So what is it? It’s 17 days of intense knitting frenzy which is held at the same time as the Winter Olympics. No, we don’t have to go to Vancouver to participate. We can be Ravletes (Ravelry athletes, get it?) right in the comfort of our own homes.

Just like the Olympics, there are countries (or teams) involved. The teams are based on actual cities or countries, e.g. UAE, Ireland, or yarn brands and stores, e.g. Blue Moon Fiber Arts, The Loopy Ewe, or interests, e.g. TV shows, films, type of garment, etc. The difference here is that you can be a part of as many countries or teams.

There is a Mass Cast-On at 6pm Pacific Standard Time on February 12 as the Opening Ceremonies begin in Vancouver. The goal is to finish one or more project per team by midnight on February 28.

You can only enter a project under one team but you can enter the project in the events sub-category. There are some really cool events too including Single Skein Speed Skate (projects using only one skein of yarn), Holiday Jump-Start Skiing (projects to be gifted in Dec 2010 or holiday-themed), Short Track Shawl, Lace Luge and my favourite Sock Hockey!

If you finish the project within the time given, you earn a virtual medal which you can brag about in your blog, Twitter, Facebook page or all of them. But the biggest reward of all is that you challenged yourself and came out on top.

I volunteered to be captain of Team Amiras (UAE Knitters Group) and we have about 12 participants in the team. Whilst I am loyal to my local knitting group, I have decided to participate in three other teams.

The other night I decided to organise the things I need for my Ravelympics projects. My yarns have been wound into cakes, pictured here minus one of them.
I am knitting a pair of socks for Team Sundara using the first ever skein of sock yarn I received from the Seasons Collection. This project has been in my queue for ages and now is the perfect time to get this done and done. Zigzag Anklets from Knitting with Handpainted Yarn using Cerulean Seas. Can’t wait!
I was going on and on about Liz Abinante’s dyeing and designing skills so I am so glad to be able to finally work on one of her designs using one of her own hand-dyed yarns. Traveling Woman will be knit up for Team Wrap Around Ewe (Small Shawl Lovers).
I was given 5 skeins of Elsebeth Lavold Silky Cashmere for my first ever Ravelry swap in 2008. I always knew I wanted to make something like a cowl or shawlette with it and give it to my aunt in Ontario. This is the perfect pattern for it (198 Yards of Heaven) and this will be knit up for Team Amiras.
There has to be a project that rocks. I wanted something funky yet quick and easy enough to make. I had been admiring Rock and Weave for a while and had recently purchased the pattern. Tina Newton was kind enough to put her colour brain to work and she created two special colourways for Ravelympics. One is a shaded solid called Vancouver Violet and the other is a multicolour called Ilanaaq. I bought the multicoloured skein in lightweight STR and it is on its way to me. I’ll be using my new Signature Needle Arts DPNs for this so it’s double the excitement. This project will of course be with Team Blue Moon.

So there you have it. Wish me luck. I’ll be doing a bit more training this coming week, and by training I mean reading up on the patterns and making sure I do not waste time once I start.

Are you a Ravlete?