2021 Tokyo Olympics Stitching Challenge Start #9

Day 9 and I've managed to post before the end of the day this time. :) Today I've got another sport to discuss, softball! This is another one I played when I was younger, and even slo-pitch into undergrad. That's still almost 20 years ago now though. I definitely never played at the Olympic level, the pitching is pretty intense. I'm impressed how fast they can pitch underhand, although the windmill effect must be difficult on the shoulder. 

The above video gives tips on how to pitch if you're interested in the details. 

The softball diamond is a little smaller than a regulation baseball diamond. There's the same number of players and positions, so the main difference is how the pitchers address the plate. Underhand for softball and almost any other way for baseball. Some pitchers in baseball go sidearm, although overhand is the most common. There's the same 3 outs, although it's usually only 7 innings instead of 9 innings like baseball. 

This year the Japan team beat the USA women's team for the gold medal match. It was really close, with some amazing plays. At one point a member of team USA was able to keep a home run ball from going over the wall by making an outstanding catch. Canada was able to get the bronze medal in a hard fought game with Mexico. It was a really close one, 3-2 was the final score. 

There won't be softball or baseball at the next summer Olympics in Paris. I'm not sure if it will return in 2028, maybe since I think that's in L.A. again? 

I didn't have a lot of time to stitch last night either, so just a smallish start on the last ornament. Here's how they'll all look again:

And here's the last ornament:

Joyeux Noel by Hands on Design

stitched 2 over 2 on 28ct Chromatic Alchemy

with DMC C321 Etoile

I had to check with DH on this one to make sure the French was correct. I've seen other patterns where it isn't. Bonne fête is Happy Birthday in French, but Bonne fêtes is Happy Holidays. They're pronounced the same, so as long as your birthday isn't near the holidays, you'll understand which one is meant. :) 

Again, once I spend some time on each one of these I don't think it will be more than a couple good stitching sessions to get them completed. There are only 2 colours really, besides my change on the first one. That will make it easier, even with a little backstitch on each one. 

I hope you're all staying well and will tomorrow bring something different than yet another seasonal project? Stay tuned to the same bat channel, same bat station!

Happy Stitching!

Tiffstitch