Rob had a few hours off this morning, so we snatched the chance for a properly modelled photoshoot. I'll go through the motifs and the meaning behind them one by one over the coming days, but I thought I'd start with the overall effect.
You have already seen the downhill skiing tracks on the yoke - they are followed by bear claws and then a herringbone pattern to represent the cross country disciplines. The front body features snowflakes, evergreen trees, and flaming torches:
The back body of the sweater features multiple examples of the inukshuk, raven tracks, and the word Whistler (gotta fix that wonky H!).
The left sleeve features a scale map of the Whistler sliding track:
The right sleeve features a representation of the ski jump:
Both sleeves have sneaky representations of the five rings - separately on the cuffs, and interlocking on either side of the central motif.
Overall, I'm really really pleased with the sweater. There are things I wouldn't do the same way if I had it to do over, a bit of fudging and embroidery on the back to compensate for technical problems I didn't solve in time for my self-imposed deadline, but I also tapped into a white-hot river of inspiration and innovation I haven't felt in far too long. I created tricky motifs and unvented unorthodox knitting maneuvers on the fly to serve the vision in my head; I swatched yards of solutions that didn't pan out, and learned an incredible amount in the process.
The sweater also represented an important psychological turning point. (I don't know if you noticed, but I've been going through a smidge of existential angst over the last several months.) I'll talk more about that another day, but I will say that designing and completing such an ambitious project in the tight timeline I set for myself was a way of staking out a bit of sorely lacking personal space, and proving to myself that there is hope that I won't always and forever have to give up and settle.
The hat, I whipped up during the first days of the Games... I think it works pretty well with the ensemble. Matching fingerless mitts are on the needles - I need my fingers for photography, and the sweater is so warm that I think fingerless will be just right.
WOW! The sweater looks AWESOME, Ruth! I love all the different symbols and what they represent. It will mean a lot to you for a long time to come. AND...it looks great on you, to boot! :) And I'm also loving all your pics of the village, athletes and entertainers. It looks like a blast.
Posted by: Kerri | 16/02/2010 at 08:43 PM
OMG Ruth, the sweater is stunning -- from a design perspective and esthetically! I missed you in the Village again today apparently, but we'll catch up yet!
Posted by: Marilyn G | 16/02/2010 at 09:12 PM
Brilliant!!
Posted by: Punkin | 16/02/2010 at 09:13 PM
Lovely! My favourite is the inukshuk motif. After reading your blog I'm excited to head to Vancouver this week. Its enroute to other parts of the province but I have about 5 hours a day over 2 days to hang out!
Posted by: Cindy | 16/02/2010 at 10:02 PM
love (7 gazillion)!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: johanna | 16/02/2010 at 10:19 PM
OMG that is so much more than fabulous!!! It has a bit of everything and it sooooo goood! Such a wonderful outcome for such a tight deadline. Truly amazing and just goes to show what can be done in the creative mind of a genius!
Posted by: Leonie | 16/02/2010 at 10:35 PM
Ruth, it is GORGEOUS. Amazing. So special. How it looks in the overall effect and how you created the single motives with their special meanings and translated them into knitting. Great design, and thank you so much for sharing. It intimidates me a bit though. I don’t think I will get something similar done, at least not before the finishing ceremonies, even though mine is going to be smaller as not to be worn on top to go outside… But that’s ok for me, I don’t rush and will see how far I get. I just hope you’ll give detailed enough comments on the patterns so that little old me can follow. Keep soaking up the fun in your village!
Posted by: Tina | 16/02/2010 at 10:42 PM
I love it! You can tell it was a work of inspiration.
Posted by: Elizabeth | 16/02/2010 at 11:21 PM
What an amazing work of art!! And equally amazing is that you got it all done as quickly as you did - just beautiful!
I also have to thank you for the "insider" photos - I am utterly addicted to the Olympics, always have been, and it's just great to get a peek at what goes on behind the scenes - thank you!
Posted by: Deirdre | 17/02/2010 at 03:48 AM
Wonderful, incredible, stylin'!
I bet you're getting asked about that sweater everywhere you wear it. It's stunning.
Posted by: PrairiePoppins | 17/02/2010 at 04:29 AM
The sweater is spectacular as are the pictures. Thank you for both. To be able to translate the beautiful design and motif to yarn and needles is truly creative genius.
Posted by: Cheryl | 17/02/2010 at 06:18 AM
Ruth, I can't tell you how impressed I am at your lovely sweater! And how I envy your faith in your own ability to do the improvising and designing on the fly...... that is something I've never dared to try. But I think you may have given me the courage, and you've certainly given me the inspiration to try! Congratulations on your fabulous achievement, and thank you for sharing it with us!
Posted by: Barbara M. | 17/02/2010 at 06:19 AM
The sweater turned out beautiful and it looks great on you. Meeting the challenges we set for ourselves is always a good mood lifter, isn't it? :)
Posted by: Kate | 17/02/2010 at 06:32 AM
wow-that sweater is spectacular!
Posted by: Monika | 17/02/2010 at 06:50 AM
Ruth,
The sweater is wonderful and it looks fantastic on you. You are such a talented designer (and fast knitter) and I am so happy for you that you had such excellent results on this project. Thanks for sharing the photos of happenings around Whistler and your impressions of the games.
Posted by: meg | 17/02/2010 at 06:54 AM
Gosh that is stunning.
Posted by: susan | 17/02/2010 at 07:47 AM
Brilliant. I'm also doing a gansey with Olympic symbolism. Thanks for figuring out a way to include the logo. I will learn from you.
Posted by: Jane Prater | 17/02/2010 at 08:32 AM
WOW - Impressive and beautiful!!!!!!!
My husband is actually working at the Four Seasons Whistler during the Olympics. He's a chef. So, if you go there to eat, say Hi to Ed for me :) He asked me what I wanted from Whistler and I told him yarn!! He says Whistler is gorgeous! I wish we could have gone with him!!
Posted by: Brenna | 17/02/2010 at 08:49 AM
Gold medal sweater, Ruth! I'm so amazed at how fast you accomplished it. Wear it with pride!
Posted by: Louisa | 17/02/2010 at 09:33 AM
And the winner is Canada!! What a lovely job and a great addition to your Olympic jackets photo collection. Wishing I were taller...
Posted by: Another Joan | 17/02/2010 at 09:56 AM
Gorgeous!
Posted by: Gwen | 17/02/2010 at 10:31 AM
How spectacularly stunning!!! Well done!
Posted by: wendy | 17/02/2010 at 11:56 AM
Smashing! and the hat is fine too.
Posted by: Priscilla | 17/02/2010 at 01:37 PM
Have been waiting impatiently for these pictures of you in your creation. I knew it would be fabulous and so creative in design.
We are so proud of our daughter! And the hat --very nice touch. No one will doubt you are a loyal Canadian!
So neat to go to the computer each morning and see what you have been up to the day before. Living this with you, and of course watching the events as well.Cheering with those who cheer and crying with those who cry.
Posted by: Mom and Dad | 17/02/2010 at 02:58 PM
Oh, WOW. Ruth, that sweater is a masterpiece!
Posted by: --Deb | 17/02/2010 at 03:05 PM