles in hand:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFBp9uRshRtiGWS0AHyXZEDFyvlvtKrEyxVOWqTXRWY4bEZfJnCRzwCFLeF3DMWPdZk8CYEjdyONshGMWnnMhsTpkssztmBsgtX4LYd0o3q7hOKWJpRhnQFhvQF-Sb6vqOC5kkiieYKYP/s1600-h/Katekidtunic.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223656614482924930" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFBp9uRshRtiGWS0AHyXZEDFyvlvtKrEyxVOWqTXRWY4bEZfJnCRzwCFLeF3DMWPdZk8CYEjdyONshGMWnnMhsTpkssztmBsgtX4LYd0o3q7hOKWJpRhnQFhvQF-Sb6vqOC5kkiieYKYP/s320/Katekidtunic.jpg" border="0" /></a>Ondulation is three-quarters done! (Kate asks that you pardon her iSight's resolution limitations.)<br /><br /><a href="http://sloth-knits.blogspot.com/">Erika</a> offers her update in rhyme:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ode to my progress on the BYOB bag</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I decided to ditch<br />the pattern’s seed stitch<br />because it was being a…it was being difficult.<br /><br />I frogged a few rows<br />and sighed, “I just knows<br />that one day I’ll reach those yo’s.”<br /><br />(the ones in the middle of the bag, that is)<br /><br />Anyway, I’m re-doing the stripes because 1) I think they’ll look crisper in stockinette, and 2) I felt like doing stockinette instead. Things should go faster now!</span><br /><br />And as I predicted, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/bethgirl">Beth</a> has a finished Baudelaire sock to flaunt:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBifnPJ2R1KKd5Qwmt6ZnQQz2zG4Dery2CO6zQPI00IBuAsnzeDpPy7xFcarrbraNouS06URSYOUcKWMitZAPyVp6kxhxOziEKHlzj1weyjfZNk5e8Zj01o_IFDuHt9hx8aEO6wKh9oWMC/s1600-h/BethBaudelaire1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223657731436597474" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBifnPJ2R1KKd5Qwmt6ZnQQz2zG4Dery2CO6zQPI00IBuAsnzeDpPy7xFcarrbraNouS06URSYOUcKWMitZAPyVp6kxhxOziEKHlzj1weyjfZNk5e8Zj01o_IFDuHt9hx8aEO6wKh9oWMC/s200/BethBaudelaire1.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.likelyyarns.com/">Sandy</a> is plugging away at her entrelac bag and has nearly reached the point where the diamonds get smaller, but meanwhile she's also finished a most intriguing secret project - I have to share the photo because it's so tantalizing and beautiful and she won't tell what it is:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttwLDNMaXOn25vGQroxi2z6jyd1BdQ4Xi53JrH_mLN11Is0oXJ0OF3UyxmQB5svSa-lOHnmhVqSsOonLE8c1I4p_p_Kkz7Fx7b0pZ08QypQPCeuXQ9OEQcZfvjw5J2-NBVB-kkbgLvbIa/s1600-h/TourSandymystery.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223659609242701842" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttwLDNMaXOn25vGQroxi2z6jyd1BdQ4Xi53JrH_mLN11Is0oXJ0OF3UyxmQB5svSa-lOHnmhVqSsOonLE8c1I4p_p_Kkz7Fx7b0pZ08QypQPCeuXQ9OEQcZfvjw5J2-NBVB-kkbgLvbIa/s200/TourSandymystery.jpg" border="0" /></a>But it looks an awful lot like a beautiful yoke sweater with stranded colorwork, and I can't resist those!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bluegarter.org/">Sarah</a> is about to pack up and take her yellow cardigan on the road, as she's attending Meg Swansen's Knitting Camp in Wisconsin. She's crossing her fingers that the Holiday Inn gets the Versus channel... otherwise she may be wandering the streets of Marshfield in search of a sports bar or a friendly native with cable! As of tomorrow, Kate will be taking the reins to guide the team up to the dizzy heights of Prato Nevoso and l'Alpe-d'Huez... Sarah will chime in as much as she can!<br /><br /><strong>Team Lampre</strong> update: Things are veeeery quiet here. I guess team members did take advantage of the day of rest. <a href="http://http//rideknitread.typepad.com/blog/">Greeley</a> ran into a little trouble with Manon: "The mountains did me in... Had to rip back to get gauge anew. Looking forward to the rest day. I think I can recover!"<br />And <a href="http://http//bodymap0.wordpress.com/">Jordan</a> reports "I’ve been doing a lot of tour watching and only a little bit of knitting – yes, it’s like a tour rider saying “I’ve been on my bike but I’ve only been peddling every now and then”. But I did manage to frog several rows of my Juliet ‘Binoche’ sweater and redo them and now I actually have the correct number of stitches."<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Team Quick Step Update.</span><br /><a href="http://www.skeinsherway.com/">Alli</a> is storming ahead with her crop cardigan,<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_JRMxMjhn9Jw/SH7O-WgPdiI/AAAAAAAABfU/hY1xGmnz6-0/s1600-h/tdfkal071408-724484.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_JRMxMjhn9Jw/SH7O-WgPdiI/AAAAAAAABfU/hY1xGmnz6-0/s400/tdfkal071408-724484.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223840188384376354" border="0" /></a><br />and possibly working too hard! Stop moving the furniture and stick to knitting!<br />Jennifer has begun her new project, the <a href="http://sockpixie.blogspot.com/2007/07/la-parisenne-free-beret-knitting.html">Parisenne Beret</a> in a colour she's trying to convince us is French!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidRVg7O2T8u6bSkN5HFP01LkzU_UtbY__uKDKvtKeSDVkeRG-HTl9vpx22IFyUxFylUb2dsp_DMW1drm1VOo-Ftczca5HR50lCfkGRodRc1Kq0lj267bGLAUEHslT0iSvHvve7DzSbBqo/s1600-h/MonBeret1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidRVg7O2T8u6bSkN5HFP01LkzU_UtbY__uKDKvtKeSDVkeRG-HTl9vpx22IFyUxFylUb2dsp_DMW1drm1VOo-Ftczca5HR50lCfkGRodRc1Kq0lj267bGLAUEHslT0iSvHvve7DzSbBqo/s400/MonBeret1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223843321256391618" border="0" /></a><br />Oh and this beautiful...thing...sshhh, it's a secret.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_JRMxMjhn9Jw/SH7SI_SrJFI/AAAAAAAABfk/EaKrEKIQbig/s1600-h/CFlace2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_JRMxMjhn9Jw/SH7SI_SrJFI/AAAAAAAABfk/EaKrEKIQbig/s320/CFlace2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223843669666899026" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://knittinginthedark.com/">Lauren </a>is knitting <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter06/PATTthermal.html">Thermal</a>,(from Knitty Winter 2006) which seems to be notorious for being unfinished. She says she started the sweater towards the end of May and flew through the body and the first sleeve in just over a week, but hadn’t started the second sleeve yet.