2018 Geek-A-Long: Monty Python

It feels really weird to be typing “2018” at the top of this post. Like, I know academically that it’s the new year, and year five of the Geek-A-Long, but knowing it and feeling it aren’t the same. Still, here we are with the first post of the 2018 Geek-A-Long! We are on the inaugural square of a year-long celebration of the GAL and the fierce knitters/crocheters/cross stitchers/whatever-ers that have been putting up with us and supporting Child’s Play for four fabulous years. If you missed Jac’s post on how this year’s square selections are being made, you can find it here. The Cliffs Notes version is that the themes for each square are being selected by vote on the Geek-A-Long Ravelry forums. Since Jac and I are nearly powerless in this selection process, there are going to be themes that we don’t know a ton about. This is one of those times.

I like Monty Python. It’s funny. But honestly, I mostly have experience with it via an ex. When I was in high school, I met Michael at a Speech Meet (yeah, I was a debate nerd). We were both on our school’s speech teams, but past that we mostly had a shared appreciation of his hair and motorcycle. He was a nice guy. I have no real complaints. This isn’t one of those tragic ex stories. The thing about him that really got me though was that hair. He seriously looked like Orlando Bloom as Legolas. I cosplayed as Galadriel at my Junior formal, and we looked amazing in those photos. I think it might be weird to share them here, I haven’t talked to him in over 15 years and that feels like a breech of his privacy. But take my word for it. We looked awesome. We both loved his hair. It wasn’t enough to make a relationship work, and we broke up after a few months, but at least for me, I don’t remember it being an upsetting breakup. Neither of us were that into it. Anyhow, he was OBSESSED with Monty Python. So when I see it, I mostly think about Michael’s Legolas hair.

So, I’m going to let someone far more qualified tell you about it. Singing Sheep has been your fabulous Geek-A-Long forum moderator for nearly as long as the GAL has been around. We owe all of the amazing GAL community on Ravelry to her. We are eternally grateful for all that she does, and I was thrilled when her nomination climbed to the top of the leaderboards. So, with no further ado, Monty Python, as brought to you by Singing Sheep:

Here’s another “oldie” nomination: Monty Python !
(yes, I’m an “old person” too…) Why should it be on the blanket?

• it’s timeless comedy that never gets old
• because so many of us can sing the entire Lumberjack song
• Holy Grail, dead parrots, cheese shop … !
• The Knights who say Nee! Come back, I’ll bite your bum off! Always look on the bright siiiide of life!
• “It’s got huuuuuge fangs!”
• MP fans are like a cult, seriously …

Not sure what design might work on a square … I always think of the big squishing foot, but maybe a dead parrot? Black knight?

The rabbit would make a fun square (with some duplicate stitched blood dripping off its teeth). :) (from Arminty – thanks!)

and another great suggestion from Mootzee : what about a silhouette of the guy from the Ministry of Silly Walks? (I love it!!). And SPAM! :D

We played with lumberjacks, dead parrots, and vampire bunnies, but once we had the bunny design drawn up, we knew that was the one.

Welcome to year five, I can’t wait to see where this is going!

Whether you’re knitting, crocheting, or cross stitching this square, you can download the Monty Python pattern here. Instructions and charts for both knit and crochet are listed in the pattern. When you’re finished making it, don’t forget to Instagram your squares at us @lattesandllamasyarn with the hashtag #geekalong!

If you’re having trouble with double-sided knitting, we have a how-to video here and a tutorial on crochet here. Want to hang out with other people making the blanket? You can find moral support in the Geek-A-Long group on Ravelry here.

~ Megan-Anne
It’s got huuuuuuuuge fangs!

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If you enjoyed this post, please consider making a donation to Child’s Play Charity. Here is a direct link to our official donation widget benefiting the charity. Please help us raise $1,000 this year. No contribution is too small! Wanna make your donation go even further? Lattes & Llamas will donate $1 for every skein of Geek-A-Long Yarn purchased. Ask your local yarn store to carry GAL Yarn or get it through our website.