“Super City” Super Scarf

The request came in quite some time after the Indianapolis Super Bowl was over.  A gentleman from the city contacted me and asked me to make him a Super Scarf.  I asked if he had something in mind or if he wanted me to surprise him. 

“Surprise me,” was his reply.  He wanted a scarf he could display at work and use as a conversation starter. 

The truth is, I had a scarf idea for this particular person before I even finished reading his full email.  It was the charting, knitting, and some piecework that took a bit of time. 

Early into the Indianapolis Super Bowl Super Scarf Project, I had seen a Super Bowl logo that I really liked.  I saved it in case the occasion arose where I could put it to good use.  See the logo below:

It’s a very linear design already, but the logo as it is above would not have worked on a winter scarf.  The lettering AND the skyline in their original positions would have made the scarf much too wide. 

So I deconstructed the elements of the logo, discarded the lower lettering “A FIELD GUIDE TO THE BIG GAME,” and used everything else but the clouds. 

My favorite part is the skyline.  I individually replicated the images as they were represented in the logo and appliqued them to the scarf.  As much as I love the skyline, it would have been too bulky at the center of the scarf if it were ever to be actually worn, so I located the skyline at one end of the scarf.

 

I took the six stars out of the Indianapolis sky in the logo and moved them to the opposite end of the scarf, where I also attached the official Indianapolis Super Bowl patch.

 

As for the center of the scarf, I used the “SUPER CITY” lettering.

I shipped the scarf for arrival before Christmas.  It arrived on December 19th.  If it causes as many interesting conversations as there are memories of the 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl, then there will be a LOT of fun conversations for a long time.

It hasn’t really ended . . .

This post is just a general brief update.

Despite the Indianapolis Super Bowl having been played over nine months ago, the Super Scarf story hasn’t really ended.  The posts from my blog with the highest number of hits every day have consistently been the posts which included knitting patterns for some of the Super Scarves I contributed to the effort.  That means knitters are finding ways to use the patterns – whether it’s in the original blue and white colors per the Super Scarf Project or in various colors to show support for other teams from pro to high school football. 

Suffice it to say, that it hasn’t been over for me, either.  I have been consistently working on blue and white scarves since my plane landed back home after having attended . . . some big football event last February.   

My current Super Scarf project is a ‘design of my choice’ per the request of someone who contacted me.  I’ll give you a sneak peek.

I’m actually further along than shown in the photo, but haven’t snapped a pic in a couple of days.  I’m using bobbins for the first part of the project. 

If everything goes well I should have it finished by . . . . . . . . . ?

 

A few final Super Bowl XLVI pix . . .

One of my goals for my Summer Retirement Internship was to organize my 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl pix and then put together a scrapbook of some sort.

The scrapbook didn’t happen because I enjoyed hosting my mother for a lovely three-week visit instead.  We had a rather busy schedule while she was here and it mostly involved attending the activities of the teenage member of the household. 

Now that I’m back to work for the Summer term, the scrapbook won’t happen either, but I can still peek at the photos during my lunch break.

GN took a cute photo that I somehow hadn’t seen until recently.  I love it!  I have a feeling those feet were pretty tired by the time she took that photo.  We had done a lot of walking.

There was a lot to see and do inside the NFL Experience and on game day, there were many signs added to help us find our way through security and then on to the stadium.  I’m glad GN noticed the one on the floor. 

Some time after the big game, when I had already returned home, I received an email from the Director of Communications for the 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee.  In an attachment, she included a photograph of Bob Costas wearing the Super Scarf I had made for him.  He is joined in the photo by Allison Melangton, CEO of the 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee.  I was thrilled to receive the photo.

Last night, just before I hit the sack, I received what I think will be my final Super Bowl photo.  Indybro took the time to don his Super Bowl volunteer uniform with the scarf I knit for him. 

He received a Super Scarf as part of his uniform and he wore that scarf.  All along, however, I had planned to knit him a copy of the scarf with the Roman Numerals on it, because it was his idea in the first place.  I didn’t knit his scarf until after the Super Bowl was over, because I had committed myself to making as many Super Scarves as I could fit into my schedule.  Indybro knew that.

Thanks for the photo Indybro.  You worked so hard during the Super Bowl activities and it’s folks like you who answered the call for volunteers that contributed to the success of the event and the safety of visitors.

 

I miss football . . .

“Super Peacock” – Super Scarf #46

Now that the 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl is behind us, I have one last Super Scarf to discuss – #46.

It went to NBC sportscaster, Bob Costas.  I was asked if I could come up with an NBC-themed Super Scarf.

(Above photo was taken before the second blocking.)

I knit the scarf from corner to corner - increasing the row length until I achieved the scarf width I wanted.  When I got to the right width, I knit italicized ‘NBC‘ monograms into the scarf over its length. There are five monograms on each side of the length and none around the back of the neck.  I needed some transition space so I could reverse the knitting chart and have the ‘NBC’ turn our right-reading when worn about the neck.