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_JRMxMjhn9Jw/SH7VBvuxuOI/AAAAAAAABfs/9ND7L7JbZUo/s1600-h/sweater_thermal_sleeve_split.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_JRMxMjhn9Jw/SH7VBvuxuOI/AAAAAAAABfs/9ND7L7JbZUo/s400/sweater_thermal_sleeve_split.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223846843765602530" border="0" /></a><br />Well now she has and is racing through it.<br /><br /><a href="http://lettucepieces.com/unravelme/">Madalyn </a>has returned from her rest day(s), do you think she did any knitting? Go see for yourself!<br /><br /><a href="http://margesrandomlife.blogspot.com/">Marge </a>is doing so well on her project, finishing the Fairisle Cardigan, that she's even tempting fate with the knitting gods to say so! Careful now!<br />She's off on a trip with her bike this weekend, Have fun Marge.<br /><br />I can't put what <a href="http://blakeanitty.blogspot.com/">Shelley</a> had to say in my own words, so here it is...<br />"The blanket is going swimmingly. QuiltingMick suggested a simple crochet-picoted edge when I finish it off. (The more I think about it - the more I love it. Now, I've just got to learn how to do it...). I think I can get it all done by the end of next week. Very excited. It's been such a lovely project so far, and watching the lace just blossom with each row has been an utter delight. Yes. I have the bug. It's all over now."<br />Well done you Shelley.<br /><br />And <a href="http://whitknits.wordpress.com/">Whitney,</a> our Immediate Sprint finalist has been planning for her Gansey Sleeves.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_JRMxMjhn9Jw/SH7YWfBUaxI/AAAAAAAABf0/BoWNdl8Md9I/s1600-h/2674353221_726b2678f6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_JRMxMjhn9Jw/SH7YWfBUaxI/AAAAAAAABf0/BoWNdl8Md9I/s400/2674353221_726b2678f6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223850498592107282" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://tdfkal.blogspot.com/2008/07/rest-day.html">don't forget to vote.</a>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09917833708894680350noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687593818842285623.post-14180492412114893292008-07-15T23:55:00.017+02:002008-07-16T01:09:11.799+02:00Rest Day<div>As the old saying goes, there's no rest for the knitters! While the cyclists are all off enjoying gourmet food, luxury hotel rooms, and on-demand massages, many knitters cannot afford to take this day off from the pressing matter of their projects! And even for the knitters who decide a bit of a breather is in order, we have a small task for you today...<br /></div><div><div><br />That's right, it's time to vote on the winner in our first Intermediate Sprint competition! From a very strong field of contenders, your co-hostesses had a great deal of difficulty narrowing down a shortlisted selection. And without further ado, they are...<br /><ul><li>We all know France is the land of romance and <a href="http://a-rosy-outlook.blogspot.com/2008/07/city-of-lights.html">Stacy's</a> heartwarming encounter is further proof!</li><li>Never underestimate the wooing power of your knitting - <a href="http://mariknits.blogspot.com/2008/07/stage-3.html">Mari's </a>counting on using her Clapotis to gain the attentions of a certain cute sprinter as he cycles down the Champs-Elysees!</li><li>Knitting skills and yarn in the colour of an Alpine sunset are the key to <a href="http://drewzel.typepad.com/blog/2008/07/mont-vial.html">Drewzel's </a>ensnaring a mysterious Frenchman named Pierre - but would you miss the Tour going by outside for hot chocolate and croissants in bed???</li><li>Nothing is as evocative of France as the accordian. <a href="http://cristina61.wordpress.com/2008/07/06/widget-2/">Christina</a> takes a trip down memory lane through some of her favourite accordian music...and ends up at an uncannily Tour-related destination!</li><li>You might begin to think you have a problem when you start watching past year's Tours on the computer by yourself. Not <a href="http://www.bluegarter.org/2008/07/intermediate-sprint/">Sarah</a>!</li><li>There's no mistaking <a href="http://janesprobablyknitting.blogspot.com/2008/07/by-george-i-think-shes-got-it-tdef.html">Jane's</a> project's connection to Le Tour - and it's not just the name, <span style="font-style: italic;">La Germolene</span>!</li><li><a href="http://whitknits.wordpress.com/2008/07/10/le-tour-de-gansey-part-deux-intermediate-sprint/">Whitney's</a> sprinting through her Tour de Gansey. In her entry, she argues rather convincingly for "the relevance of a traditional English fisherman’s garment to the Tour de France". I think there might be a PhD in there somewhere!</li><li><a href="http://jerseyknitter151.blogspot.com/2008/07/i-is-for-intermediate-sprint.html">Ina</a> gets a billion extra points for actually undertaking this challenge <span style="font-style: italic;">en Francais</span>! Bravo!!<br /></li></ul>Now here's where you come in! Please visit the shortlisted entries and vote below for your favourite! Voting will close at midnight PARIS TIME on 18<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> July (midnight on the day of Stage 13). That's only a little over 72 hours to get your vote in, so what are you waiting for! <span style="font-style: italic;">Clickez-vous</span>!<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" language="javascript" src="http://s3.polldaddy.com/p/788878.js"></script><noscript> <a href ="http://answers.polldaddy.com/poll/788878/">Vote here for your favourite Intermediate Sprint entry!</a> <br/> <span style="font-size:9px;"> (<a href ="http://www.polldaddy.com"> polls</a>)</span></noscript><br /><br />And here are some updates from the tireless knitters!<br /><strong><br />Team <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Lampre</span></strong> update: No day of rest for many Team <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Lampre</span> members. <a href="http://http//theyarnyard.co.uk/newsite/component/option,com_wrapper/Itemid,27/">Natalie</a> seeks advice: she is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">soooo</span> close to finishing the second sock but is nearly out of green yarn. What to do???