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IMG_1069
Originally uploaded by kerner

Alpaca Ribbon Scarf
Originally uploaded by kerner

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Originally uploaded by kerner

The first few days of the Tour de France Knit-Along have been really fun. I've watched more cycling than ever before in my life, which has also inspired me to get out on my bike for several good rides of my own.

On the knitting front, I'm going for the King of the Mountains jersey by attempting to conquer my mountain of unfinished knitting projects. On the first day of the Tour, I counted 6 unfinished projects:

Colorado Lodge Socks
Summer Shimmer Scarf
Alpaca Ribbon Scarf
Star Sweater (for me)
Saranac Sweater (for Matt)
Craft Hope hats

I am happy to report that only a week into the KAL I have finished 4 projects! (Of course, they were the ones with the least left to do, but still!)

My favorite is the Alpaca Ribbon Scarf, which I started almost a year ago and intended to give as a gift for Christmas 2008. Oh well, there's always this year, right?

What projects have been hanging around your needles, sewing machine, etc. waaaaaay too long?

It's that time again... the Tour de France! Actually it starts tomorrow (July 4, but I think I'll probably have something a little more patriotic to post then). Also, I'm not really a huge cycling fan, although I am learning to love riding my bike and I'm sure I can learn a few tricks from these guys if I pay attention.

No, I'm excited because it's time again for the Tour de France Knit-Along. I joined this group on a whim a couple of years ago, and had a really great time learning more about cycling and getting to know some new knitters.

This year I am competing for the polka dot jersey, which means I'll be trying to finish up as many current knitting projects as I can. Right now, that would be a pair of socks (from my Colorado trip), a cotton sweater for myself, a scarf that I meant to give as a Christmas gift last year but still isn't done, and as many baby hats as I can possibly crank out for Craft Hope.

I have been assigned to Team Rabobank, which in addition to being a real Tour team, is a team of 10 knitters from 4 different countries.  I'm hoping I can talk them into some kind of swap at the end of the KAL - I love getting mail and random goodies from other countries.

I have also agreed to adopt Stage 12 of the Tour, so be looking forward to learning more about the French towns of Tonnerre and Vittel on July 16th.