A Blarg of Ravelympic Proportions!

It was my day. My warm-up had gone perfectly. I was flying down the mountain, the wind in my hair, the snow on my face. I was invincible. I was rounding the last purl, my ends were woven in. All I had to do was pose for the victory photo as I crossed the line. I could smell the podium, taste the gold! I pull the first sock on.....SNAP! Disaster strikes. The bind off was too tight and the yarn broke in 3 different places and was unraveling before my eyes. My Ravelympic hopes lay dashed beside me amongst the little tufts of broken yarn.

I called my coach, hoping for some advice before I had to complete the second run. She had spent too much time at the "Mitchell Mansion" soaking up the rockstar status given to Ravelympic medalists. I utter a small prayer that no incriminating photos surface tomorrow forcing her to be sent home early and retake the seminar on how to behave like an ambassador for Mitchell Nation.

I was on my own.

I open my Knitting Answer Book to find a looser bind off that is sturdy enough for socks. It recommends the yarn over bind off. I undo the bind off from the intact sock and meticulously slide the loops back onto my needles. I complete the new bind off. I carefully test the stretchitude- it seems sound. I cautiously slide the sock onto my foot....Success! It fits perfectly and no breakage!

My spirits lift. I can do this. I can pick myself up and come back from this fall. I can complete the Ravelympic dream!

I carefully look over the damaged sock. Only 1 of the breaks occurred in the bind off, the other 2 were in the ribbing. I painstakingly remove the bind off from the break around to the first break in the ribbing, sliding the stitches onto my needles as I go. I reach the first break. As gingerly as if I was disarming a bomb, I slowly release the broken thread and wind a new piece through. I gently use my crochet hook to bring this new thread up vertically to the top.

Whew, 1 down, 1 to go.

Again, I work my away around to the next break undoing the bind off and slipping the stitches onto my needles. I reach the second break. Warily, I remove the broken yarn and replace it with fresh piece making sure to secure the loose ends. Up to the top I go and I'm home free! I use the yarn over bind off and it's time for the moment of truth!

Nervously, I remove the store-bought monstrosity currently adorning my foot. I slide the repaired sock over my toes. I am rapidly approaching the site of my previous fall from grace. With a deep breath I crest the heel and VICTORY! I have lived the true Ravelympic story, overcoming massive odds to snatch glory and another medal for the Mitchell Nation.