<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223038112048991970" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBERSCA6_zWwyiIpf4XBsPkTddTOB_xsAFKzlEhTCijcxYIOe77r5b9GjYSji1gyCK2KEYG3WFNCA1fXE-7QJ87kOgS5dx5mxCjAU7EQbc-bsu2GtYWm34HKxmdJ98zATJXKTkerueJBS/s200/KAL+Natalie.jpg" border="0" /><a href="http://http//donyale.wordpress.com/">Donni</a> will be away for a few days at the <a href="http://http//www.sheepshow.com/">Australian Sheep and Wool Show </a>helping a friend sell fiber. Down time (if any) will be spent working on the February Lady Sweater.<br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://http//peaknit.blogspot.com/">Stacey</a> has finished the yoke of her <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">FLS</span>. Check her blog to see the gorgeous child's sock she's completed, as well as the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">roadbike</span> her husband built for her!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223038121196361938" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxBDYI4CruQZ1cekQZIcUd21RNWAm8xMwC8IjJ9s34PpHFFIFoQO2Giufp0UJQAtKlZCZga8KppkjHt_TeZEvYLAvjUUoRTGCmnZzFotX6XWBvyFWR0zZc-XuhwHAHVuNvKIa8H6jXlafW/s200/KAL+Stacey.jpg" border="0" /></div>Speed knitter <a href="http://http//corporateknit.blogspot.com/">Donna </a>has now finished one front side of Tempest while watching a swimming meet.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223038105060934770" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhf2eewillhoytr_BGJpZTKb_YFCG_4hj2wC-8a58WECXwNmjM7RmVALn8Yzi4Z7gj8A1mfTE5cKIEv0a2D9jjpjJ9WlI2zFpzgfIa93eF71B7Z4ulHBGO_3gu5ZZJmfTtkWdnWswSBEhb/s200/KAL+Donna.jpg" border="0" /><a href="http://http//audioknits.typepad.com/">Kristen </a>is relieved to be past the underarm decreases on the back of the Hand in Hand vest.<br /><br /><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223038136560436674" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAL5kn0vthSvMyLJWEPV9i2iSJTYFFjeQRshnL0B1dN84X5k6kr9bLgcDIy-ldOvxe5-D5qoX4mySwDW0RunsbJfphmMFXGS5IrpiuRA6SIwH-WPq14zZmXTBi5-6wDKyk0FHYJTvyey9I/s200/SUN+2+vest.jpg" border="0" /></div></div><strong>No Rest For Leaky Gas! </strong><br /><strong></strong><br />Some of us re fair motoring along and letting things go to their heads. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Regardez</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ce</span> beau chapeau!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh62nUJEN5O5EXnUbTpV2zPNFoa4Aj1nDraVTaBhyAhGAD8KHq0BawUHHn2rPGiUZMwGCVpct0GSYBoQdl4cQ-9prF1h6ze_Mvrk1MTYIRYLIdrIuLhXLLFXMyG61tGYo7AWwuk4qFpoIw/s1600-h/Hat.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223151761167550722" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh62nUJEN5O5EXnUbTpV2zPNFoa4Aj1nDraVTaBhyAhGAD8KHq0BawUHHn2rPGiUZMwGCVpct0GSYBoQdl4cQ-9prF1h6ze_Mvrk1MTYIRYLIdrIuLhXLLFXMyG61tGYo7AWwuk4qFpoIw/s200/Hat.jpg" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Et</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">regardez</span> <a href="http://knit-me-a-blog.blogspot.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Linz</span></a>! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Bonjour</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Linz</span>! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Votre</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">béret</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">semble</span> beau :-)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwo7l44wUTquMF49_AzhAZg2bqxMxaiCPYJBU6xhnK271yO0rW_dti-up0pgPQoS4reWGiC-z25EHcHUlA6M1BKFRu6OqZ5Hwdy-QqCBMDnV7wo-kWlf7s5Ku3nkVZDWjGyX0pNgxRHsI/s1600-h/Linz.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223149961355319090" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwo7l44wUTquMF49_AzhAZg2bqxMxaiCPYJBU6xhnK271yO0rW_dti-up0pgPQoS4reWGiC-z25EHcHUlA6M1BKFRu6OqZ5Hwdy-QqCBMDnV7wo-kWlf7s5Ku3nkVZDWjGyX0pNgxRHsI/s200/Linz.jpg" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Linz</span> has christened this "Le Hobnob Beret" :-) Now you tell me who <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">doen't</span> love hobnobs, specially chocolate ones!<br /><br /><a href="http://barristers-yarn.blogspot.com/">Tanya</a> is knitting a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Clapotis</span> and it's looking beautiful. Tanya is using a chocolate chubby sock yarn from The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Knittery</span>, and it looks lovely stuff.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyrz7qJ-Te-EXIjoSF3yiTQWDbyHBoxrUJTFzDSoBs_v64-RB4tZ2lgonZmJRFwecU4xYnmJDWm6_oEgSK-HzuC68xyNfH2Vu0hrsOKwIf7bEmZMkeMC0DFaaMyOGpeEu72KV4-UQQtfQ/s1600-h/Tanya.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223149548106987874" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyrz7qJ-Te-EXIjoSF3yiTQWDbyHBoxrUJTFzDSoBs_v64-RB4tZ2lgonZmJRFwecU4xYnmJDWm6_oEgSK-HzuC68xyNfH2Vu0hrsOKwIf7bEmZMkeMC0DFaaMyOGpeEu72KV4-UQQtfQ/s200/Tanya.JPG" border="0" /></a>And just look at <a href="http://live-learn-knit.blogspot.com/">Amy's</a> beautiful burgundy socks :-) Your feet feel all <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">snuggly</span> and cosy just <strong><em>looking</em></strong> at them don't they.<br /><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqRhkMc6hyM4PAZmN1GGY2bITe2zArkYnKHWPIxvT2ztpYvRNcJadC474NDFlx_dXfbJeO3U-DyQLjs7L4-nhwAkU83ZA7sOe8UWE8N6QTu0JlLCi_JK7tIR-wbyZH9ODatTo80tkY0g/s1600-h/Amy4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223149243446553826" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqRhkMc6hyM4PAZmN1GGY2bITe2zArkYnKHWPIxvT2ztpYvRNcJadC474NDFlx_dXfbJeO3U-DyQLjs7L4-nhwAkU83ZA7sOe8UWE8N6QTu0JlLCi_JK7tIR-wbyZH9ODatTo80tkY0g/s200/Amy4.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN-WpjL0bxdAtPOUc3HlqCx0TkFrVRVCNiGjYPZbWymGfDJGVjP5zBF2P_p9pbNd_6ait2-YwNVz88Cq6i5FYIPJNhkPuUke4Atpw7srLUSsSgkqw6f48GwgRXTW9VvthKjsXIa-Z6dH0/s1600-h/Amy3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223149082994809986" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN-WpjL0bxdAtPOUc3HlqCx0TkFrVRVCNiGjYPZbWymGfDJGVjP5zBF2P_p9pbNd_6ait2-YwNVz88Cq6i5FYIPJNhkPuUke4Atpw7srLUSsSgkqw6f48GwgRXTW9VvthKjsXIa-Z6dH0/s200/Amy3.