Since I was allowed to use more than the official Super Scarf Project colors for this scarf, I knit the NBC logo, complete with the well-known peacock.  To add a bit of whimsy, I knit a little Super Scarf for the peacock to wear.  The peacock’s scarf has 46 stripes on it for Super Bowl XLVI (46).

 

In order to make the peacock’s scarf to the right proportion, I separated the plies in the blue and white wool I was already using in the larger scarf, used two plies instead of the original four, then went down to size #1(US) needles.

To balance out the NBC logo, I reserved space on the opposite end of the scarf for placement of the official Super Bowl XLVI patch . . . and some cute little footballs.

For the curious, I included a comment card with the scarf, explaining the design and including my email address, per the form.  Mr. Costas arrived in Indianapolis well before the Super Bowl and his thank-you email to me arrived shortly after he was given the Super Scarf.

This scarf was fun to make.  I liked the diagonal construction and the challenge I gave myself with the monograms.  The peacock as you see it in the above photo was not how I originally wanted to make it.  I know how to knit more feathery-looking feathers and I started with those.  Though they were fun, they didn’t look dignified enough to go with the monogram, so I scratched them and began again.  That’s just part of knitting.  I love the work of it, the math of it, the trial and error, the quiet time.  Something eventually works.

 

I Lost Something at Lucas Oil Stadium

I’m rather shy and conservative as a general rule.  I like to listen to what goes on around me and take most things in without the need to . . . be outspoken.

It all goes out the window when I’m watching football, however.  I don’t yell obnoxious things, but I definitely stand up and cheer.

Case in point: 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl XLVI.  Of course I had a vested interest in the festivities.  The blue and white Super Scarves were everywhere.  Most of the teams that I wanted to see at the game had been knocked out, and other teams I would have liked to see . . . um never got off the ground this season.  But I chose a team to back during the game and that’s what I did.

The team I chose to root for won the game Sunday, but my favorite yelling moment in the stadium was when Mario Manningham went downfield for what ended up being a 38-yard gain ending at the 50-yard line.  He was covered by Sterling Moore and Patrick Chung at the sideline, but managed to keep both feet in bounds.

The Patriots challeneged the catch and the fans in the stadium glued their/our eyes to the jumbo screens for the replay.  I was sitting in a section that had a fun mix of Giants fans and Patriots fans.  When the replay came onto the screen, it was in slow-motion and we Giants fans stood and counted: 

“ONE . . . TWO . . . It’s GOOD!!!!!”

We were counting his footsteps inbounds and both feet were legal. 

“YEA!!!”

We roared and roared.  We didn’t quiet down until the head game official came onto the field to announce the results of the review.  The play was upheld.  We all roared again.

I LOVED it.  Just like at home when I watch football but with 68,000 people yelling with me.  Okay, maybe half of those folks weren’t cheering for Manningham, but it was a fun moment in the stands.

To the folks who have to clean up Lucas Oil Stadium:  I lost my voice there.  If you find it, would you return it to me?  Send it UPS.  I suppose that would make it a snail mail voice mail. 

Gram’s going to be kinda quiet for a few days.

A Super Day Here in Indianapolis

Goodnight and I have been having  Super time here in Indianapolis!  When we landed in Indianapolis, I called Indybro to let him know we had arrived.  But . . . then it took me forever to get out of the airport because as I walked from our gate to baggage claim, I said hello to EVERYONE I saw wearing a Super Scarf!  It felt like old home week and I had never met any of those folks.  It was great fun!  The Super Scarves look FABULOUS and the smiles on the volunteers do too! 

We’ve been to the NFL experience, the NFL Play 60, the NFL Shop, the Zip Line, etc.  We saw the Vince Lombardi Trophy, the AFC and NFC trophies, some very interesting pieces from the Pro-Football Hall of Fame, and the Colts’ Cheerleaders.  But today is game day.  Goodnight is excited beyond belief . . . and truth be told, so am I.

We are going to the game.!!!! For Safety and privacy, I have removed the Row and Seat location from the photo below, but GN is holding her actual ticket!  I like the ticket design.  It shows Lucas Oil Stadium behind the Lombardi Trophy. 

 

Goodnight has chosen the team she want to win and so have I.  I’m rooting for Indianapolis, the Host City.  It’s been a blast here.  The city is beautiful and its residents/volunteers/employees have been gracious.  The highly visible presence of Law Enforcement has made it feel safe to be out participating in the big bash!

When I handed GN her ticket, she asked me a question: Gram?  Are we staying for the WHOLE game?

Catch you later.  I have a Big date with my granddaughter today.

Gram:  Yes, honey!  We are staying for the whole game.

Super Weekend!

Greetings to everyone stopping by for a visit because of the Super Bowl XLVI Super Scarf media attention.

