Count down to the (Knitting) Olympics!

While everyone is looking forward to the 2008 Summer Olympics there is added excitement for knitters: the Knitting Olympics!  And for the knitters on Ravelry, the  Ravelympics!  The idea is to knit an entire item during the 17 days of the Olympics.  Cast on at the opening ceremony; finish before the flame goes out.

The pattern I'm planning to make is the Cobblestone Pullover from Interweave Knits, Fall 2007.  A while ago Todd came across this pattern when he was dutifully filling out the "Knitting for Men" survey on www.knittingdaily.com and since I was excited that he was interested in something with sleeves I immediately purchased it.

Unfortunately the yarn in the pattern is discontinued and, not only that, it is 100% wool.  Todd really would only wear something 100% wool on the coldest day of the year so I had to try to find something that is lighter, like a cotton-wool blend. And I also wanted something at least a little machine washable to avoid any unfortunate sweater versus washer disasters.  I had to choose between finding something closer in weight and finding something that could at least tangle with the washing machine so I am going to try Cashcotton DK.  Since this is a lighter weight yarn than the pattern calls for so I will have to do lots of math to get the sweater to come out right.  So far as I can figure, if I can actually get the gauge that the manufacturer gives I can get the right size by following the instructions for the second to largest size.  We'll be picking out a color tomorrow and swatching away to see if this can actually be pulled off...