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Garmin</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> sends cheers for </span><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">VdV</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> and hopes for the yellow!</span><br /><div>For <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">le</span> Maillot <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Vert</span> Heather cruised through the back of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Notre</span> Dame <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">de</span> Grace,<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSNKAV6AheqdxO5G-n7_uJ41wBeOM21xfseslmSmKfDgfIlm9-aM6ZdnfcOjDGPXIxbmYvYeDi0305LlR0s69c1ZzaqrEz2PZhz-_pw1N5TrcvJtdjXitkdje_UucUGjtRQLm8pMCJco/s1600-h/notredame.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223184739261223138" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSNKAV6AheqdxO5G-n7_uJ41wBeOM21xfseslmSmKfDgfIlm9-aM6ZdnfcOjDGPXIxbmYvYeDi0305LlR0s69c1ZzaqrEz2PZhz-_pw1N5TrcvJtdjXitkdje_UucUGjtRQLm8pMCJco/s200/notredame.jpg" border="0" /></a>and in fear she would run out of yarn, cast on and started the neck opening early. Like blowing a tire she had to go to the roadside where she ripped back a few times before success<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYzpv1nj4DqWQyKwQ6LDtK3NuFrunMInsArABKCsg4NgFHoy5vtrzyCubzrHx5i5gPXahTA0qZWe2FYerRCakVqx4yt66bhqeBnSH-WjozhngWxTPb6Td-s3c802D_7nRikoySNMEF1w/s1600-h/front.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223184729376247586" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYzpv1nj4DqWQyKwQ6LDtK3NuFrunMInsArABKCsg4NgFHoy5vtrzyCubzrHx5i5gPXahTA0qZWe2FYerRCakVqx4yt66bhqeBnSH-WjozhngWxTPb6Td-s3c802D_7nRikoySNMEF1w/s200/front.jpg" border="0" /></a>Her Knit Picks Options needles pulled out of the metal connector end nearly spilling stitches. Like a good cyclist she switched to an new bike and kept going.<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Photograping</span> this yarn has been a problem and one sleeve seems more green than its counterpart which seems more blue. But she has <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">accpted</span> the quirks of her glorious <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Wollmeise</span> and will carry on. C’est la vie!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMNKePrZL7cVaMqZCa2fLGeMD4PjxN9zF53JwEV-qgHBFBM3nckDCBFQIU8RJO67tgqd13buEjfRQ9qSAnu7hyDfBhk8ISloRru_ysrb2d3G_lpeuNmz_SP5C_FH-AkvrqQZhso_UlIg/s1600-h/sleeves.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223184734108945154" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMNKePrZL7cVaMqZCa2fLGeMD4PjxN9zF53JwEV-qgHBFBM3nckDCBFQIU8RJO67tgqd13buEjfRQ9qSAnu7hyDfBhk8ISloRru_ysrb2d3G_lpeuNmz_SP5C_FH-AkvrqQZhso_UlIg/s200/sleeves.jpg" border="0" /></a>Nikki has been Frying <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Oreos</span> and letting her sweater trail the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">peloton</span>. She did buy the size 7 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">dpn</span>’s so not all is lost...at least an Oreo was fried!!<br /><br />Our Norma is convinced she is a Luddite but as far as we can see she has persevered amazingly with a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">bactch</span> of problems, with Picasa. posting photos, having stories deleted. and getting herself on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Ravelry</span> . .and through it all, her photos are great, and her knitting is beautiful. It is also very French!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6t4tHHhPmxh1Xy5aYXvsYtOkctD6NVWKBAb0dEc4n9A3IlcY3Ik11cuegUgNzdtDWKDyFKaUwc79N8FdAJHo_dOoYOHh1dBePtBgN6DLSx1jN4SnD4Arp2fLvVqNJnP1jVL7ah63FNBM/s1600-h/norma713-211829DSCF0077.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223184737206497442" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6t4tHHhPmxh1Xy5aYXvsYtOkctD6NVWKBAb0dEc4n9A3IlcY3Ik11cuegUgNzdtDWKDyFKaUwc79N8FdAJHo_dOoYOHh1dBePtBgN6DLSx1jN4SnD4Arp2fLvVqNJnP1jVL7ah63FNBM/s200/norma713-211829DSCF0077.JPG" border="0" /></a>Rosemary’s Maillot <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Dentelle</span> was a W.I.P.She got the back finished during the Grand Depart Brittany stages and has been steaming up the left front. While watching stage 9, she increased for the sleeves and pushed ahead for the uphill finish of a much wider piece. After nearly 10cm (or should that be km?) she realised she had forgotten the neck shaping and had to rip it back again. The finish today was too exciting to do much at all!<br /><br />Jane sent word that SHE”S BACK! Saw the team doctor, diagnosed with chest infection, got drugs to ward off the “too sick to knit” syndrome and is steaming ahead. Finished the back and has caught up with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">peloton</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">SHe</span>’s weaving her way to the front, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Whoo</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">hoo</span> here she comes!<br /><br />Well is seems that <span style="font-weight: bold;">Team AG2R-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Mondiale</span></span> is taking advantage of the rest day because <a href="http://gemma747.blogspot.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">Gemma</span></a> is the only participant with an update. She is already on row 141 of her shawl.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1z-uw_MeJzAsEWQC6r7wIEmZFAUiBj9IpHHwwlFBaqamBegwVmJZer7Vzxjh8trcyLFqmEGEfrBldtGYolJcjefE28303TTDMGD3bKrIk6l1xU1xylHBOAmdBwCp5wGOKE_QM711yqy3M/s1600-h/Gemma+141.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223211322782061650" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1z-uw_MeJzAsEWQC6r7wIEmZFAUiBj9IpHHwwlFBaqamBegwVmJZer7Vzxjh8trcyLFqmEGEfrBldtGYolJcjefE28303TTDMGD3bKrIk6l1xU1xylHBOAmdBwCp5wGOKE_QM711yqy3M/s200/Gemma+141.