Olympics as uncluttering inspiration

Back when I was an avid knitter (a.k.a. before parenthood), I participated a few times in the Knitting Olympics. The idea of the Knitting Olympics is that you begin a large project at the start of the actual Olympic opening ceremonies, and you work diligently to finish the garment by the end of the closing ceremonies. Many knitters take on intricate lace shawl or fair isle sweater projects — projects that are really challenging to finish in 16 days.

I like the idea of using the Olympics as motivation to complete a difficult project. Olympians train years, decades, and some even their entire lives for mere minutes of Olympic competition. They don’t give up because the obstacle might seem unobtainable; they keep training until they realize their dreams of Olympic glory.

There are only 12 days left until the final Olympic ceremony. What challenging uncluttering project can you conquer before the Olympic flame is extinguished?

Posted by Erin on Feb 16, 2010 | Comments

12 comments posted

  1. Posted by Handy Man, Crafty Woman - 02/16/2010

    I’ve heard of several friends who are working on going through piles of paperwork during the Olympics. Some are working on small uncluttering projects during the commercials. I’m doing that as well. I’ve been going through my computer and organizing files (LONG overdue!) and I’m cleaning out my desk drawers. There certainly are TONS of commercials!

  2. Posted by Mikey's mom - 02/16/2010

    Back when I was a teenager, I embroidered an entire peasant shirt while watching Olga Korbut earn gold after gold. I still remember that — it was really fun. And while I was in pre-teen activities, my Camp Fire group hooked a huge rug while watching Peggy Fleming. It’s a great way to personalize a world event and make part of it your own.

  3. Posted by Cindy May - 02/16/2010

    Mine isn’t so much a project, but a goal. I am trying to exercise/work out for at least a half hour each day during the span of the Olympics. I didn’t exercise on Friday (just the opening ceremony day), but have done so every day since then.

    This is challenging due to all the snow we’re getting here in the Midwest, which can make my evening commute home a bit longer and more stressful, thus sometimes putting me in a foul mood, but I hope to work through it anyway!

  4. Posted by amandalee - 02/16/2010

    I love this suggestion. I periodically go through my yarn stash, attempting to make 30 projects in 30 days, but this is a new twist. I’ll have to try! :-D

  5. Posted by Rachel - 02/16/2010

    Hee! Does turning 8 skeins of yarn that have been sitting untouched for the last year into my first sweater also count as uncluttering? I never thought of my Knitting Olympics project as being a multitasker…

  6. Posted by Newlywed &Unemployed - 02/16/2010

    Gary organized the garage over the weekend while I started some yard projects! The garage looks awesome and the yard will take a little longer, but I’m really excited about finally having raised bed gardens and redistributing the overgrown iris bed. And finally, after 3 years, my apple tree will be out of its barrel and in the ground. Patient little tree.

  7. Posted by Bill, parent of five - 02/16/2010

    The kitchen pantry is now uncluttered! Thanks for the inspiration. Next, the basement.

  8. Posted by rhett - 02/16/2010

    oh fun! the garage and pruning are now on the list… if the weather would just cooperate.

  9. Posted by Courtney - 02/17/2010

    Great idea! It’s always good to give yourself a deadline to help yourself stay motivated to complete a project. If you finish early you can then chill and watch the olympics!

  10. Posted by Stephanie - 02/17/2010

    I LOVE this idea! Although I’m getting a late start, I’m going to get all of the papers in my “to be filed” folder actually FILED in their proper place. Thanks for the inspiration! :-)

  11. Posted by Jill - 02/18/2010

    This is a great idea, I don’t have anything that I’m trying to work on though.

  12. Posted by Nana - 02/19/2010

    I send Good Stuff to soldiers overseas (through anysoldier.com). I usually have 4 or 5. So I sit in front of the TV, opening packages of gum, hot chocolate, magazines, whatever…going “one for you, and one for you”
    hadn’t thought of a knnitting project. Perhaps I should try to finish off all / some of the half-done projects!

Subscribe to this entry's comments

Comments are closed for this entry.