Wrap-Up of Ravellenics 2014

I participated in my first Ravellenic games this year! Ravellenics coincides with the Olympics and it's a time where fiber artists challenge themselves to complete projects and compete on teams.

I was on the team TreeHouse Crochet and started out the games by not pushing myself too hard. I coasted through the first 4 or 5 projects and chose one project that took an entire week of focus to complete. 

Aerial Unwind

This was by far the easiest competition that I participated in. I was making a scarf for a swap and ended up not having enough wool to complete the scarf. 

I used every inch of yarn, then had to frog it (unwind it). It was really hard to unravel that many hours of work, but it was also incredibly freeing! I may start unwinding a little more regularly in the future. 

Hat Halfpipe

I watched a lot of Olympics on NBC simply because I was competing in Ravellenics. I caught the Women's Halfpipe event and was so sad to hear the story of Sarah Burke. Her story and the coverage of this event was truly inspiring and, even now, I continue reflecting on the comments of her parents in the interview. They are truly amazing parents whom I aspire to be like.

Toy Tobogganing

Of course this was the most fun event of all! Who doesn't smile when they make fun toys for kids? We have named this dog puppet, Scout, since that's the name of the dog in our church's Sunday School lessons. The kids love Scout! I get to teach Sunday school next week and can't wait to use him with the kids. 

Free pattern from Stitch 11

WIPs Dancing

Intended for a charity collection seeking 70 animals for children in a women's shelter, Owen the Monkey quickly fell through the cracks last fall. I had finished crocheting all the pieces (including his head/body and facial features not shown in this fun photo) last October, but her remained in pieces until now.

 And here he is all finished next to his favorite monkey friend, Peach.

Scarf Super-G and Mitten Moguls

Do you remember that scarf above where I ran out of yarn? I remade it creating a pattern as I went and here's the finished scarf.

Since this scarf is a little more open-work, I ended up having enough wool remaining to barely squeeze out this matching pair of fingerless gloves.

Sweaterboard Cross

This is the area where I challenged myself. I never make garments. I typically refuse requests to make dresses, clothing and blankets. These projects take so much time and just aren't worth it. But, I decided that I would make a sweater once for myself. The total project cost for this sweater was $20.00 and this includes the price of the yarn and the price of the pattern.

I need to get better photos of the sweater. It's called the Simply Elegant Sweater designed by Jenny King. It's a gorgeous, loose-fitting design that I truly believe would look great on any body type. I wore it to church today and it got a lot of positive feedback. I don't know why, but I'm always a little embarrassed when things I make get that much attention.

This sweater weighs close to 20 oz. and used between 950-1,000 yards of Caron Simply Soft yarn.

Conclusion of Ravellenics 2014

I thoroughly enjoyed the games! I really pushed myself to make the sweater and I'm so happy to have actually finished it in time. I can't believe that I fit in SIX projects aside from this one. I'm completely amazed at what we can accomplish when we push ourselves to reach our goals.

My team, Treehouse Crochet, had a competition running based on projects completed during the games and the total yardage of our projects. But, I'm satisfied in earning the Ravthlete badge! I'll be wearing it proudly as my Ravatar for many weeks to come. 

How to Crochet a Sweater for Your Elf

Does your family have an Elf on the Shelf? Do you know what he wants more than anything else? He wants a sweater of his own! You know they get tired of wearing the same old thing all the time. And, if you are having an ugly Christmas sweater party, then the elf should also be dressed in style. He does listen to your conversations throughout the day, you know!

Inspiration for this Project

After seeing Monsters University earlier this year, I graphed the Oozma Kappa design and thought I might make my 4 year old son a hat using the chart. But, he chose Minions instead. So, this chart has been saved on my computer until I realized that it was the perfect height/width for a sweater for Lloyd!

Supplies Used

Red Heart Soft Yarn - Green

Caron Simply Soft - Darker Green

Caron Simply Soft - Yellow

Size "E" crochet hook

Pattern

With Dark Green: Ch 32, join with slip stitch to first chain using caution to not twist the joining chain. (Note: Gauge is not included in this pattern. This round should be slightly loose around your elf.)

Round 1: ch 1, sc in same stitch as ch1 and in each stitch around, join with slip stitch.

Round 2: With Green, ch 1, sc in same stitch as ch 1 and in each stitch around, join with slip stitch.

Round 3-12: ch 1, sc in same stitch as ch 1 and in next 16 stitches, **Refer to chart for color changes.**, sc in last stitch, join with slip stitch.

Round 13: ch 1, sc in same stitch as ch 1 and in each stitch around, join with slip stitch.

Round 14: ch 1, sc in same stitch as ch 1 and in each stitch around, join with slip stitch.

To work the first sleeve:
Slip Stitch in next two stitches, ch 1 & turn work.

Row 1: sc in same stitch as ch1 and in the next 5 stitches, ch 1, turn.

Row 2-11: sc in each stitch across, ch 1, turn (6)

Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.

To work the other sleeve:

Join yarn 2 stitches from the center of the arm pit area by doing a chain 1.

Row 1: sc in same stitch as ch1 and in the next 5 stitches, ch 1, turn.

Row 2-11: sc in each stitch across, ch 1, turn (6)

Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Sewing the Sweater Onto the Elf

I had to get creating with designing the sweater because my elf's hands are still stuck together. Which, in my opinion, adds to wonder of how this magical little elf got that sweater on. 

Slip the sweater onto the elf from the bottom.
Use the long tail to wipstitch the sleeves closed starting at the cuff and working to his shoulder. Tuck the yarn tail into his back. The kids will never know it's there! Repeat this process for the other side.
Make sure the elf's collar covers up the loose ends at the top. 

The Finished Project

Here is Lloyd, the next member of Oozma Kappa at Monsters University along with one of his favorite scare monsters as a baby! The Baby Sulley pattern is available for free on Ravelry from A Morning Cup of Jo!

Psssst!

If working from the chart scares you, then don't use it! The sweater would be just as fun in a variegated yarn, self-string yarn or it's a great scrap yarn project using whatever odds and ends you have around! Just have fun with it!