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><strong>Team <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">CSC</span>:</strong><br /><p>I think we need a little break over at Team <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">CSC</span>. Things aren't going so well. Poor <a href="http://spinningninny.blogspot.com/2008/07/crankypants.html">Sarah</a>, who <em>finally</em> got her pattern and cast-on her project is now having to frog the majority of it. It appears the lace pattern is a bit off centre and considering that's the focal part of the sweater; well, the only option is frogging.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223263514491212386" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4s2OrJo_XEoxpNAuR3tQ8_Pm0v9u1KoquNiSbqicN2fwA0l7CR4BgTGKRsUj0tMUiPM4MabsBDPgig7kDDzms9w2oso5BGbteTiyjxWhH8_RFMRBKNTFT8YVnWgpW_rKef6iVb2VaXc/s200/1asarah.jpg" border="0" /></p>Our injured knitter, <a href="http://judyyiu.blogspot.com/2008/07/some-progress.html">Judy</a>, is slowly making headway with her nightie. I think Judy's happy it's a rest day too! And <a href="http://baadmedicine.blogspot.com/2008/07/ladies.html">I'm</a> on the flat stage of my sweater. Boring flat stage. But it should be done by the time we reach Paris.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223264537297399266" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz8FW6qa8BL1lMAFvZkRIMkQEaxBzPf6r7N82g8m86J4ao1w5Zgdd7tLzZ8VwJI5pOpkzGykyWGvG2WnzY_Mi6I6txXjf3CQIXye_DxJ-Nxql63E3n17YTWOkgDrwONq-odIKWek6KqxI/s200/fls.JPG" border="0" /><strong>Breaking news from Camp Credit <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">Agricole</span></strong><p>I bet you've been dying to hear what the Flying Sheep <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">have been</span> up to haven't you. In another 'Blogger ate my post' incident your <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">correspondent found</span> herself in the long grass minus a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">cycle clip</span> so here is a belated roundup of the flock.</p><p>Lyn is w(h)<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">iping</span> along with her <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">Montparnasse</span>. We now have two fronts and a sleeve and have started on the back.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223333575631854274" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYd4sDPpJUryDWtBkwRXx4_4fDPN8HHIK2HCvMKLL1SDVW-uslK4hwVYhwIUYd1G3XNI8VkL0JrkvHoNWtmdZo-3kDhcv6u2bdpQSGjQmypyO1759LJVK3k25k7WO-M5AksnQ8Z5KcdrW/s200/2652129273_c6b9a9519d.jpg" border="0" /></p></div>Good news! <a href="http://labmom.typepad.com/labradorable/">Susan</a>'s children got their celebratory French toast for breakfast this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">weekend in</span> exchange for a little <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">knitting time</span>. After a couple of wobbly days including a whole day lost by an escaped <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">dpn</span>,Susan is back in the saddle and making good progress.<br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223334685806283250" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLln66XZKSusfwZLz1RwNzUNd4Qyjgbzq85KgcHyhtQZWpdyUvKMX87a29_YqaY1urFg7k5wsJfepuxNsnP_pP2w5oisvVWahFDKvH-R_euX3ygPS4f0ebdU6FPELTKuA_0xUnX_F3mPv/s200/6a00d83452fe7869e200e553b385658834-320wi.jpg" border="0" /></p>S<a href="http://terriknits.blogspot.com/">arah</a> has completed 7 repeats of her lace shawl but even better news than that -SHE GOT THE JOB!!! Many congratulations,Sarah -I'm sure the success <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">will put</span> fire in your needles!<div></div><div><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/AngieLou">Angie</a> has finished the bottom of her French Market bag and after a puncture stop to locate her 4.5mm extra <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">long dpn</span> is back in business again - just watch her go!</div><br /><div>Rachel is another team member who has made a fine recovery after a mid week wobble. What character this team have, I'm filling up...</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223336581248402994" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAmZcv1rbKYtHtwGIvwAW6q_J4vAludbfRIYKDJKR1pd2Q-w1ZJfWWSIJ7K8Pkx7LNqMZfx1tnNZHqNSjQGSRH0WLkeljWRLxt6NqTXe1uxd3gkCRuIyPPo3vI9KLG9dUEjwjHNat0uZr/s200/IMG_2366.JPG" border="0" /> Oh no! our speed queen <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/gbina/tour-de-france-afghan">Gina</a> has had the chain come off her bike with that realisation that every knitter dreads - she thinks she is going to run out of yarn. We've sent for emergency supplies <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55">and are</span> waiting for the helicopter <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56">to land</span> now.Fingers crossed.<br /><p>Take heart team. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/CiCi/gilet-468-t6-630">Marci</a> may have found us our secret weapon. Her project has actually been to the Tour. Look at this!!!</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223337921203465474" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQ2N_Lx82uiXEbYDDaU_Ma-s6eQg4PufMfYlZTe2nJZ3L8oQx50HiUgsWs1WP3AwZeF5alr3vEEgWT0_ixXeslJ_fUnAwylenQIWIq0W513qX9r2W-cet4XPh5_ZzP9UUFtmXh0TMWstk/s200/2668709282_7eb4c79e14.jpg" border="0" />and here's our team car!<br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223337928734850306" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZo9oT4pZc-aHyrCVM_CPE0YYG8eV3NlZBt5Fl6z_DBS-LIxOdbtHNDoiBPylomLHPmMtqOTPwP_0_HDwYY5qa63byUCtFeY12nExRPqMNfPo90o-bmir0NX5484Vd6ZWJvBbQLUxjffr/s200/2668709274_0bf04d8ae4.jpg" border="0" /></p>Now, every time we feel the need of a bit of a lift we can focus on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_57">Gilet</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_58">imbued</span> with the spirit of the Tour and feel revived!<br /><p>Helene has been quietly plodding along with her Bellini. All that k2p2 rib - I bet your calves are burning, Helene. Well worth it though. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_59">Aren't these</span> sleeves beautiful? I am, however, picking up a tiny departure from team loyalty from our Helene. She's banging on about some bloke called <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_60">Cadel</span> who certainly isn't on our roster. Never '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_61">eard</span> of '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_62">im</span>.