Matt Lauer: And good morning, we're at the venue for the WIPs Dancing Competition where the competition has been fierce.
Meredith Vierra: Yes Matt, it is a marathon type event, some competitors have a longer way to go than others, but each has their own mental block to overcome in completing their individual performance.
Al Roker: Hope they have plenty of brownies for energy. (chuckle)
Matt: Oh, Al. Heh, heh.
Meredith: Matt, we should explain what some of these athletes are up against. Take, for instance, Teresa C. from the Republic of Knitting the Blues. She entered this event with confidence, but with a project that she just had let sit to the point of creating a major mind block.
Matt: Yes, Meredith, this sweater was started in 2004 and the majority of it had been completed for years. All it needed was to have the neckband knitted in, a steek marked and cut, the button bands added, the steek facings tacked down, a blocking and buttons sewn on. Let's take a quick look.
Al: And here's what's happening in your neck of the woods! (big grin)
Matt: Not now, Al!
Meredith: Teresa had a lot of momentum, showing great skill and perseverance. Knitting, steeking, and putting in bands like a mad woman.
Al: And you think that's tough, she did it without the aid of liquid encouragement.
Matt: (elbowing Al in the ribs) That's right Meredith. There is just no accounting for what happened next. She clearly had the number seven in her head. Even as she knit those buttonholes in, the number seven was in her head. As she pinned it out to block and went to purchase buttons, she knew it was seven. Seven, seven.
Meredith: Yes Matt, this is what separates the real athletes from the also-rans. Right up to the point of pulling out the pins and removing the sweater from the blocking board she was celebrating her victory. But much like the snowboarder Lindsey Jacobellis, the celebration was premature.
Al: Should have had that shot of vodka, T!
Matt: It looked great until she realized that she had only put in five buttonholes.
Meredith: And the steeks are all sewn in.
Al: And the ends are all woven in. You could say there is not one piece of tail to be found. Heh.
Matt and Meredith: AL!!
Meredith: Well, Teresa has a history of overthinking these things, but there isn't much time. If she wants to be on that podium she will either have to
Al: Sh*t or get off the pot! HAHAHAHA!
Matt: (hissing) Get him out of here.
Meredith (laughing her *ss off). I'm sorry, I know. Okay (composing herself), it remains to be seen. Will those buttons go on? Will she un-sew the steeks, pull out the band and re-do it all?
Matt: Or will Teresa's Olympic dreams be put on hold yet again. At 47, this could be her last Olympic games.
Al: Should be yours, Matt! Maybe Teresa will knit a hat to cover that hairless dome you call a head for the next Olympics. AHAHAHAHAHA!
Meredith: I think she will make the right choice and will have a medal around her neck. She is the hope of fans of Knitting the Blues, I don't think she'll let them down.
Matt: Good luck, Teresa. After the break, the controversy behind the stitches. Did Knitter X cast on before the opening ceremonies, giving her unfair advantage? You'll be surprised where our hidden cameras were.....
Al: Whoa! Any tail in that video? HEH HEH!
2010. Thirty. Teresa declined interviews for this segment, but if you listen closely you can hear the hysterical laughter in the backround.
I know how hard it is for you to take a Bronze instead of a Gold. It's not in your character to "make do", but is the sweater wearable and is it worth the extra time? If you decide it needs to be fixed can you take the Bronze and fix it after the Games are over?
A Bronze is better than no medal at all!
Posted by: margene | February 17, 2010 at 12:17 PM
Would an afterthought buttonhole (ala EZ) work? I have used this handy little trick a few times myself. It's a little bit fiddly but it is loads faster than the alternative. Might be worth a try to get to the gold! Good luck.
Posted by: meg | February 17, 2010 at 12:27 PM
Would just five buttons actually look bad? Especially if you made them on the large side to look more proportionate? Good luck whatever you decide!
Posted by: Chloe | February 17, 2010 at 02:59 PM
OMG....I am laughing right along with Al and Meredith....you positively crack me up!!
I am sorry about the buttons though, knowing you the way I do you must be ready to pull out your hair. :(
Posted by: Kim | February 17, 2010 at 03:29 PM
What a funny post... though I am sorry for you with the dilemma... hope you have the stamina to live with whatever decision you make, though I have a feeling perfectionism will be involved. Does it help any to know that I love the color....
Posted by: Birdsong | February 17, 2010 at 09:03 PM
LMAO, just like Meredith! But OUCH!
Posted by: Vicki | February 18, 2010 at 09:06 AM
Go, Terry!
Posted by: CyndiG | February 20, 2010 at 05:11 PM
You are just more than funny!!
Posted by: Laurie | February 21, 2010 at 11:49 AM