The countdown clock is still ticking: three days to the 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl.  After GN’s science test and basketball game today, we are heading to the airport to fly to Indianapolis and join in the festivities with Indybro.  The Super Scarf Project website shows 13,024 scarves were collected.  That should make for a lot of blue and white viewing around Indy!  I already heard from someone who received one of my scarves and I know where her volunteer gig is, so I am going to try to spot her to say ‘Hello!” 

My Indiana brother told me about the Super Project in August of 2010.  I thought it sounded like a lot of fun, so I decided to get on board and kept knitting until (after) the deadline passed.

Early into my participation, Indybro sent me an email with an idea for a design: “How about all the Roman Numerals of all the Super Bowls?”  Below is a photo of Indbybro’s idea after if came off my knitting needles.

I had a lot of fun participating in this project.  Indybro and I giggled a lot behind the scenes as we emailed or sent text messages back and forth about scarf ideas.  I enjoyed the challenge of coming up with ideas and designs while adhering to the two-color (blue and white) limit stated in the Super Scarf Project guidelines.

Below are a few of the ideas I came up with, but if you’re interested in a closer look at any or all of the scarves I contributed, go to the Super Scarf XLVI Scarves category on my sidebar.  I wrote posts for 45 of the 46 scarves I completed and a few of the patterns are available. 

                 

#6 ‘The Big Kick’ - a liner closeup of the kickoff itself, when foot meets football 

                      

         #40 ‘Please Rise for the Singing’ – includes the entire first verse of the Star-Spangled Banner            

                                       

                                   #42 ‘Charlie’ – my tribute to Minnesota native, Charles M. Schulz and the loveable Charlie Brown

Then of course, there was a horse named Blue . . . . .

I haven’t written a post about my 46th Super Scarf.  That will have to wait until after the game.  But I can give you a little peek at the knitting.

Like I said, it’s a little peek.    Truthfully, a full peek has to wait until after the game, too. 

I want to thank Indybro for telling me about the Super Scarf Project and for all the fun we’ve had across the miles over this last year and a half.  I loved that he talked about knitting with me and got involved enough to come up with ideas that would make some wonderful Super Scarves.  It became a family event, so to speak.  My mother, Gr8, and my granddaughter, Goodnight, also got involved with knitting scarves and sometimes, when we got together, the three of us would sit and knit while having a good chat.

I want to thank anyone who contributed a Super Scarf because you may have found the information on this blog.  I know many of you have contacted me offline to tell me that you were going to participate.  I also would like to wish Indianapolis, the Host Committee, hospitality industry personnel, the volunteers, the teams, officiating crew members, media,and visitors to the Super Bowl Village activities or the game all the best as the clock winds down to XLVI.

Super Scarf Pattern: It’s All About the Ball

Hello everyone,

Four days left until Super Bowl XLVI!

I have one more pattern ready to share before the big game.  It’s for one of my early Super Scarves, #5 It’s All About the Ball.  It’s worked in garter stitch, with the exception of the increases and decreases.

I typed the pattern last night, the when I tried to open it this morning, the file was corrupted.  I recovered the text, inserted the photos again and have it ready to go.  I hope there aren’t any hidden bugs left.  If you’d like to knit my It’s All About the Ball Super Scarf Pattern, click the link for the PDF file. 

Happy knitting!

Do These Stripes Make Me Look . . . . .

 

. . . . . SUPER???

I hope so, because this is what I’m wearing when I’m out and about in Indianapolis for Super Bowl Week activities!

I even found a polar fleece jacket AND a polar fleece vest in the approved Super Scarf Project colors.  Matchy matchy! 

I received an email from a Super Volunteer who told me that someone offered to buy her Super Scarf from her.  I think that means the Super Scarf Project is making a HUGE splash.  FYI, the volunteer declined the offer.

Super Scarf Thank-you Notes

I have received two thank you notes from people who received their Super Scarves as part of their volunteer uniform for the 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl.  Gosh, the notes made my day bright!

The Super Scarf Project requested that each scarf be accompanied by a comment card/note to the volunteer who would receive the hand-crafted piece.  There was a space at the bottom of the comment card where the knitter/crocheter/weaver could leave an email address in case the volunteer wanted to thank the maker of their scarf.

One volunteer who wrote to me didn’t receive one of my scarves, but hadn’t gotten a comment card either.  Not having someone to thank, the volunteer thanked me.  That is so touching!  I understand the variety of reasons why a comment card might not have been included.  I think a couple of my scarves went in the mail without comment cards, too.  When I completed a scarf, I was so eager and happy to send it that I may have forgotten the paperwork, too.  I take no responsibility for my forgetfulness in this instance.  I blame the scarves.  They were just in a hurry to get to Indianapolis. 

I have been constantly blessed by the kindness and generosity of this entire project.  And now that the knitting is done, I can still enjoy it all as I sit back and hear from whomever takes the time to get in touch with me about the scarves they received.

Believe it or not, the Super Scarf total is up again from last week.  I checked the count today and the website shows 13,024 scarves have been collected.  Wow!  When I get to Indy, I am going on a Super Scarf scavenger hunt – with my camera!