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223339469797606578" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmYUrD_fxw3deJQKLV5ZeFTY6aNYTDB7f-1OG35J4lQhpIeCX0LnR8EbjMS0hyphenhyphen3lcnCCfN7MIAzgfpq5Zl1utUUx6aOKPFmyLLv6yi0Nd2bonfSoAjdnRSSTa4ZxzenmjaxEqPwwpw9hh/s200/Week_1_-_the_sleeves.JPG" border="0" /></p><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_63">Finally</span> to the progress on my project,Le <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_64">Germolene</span>. 75, count them, hard won rows in this baby now. I think I may be making a bit of heavy weather of this. Less Thor, more like Windy Miller on his tricycle...<p>All in all, however, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_65">another</span> solid team performance in these testing middle days. we have the character, we have the determination. If only we could keep hold of our needles. </p><p>A <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_66">bientot</span> my woolly team mates!</p>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09917833708894680350noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687593818842285623.post-63444122008032240112008-07-14T23:55:00.019+02:002008-07-19T20:12:35.548+02:00Stage Ten: Pau > Hautacam<strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>Les montagnes are getting tres difficile, no? </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">Today's stage takes us to Pau, a noble city that boasts the <a href="http://www.musee-chateau-pau.fr/">Chateau de Pau</a>, birthplace of Henry IV and a summer retreat for Napoleon. In addition to being a favorite city for the Tour, it also held the first Grand Prix race in 1901, and still holds Formula Three (?) races today. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">Hautacam is a ski resort, but for us it holds the distinction of predicting who might win the Tour's maillot jaune. Each time a stage ends here, whomever is wearing the yellow jersey goes on to win: Go Cadel!!!! [Ed note: I don't pretend to be impartial. I want Cadel to WIN! He came in second last year].<br /><br />Remy DiGregorio (Francaise des Jeux) was first over Col du Tourmalet, winning the 5000 Euro Jacques Godet prize. He held his lead for some time on the way to the Hautacam, before he was caught by Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval), Juan Cobo (Saunier Duval) and Frank Schleck (CSC). Then Schleck too was dropped, and Piepoli made it to the finish first, winning Stage 10. Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) crossed over the line in eighth place, earning enough time to displace Kim Kirchen (Columbia) and take the yellow jersey.<br /><br />Standings:<br /><br />Yellow: Cadel Evans!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Silence-Lotto)<br />Green: Oscar Freire (Rabobank)<br />Polka Dot/KOM: Riccardo Ricco (Saunier Duval)<br />White: Riccardo Ricco (Saunier Duval)<br />Team: Saunier Duval<br /><br />Lantern Rouge: holding steady at 169th place overall, it's still Wim Vansevenant (Silence-Lotto)<br /><br />ETA: With all the excitement over CADEL, I forgot to wish all French riders, knitters, and everyone else a Happy Bastille Day! The <span style="font-style: italic;">feu d'artifice</span> will be tres beau ce soir!!<br /></span><br />Team Lampre</strong> update: <a href="http://http//donyale.wordpress.com/">Donni </a>took a little sidetrip from her TdK project and finished this gorgeous emerald Alhambra scarf.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222643414875862370" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMR8Mdmjjjjuu9kfFAe2DaHT76eX49eD6qD9QBHtjWkhZfQM0xj6dB_G0bTGuVXPFof4Ei7bcGH1Ppbv7HUIVBcSE4wQjH1ghjX8HLcA3a_8yHMQXwU9uz3TP8kZf53yzKQw0yBXPmMpsM/s200/KAL+Donni.jpg" border="0" /><a href="http://http//theyarnyard.co.uk/newsite/component/option,com_wrapper/Itemid,27/">Natalie </a>has reached the ribbing of her finish-the-WIPs sock and should be done in no time!<br /><br />It's back to the drawing board for <a href="http://http//cindy2paw.typepad.com/2paw/">Cindy</a> . She found that the Stargate motif was turning out too wide, but with tweaking we know she'll be back on course. Harki the lab once again provides a sense of scale.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222643417445470418" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYKyds2f6e3TiH1VBMw1gNFqHy3tk3eTpu8JroSlksRu-8K6z9dsMzx7qYRPYplxaJla0hoxquhOlUZeyyvI32DTXC_RQu3n-mULTMwDImu1wU1rV7ptggZSF9q6U1arugU9CXof5SQv6/s200/KAL+stargate.jpg" border="0" /><a href="http://http//corporateknit.blogspot.com/">Donna </a>finds the challenge of completing a project in a given time frame is inspiring her knitting. She finds the Louet linen perfect for knitting in the summer heat and is looking for another summery project to knit with it. As I am TV-less, she filled our team in on Team Lampre's showing in the actual Tour, as I'd noticed the Team name is conspicuously absent in Meg and Debby's posts! : "Well, yes, the uniforms are eye-popping but that seems to be the main thing they have going on. They do have a guy in 16th (?might have changed?) in the overall general classification. So who knows, we may hear more from them yet. "<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Team FDJ News</span>:<br /><br />Here is an update from Lynn, including the perils of trying to knit, watch the Tour and eat breakfast at the same time:<br />"Because I am working nights I am only just up in time to see ITV4 7pm show. So between trying to eat my breakfast, squitting at the screen trying to locate our riders ( would be alot easier if they were in a different colour shirts) - I keep mixing them up from the front with CSC riders and knitting. I am making some progress with my shrug - possibley finished tomorrow. Also tomorrow my sock yarn will be wound using nephew power, hope it works better than last time as my nosterpinne almost got used in a manner it was not designed for, however a little bribery and correpution (extra pocket money) should help. So I should be able to make a start on the cuffs while waiting for some needles to arrive. The cuffs are beaded and lace knitting. So from Sunday morning I am on 4 rest days before I have to go back to nights on Thursday."