Lots of things have been going on recently, some work related some not, which have really cut into my knitting time recently. It's hard going cold turkey. I mean, people, it's hard to not have that one or two hours to wind down and work on a project so that there's actually progress pictures. Has anyone ever tried knitting when England(1) is playing (Soccer/Football World Cup)? Far too nail-biting....!
But, alas matey, I have finished a hat. Yes, it's a very humble FO, but it's still an FO.
Here's the artistic shot. I love this bear. His head is just the perfect size... !
So, who else is knitting hats for BISS?
(1) I would really appreciate if someone could help me understand why so many Scottish people seem so steadfast against routing for England? I don't really get it, because if I was living in the US, and the US didn't qualify, I would happily cheer on Mexico or Canada or whomever is geographically closest. (Please don't beat me up for asking, because I'm genuinely curious... I know this can be an emotive subject, so if anyone leaves a mean or abusive comment to me or to anyone playing nicely, I will delete your comment... so play nice, ok?)
Posted by atu at July 1, 2006 06:42 PM | TrackBackI just ran into your blog via some links, hope you don't mind my comment. As for your question, I don't really know the answer. Actually, I think the same way you do.
I have sometimes tried to knit whilst the game is on, but you are right, no can do. Shame about the last game, it would have been great to see England in the final. Maybe the next time.. :)
Posted by: Heidi at July 5, 2006 04:44 PMI don't know nything about football rivalries but I know I will always root for the hockey team playing against the rival (which usually will be close by to create the proper rival climate). Could this be the case with Scotland? If they can't beat England, they sure hope someone else can? Just a thought.
Posted by: Jasmine at July 4, 2006 12:34 PMNot having seen your press I couldn't say whether it's blown the issue out of all proportion as some people have said. But I thought I would make this observation from Oz: generally, I would be gobsmacked to find anyone here without specific and direct connections to England actually barracking for England in any sport. (for whatever reason I don't venture to say.) However, I noticed during the Rugby World Cup (in which both Scotland and England competed) many many Aussies supported both Australia AND Scotland. Go figure.
Posted by: meg at July 3, 2006 04:18 AMI just love that bear, he never wriggles or squirms when you put those hats on him. The perfect model!
As for the football, I never watch it but would cheer on all of the home countries. Though England first, naturally.
I am a loyal subject of Her Majesty and would defend the United Kingdom come what may, but I still yearn for home rule for Yorkshire on the quiet. ;)
Posted by: Louise at July 3, 2006 12:38 AMI actually don't support teams based on proximity to my country (USA.) I support England first because I was introduced to football as a real sport with real fans when I lived in London to go to ballet school. Next I support USA and Hungary (although if they were playing each other I would have to go with USA) because I am a citizen of one and met my husband while studying in the other. If none of these three teams are playing I support the underdog.
Sorry about the dissapointing sales.
Posted by: Kat at July 2, 2006 10:27 PMI was routing for England because Hargreave is the closest thing we'll ever get to Canada being in the World Cup. It was a very exciting game
Posted by: Lavender at July 2, 2006 07:49 AMFrom my perspective (which is Northern Irish , and married to a Welsh man) I think it is all to do with England oppression and all that historical stuff, but as Helen so rightly says I think the press have a lot to answer for. I have heard lots of talk from the press here in Wales on the same topic but in reality there seem to be plenty of cars driving around with English flags flying and I haven't met anyone locally who isn't supporting England.
Posted by: Rebecca at July 1, 2006 09:13 PMPolly, I've got a Scottish friend who has lived in London for 20 years, has no intention ever of going back to live in Scotland and who would support ANYBODY over England. It seems to be long-held resentment that after many battles (Bannockburn, Culloden etc. etc., William Wallace and all that) that they ended up under English rule, 'Yoke of English Oppression' etc. etc. and have never quite got over it. Well, that's what she tells me. Plus it's YEARS since their team qualified for any big tournament and they're jealous! I'd sort of cheer for Scotland, but only if England weren't playing and no-one could see me, ahem.
Am trying to come to terms with tonight's disappointment, yet ANOTHER 4 years to wait for a chance.....
Posted by: Belinda at July 1, 2006 08:15 PMI like the colour ... greyish blue? I just bought a t-shirt for my husband in this colour! :)
Posted by: Agnes at July 1, 2006 08:07 PMDear Polly. As someone living in Scotland, I must insist that the press has a LOT to answer for! Please don't believe everything you read. It is an easy way for the press to sell newspapers by blowing this out of all proportion. Please, please, please don't perpetuate this myth. Yes, of course there are a few who are rather vocal in their support for teams other than England, but this is just football, and this is just sporting rivalry and it is not, as some of the press are making out, Scots being racist or anti-English. Not all Scots are supporting England, but some are, and some are choosing to support other teams which perhaps have Scottish born players in them.
Hope this helps :-))