<br /><a href="http://janinehempy.blogspot.com/"><br />Janine</a> has made some more progress on the Clapotis, and is up to the 10th repeat of the straight section. That works out to one repeat per stage of the Tour so far!<br /><a href="http://meangirl.blogspot.com/">Jen</a> has made some great progress on her yellow cable socks:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOUEvQkEcW9OdmcaUaaM6mmOht669YKCLECHb46YxS5nwW7h_tSaY0toPSz8x_AIlm9DdXYFnj4OT8m0WUrNbEgyOD23CD8Fe1mM_ADTE5J900I7ULCw5cMrwbLzIHqDL-agUuS7VX2PC/s1600-h/cable+socks.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222859341200988194" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOUEvQkEcW9OdmcaUaaM6mmOht669YKCLECHb46YxS5nwW7h_tSaY0toPSz8x_AIlm9DdXYFnj4OT8m0WUrNbEgyOD23CD8Fe1mM_ADTE5J900I7ULCw5cMrwbLzIHqDL-agUuS7VX2PC/s200/cable+socks.jpg" border="0" /></a>Although she is currently being distracted from knitting by a new iPhone. But she'll be back on the bike in no time I'm sure.<br /><a href="http://a-rosy-outlook.blogspot.com/">Stacy</a> spent her weekend knitting away on the Mon Cheri baby sweater, as well as baking delicious looking scones.<br />As for me, I made some progress on the socks, finished the toe and started the lace section along the foot. Photos to come shortly, I promise. I like to see myself as a Riccardo Ricco "Cobra" style knitter, I'll strike in about a week's time and knit like the wind to finish the socks!<br />Rest day tomorrow! But no rest from knitting!<br />Happy Bastille Day everyone :)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Team AG2R-Mondiale</span><br /><a href="http://halfdoublecrochet.blogspot.com/">Suzy</a> is in need of the team car! She was making do with a needle threader, instead of a proper bead threader, and it broke. Hopefully she was able to find a store that sold a bead threader or wire.<br /><a href="http://paisleywomble.blogspot.com/">Paisley</a> was also having a bit of trouble when, not only did she use up her main colour, but the next wool finished too and she had to use a third yarn to finish the brim. Now that her beret is finished she is working on her clapotis.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijswtBcflptN5wDV0yXArFhiqKsAdnhdF6l43WWu02w1V9n0P3aqDjla5BPe_vAoZGRYq_-P04a6NOklnRrh-TpUzZTXHcaRLaf33aJSGXymUIYv1_tqxWTQoOHsuSHwbcgR-VOEYYbxqM/s1600-h/Paisley's+beret.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222887765609329986" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijswtBcflptN5wDV0yXArFhiqKsAdnhdF6l43WWu02w1V9n0P3aqDjla5BPe_vAoZGRYq_-P04a6NOklnRrh-TpUzZTXHcaRLaf33aJSGXymUIYv1_tqxWTQoOHsuSHwbcgR-VOEYYbxqM/s200/Paisley's+beret.JPG" border="0" /></a>Rather than ripping out twisted stitches, <a href="http://gemma747.blogspot.com/">Gemma</a> is trying out lifelines for the first time.<br />Now that she is back from her holiday <a href="http://the-view-from-the-hill.blogspot.com/">Katie</a> was able to cast on for her Nether Garments. As she wants them to be colourful, any scraps you have that you could send her would be appreciated. Scraps should be superwash and preferably have some nylon content.<br /><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/cioccito">Jen</a> has finished her capelet and is working on her monkey socks.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbS88H-4XYvJBRqXp3W7JR9mprtlYczCWK2x7ki33kXMyi04dST5yP0qjlXo1fkYEfEgcU4nZqwjdlON8CNaLrVw1NLqvw5oXPTJCLiMTc7vItFLV2NpugEkVAdYPR9cjyCMAvLgmkihd/s1600-h/Jen's+capelet+front.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222887772981347282" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbS88H-4XYvJBRqXp3W7JR9mprtlYczCWK2x7ki33kXMyi04dST5yP0qjlXo1fkYEfEgcU4nZqwjdlON8CNaLrVw1NLqvw5oXPTJCLiMTc7vItFLV2NpugEkVAdYPR9cjyCMAvLgmkihd/s200/Jen's+capelet+front.JPG" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0sRt60HQu2Yr2ABiY9DrkkPWg0keZ2tNgFZ_LJoyAwityHci6vVJ5wJvILk4yRgghUO6B6WJ4xfhrHhqjANySWMr49nKQvsSQnJXDq2NXmR3OIjSCrO2C7oo_0JVBE6sTcNTfapltFPV/s1600-h/Jen's+capelet+back.JPG"><strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222887777660271842" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0sRt60HQu2Yr2ABiY9DrkkPWg0keZ2tNgFZ_LJoyAwityHci6vVJ5wJvILk4yRgghUO6B6WJ4xfhrHhqjANySWMr49nKQvsSQnJXDq2NXmR3OIjSCrO2C7oo_0JVBE6sTcNTfapltFPV/s200/Jen's+capelet+back.JPG" border="0" /></strong></a><strong>Team CSC:</strong><br /><p>CathyAnn is having her own Mountain top challenges with her Gwenda cardigan. The sleeves are posing some problems for her and have been frogged multiple times. The bodice is finished, but now CathyAnn is questioning the size. Wishing you luck Cathy Ann!!!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222900143266470882" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmetlF4FRr8681VFdwWDSRrJG_OZw5BJNg3Vq1rvxTV9-FuT9GGS5Xdm_0m17eh2blD935_2-h2PdwRveK-LpfvxaXL3z2cPOij67ORMFnxfzCP7KJUzR0pV2Tulss9OJnnfavpawj8Y/s200/aaa.jpg" border="0" /></p><p></p><a href="http://www.loppypop.com/blog/">Lori's </a>knitting has slowed down, but she discusses on her blog her love of cycling (and the effectiveness of it to trim down and shape up!).<br /><p><a href="http://spinningninny.blogspot.com/2008/07/travel-woes.html">Sarah</a> spent her weekend in NYC, relaxing, having fun and doing a little knitting -more to update tomorrow!</p><a href="http://yarn-tails.blogspot.com/2008/07/stage-win.html">Elisa</a> is starting to seam up her cardigan, modeled by the lovely Lily (notice that Lily appears to have a cycling jersey on...).<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222901449379851586" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWf9210B85agNYybKp7P0_o39a-Whc7g8vf_nzkYpxod0U0qc36cPjXYu-j8A9Cgmlcxi0tZbfli4jJCmO14Xphx-yoRYjeSmxssA8kdfjlL4bp41b7wFhDWddQbEI03oaLA77RcB5eaY/s200/1a.jpg" border="0" /><p></p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rabobank</span> are still panting after today's tough stage, but <a href="http://www.likelyyarns.com/2008/07/half-game-up-at-all-star-break.html">Sandy</a> is making it look easy - check out her fast progress on the entrelac bag:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELAVw-2mrzN3oq3Hc1wn3E1pdCCFWC8ZuqLs3XdR3jzeLLxJHB_UbJXEozGAjV6vJIt7lxhGJCWrCSDRtjD8ZJ7kgIoMDuwzi7mwcjTH-EMELUya7veQwGDhQCJr3wQ5rH77ALcMrC9ab/s1600-h/TourSandybag.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222916042947334370" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELAVw-2mrzN3oq3Hc1wn3E1pdCCFWC8ZuqLs3XdR3jzeLLxJHB_UbJXEozGAjV6vJIt7lxhGJCWrCSDRtjD8ZJ7kgIoMDuwzi7mwcjTH-EMELUya7veQwGDhQCJr3wQ5rH77ALcMrC9ab/s200/TourSandybag.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/bethgirl">Beth</a> has triumphed over her first Baudelaire sock and will try to get a picture for us soon; <a href="http://thepiedaterre.blogspot.com/">Maria</a> is still fighting her way through the budding lace section on her Swallowtail, but hopes to have half of the first border chart done by week's end. Enjoy the well-earned rest day tomorrow, everyone!<br /><br /><strong>Team Liquigas progress: </strong><br /><br /><a href="http://live-learn-knit.blogspot.com/">Amy</a> has finished one sock and the cuff of the second - a photo has been promised for the next update :-) and I'm looking forward to it - the Burgundy yarn is SUCH a lovely colour.<br /><br /><a href="http://spritewrites.net/">Sprite</a> has a toe for her sock - yay Sprite :-)<br /><br /><a href="http://ravelry.com/people/vineland">Liana</a> has been sprinting along with her crochet scarf (fan stitch, lace weight, alpaca) sounds lovely doesn't it?<br /><br /><a href="http://knit-me-a-blog.blogspot.com/">Linz</a> has had a stern word with Terttu and it is now behaving itself and looking fab don't you think. Eleven pattern repeats completed - well done Linz :-) and I love the colour.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjua_zB5UifFPxg5VtdfIYhOpzCWIs576LaBBtI2PDp1O5S9HLNj7zrNU10_6YfdeYY5azl0x3t1wG_OzeNpUWo3czNclcsCbT0x-SknX5n0TbpKb3p8xhpfBljGgpbuPnr_5m_30y4A/s1600-h/Terttu+3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222952551195726738" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjua_zB5UifFPxg5VtdfIYhOpzCWIs576LaBBtI2PDp1O5S9HLNj7zrNU10_6YfdeYY5azl0x3t1wG_OzeNpUWo3czNclcsCbT0x-SknX5n0TbpKb3p8xhpfBljGgpbuPnr_5m_30y4A/s200/Terttu+3.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://betseydoodle.ca/">Betseydoodle</a> has been picking up border stitches and doesn't her Ivyleaf stole look beautiful? I do hope you are writing this pattern down as you go along - we're all going to want a copy ;-)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6wCEPMoU8EY06SpL7rpokgLwaQSrd0Z2BcVB4dEPv8X0hk7yw3ShgRxNW7q4tWnzG02PC6vb-xGuZl_TlCA5fCB9rQvDrKlEiy_xQdJUXd4SdpceeXS-P7xuEFInNXmRYZtS6B6ym08/s1600-h/Ivyleaf+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222950245985401698" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6wCEPMoU8EY06SpL7rpokgLwaQSrd0Z2BcVB4dEPv8X0hk7yw3ShgRxNW7q4tWnzG02PC6vb-xGuZl_TlCA5fCB9rQvDrKlEiy_xQdJUXd4SdpceeXS-P7xuEFInNXmRYZtS6B6ym08/s200/Ivyleaf+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8s8YcqUEUMjDab7-6pG8jD607vjebQHa5eNiSEVgJpEoouzIV1FZCvtqQCh3Pu5mDn1vRdrw6Rav-uq43T3Ej7hW-ZaJIzXJcDjhTITcazwkM0mAj36wnhLi3s-JksI0aI4bwv2XXZA/s1600-h/Ivyleaf+7.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222950413663593650" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8s8YcqUEUMjDab7-6pG8jD607vjebQHa5eNiSEVgJpEoouzIV1FZCvtqQCh3Pu5mDn1vRdrw6Rav-uq43T3Ej7hW-ZaJIzXJcDjhTITcazwkM0mAj36wnhLi3s-JksI0aI4bwv2XXZA/s200/Ivyleaf+7.jpg" border="0" /></a>And as for <a href="http://aknitasknits.blogspot.com/">me</a>, ( yes, sadly this unattractive looking lower leg is mine ) well I am ready to do the heel. I've been ready to do it for some 24 hours, but I have adopted avoidance tactics for the moment ;-)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7WubF0huN-VQH_B-UvWg4dNETokFBccyOU_LZYP3YObXiCW52Q9UBR-KaZHSnbwlaKAcctT0542RQ6GzgtxH908Mfa37E1woQcx06tt_mHPB0a8T4r4uvwhx6GuTpakcAiUtMIAuyZ8/s1600-h/100_3688.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222950036798064834" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7WubF0huN-VQH_B-UvWg4dNETokFBccyOU_LZYP3YObXiCW52Q9UBR-KaZHSnbwlaKAcctT0542RQ6GzgtxH908Mfa37E1woQcx06tt_mHPB0a8T4r4uvwhx6GuTpakcAiUtMIAuyZ8/s200/100_3688.jpg" border="0" /></a>Hopefully next time :-)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Team Columbia Update<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /></span>A quickie update on the team's progress, hopefully photos soon...<br /><br />Morgan has conquered short rows for the bust of her sweater, while Roxana has had a battle with the cotton she is using for her socks. The lack of give has made them not fit, even though they LOOK like an adult sized sock, Roxana says that they lie! Mari dealt with some tangles and splices but her Clapotis is looking phenomenal! Martha is going to be changing her route with her project, but isn't quitting. Christine had a mild crash with a nasty dropped stitch, but never fear, the knitting did not stop. She instead picked up a wip that had been languishing in her knitting bag. Jam Mam has been jamming along on both her lace shawl AND spinning a bunch of fiber. Barbara is at the point of her pocket, but, is going to try it on first to ensure that it is the right size before moving onto this next stage!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Team Quick Step Update:</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Sorry for the lack of photo's, I'm having trouble with Blogger again! To see these wonderful projects, you'll have to visit the blogs.<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><br /><a href="http://alittlebitcrafty.blogspot.com/">Jennifer</a> feels her Monet Bag isn't working as well as she expected and has decided to try something new.<br /><a href="http://margesrandomlife.blogspot.com/">Marge</a> is making a break from the peleton and knitting some fingerless gloves.<br /><a href="http://blakeanitty.blogspot.com/">Shelley</a> is climbing through the Pyranees with her huge and very beautiful lace blanket.<br /><a href="http://whitknits.wordpress.com/">Whitney</a> has climbed mountains, raced ahead of the peleton and stormed the Bastille! With her wonderful Gansey, on which she has finished the front and back and is about to work on her sleeves, once she's got her needles! C'mon Knitpicks!knitseashorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08594976722011232979noreply@blogger.com6