Hell hath no fury like a knitter scorned.
The US Olympic committee learned that the hard way when they sent not one but TWO cease and desist letters to Casey Forbes, co-founder of Ravelry, a knitting-and-crocheting social network, stating that the Ravelympics, a competition that involves an afghan marathon, scarf hockey, and sweater triathlon, were an insult to the all athletes and the Olympics.
“In a sense, it is disrespectful to our country’s finest athletes and fails to recognize or appreciate their hard work.”
Oh no, they di’nt!
In a move worthy of the group, Anonymous, outraged knitters took to their keyboards, flooding the USOC’s email inbox, attacking the group’s Facebook page, and launching thousands missives on Twitter. A call to arms demanding people withhold donations to the organization and boycott of the Olympics. At least one person, according to the New York Times, tried to organize a “knit-in” at the USOC headquarters in Colorado Springs.
“Will you also be asking organizations such as churches and schools to rename or stop community events such as BBQ Olympics, Fun Olympics, and Math Olympics? Just askin,’” wrote Jessica Fung on Facebook.
“I mean some people run, and jump, and swim. Some people knit and purl and bobble. We support the athletes by pushing ourselves to do our best work while they are pushing themselves to do their best work. Now, how is that offensive?” Sandra Lowe Murray asked.
“I’ll be watching Netflix this summer,” said Roanne Farrell.
“Will you also be asking organizations such as churches and schools to rename or stop community events such as BBQ Olympics, Fun Olympics, and Math Olympics? Just askin,’” wrote Jessica Fung on Facebook.
“I mean some people run, and jump, and swim. Some people knit and purl and bobble. We support the athletes by pushing ourselves to do our best work while they are pushing themselves to do their best work. Now, how is that offensive?” Sandra Lowe Murray asked.
“I’ll be watching Netflix this summer,” said Roanne Farrell.
The USOC couldn’t backtrack fast enough. “Rest assured, as an organization that has many passionate knitters, we never intended to make this a personal attack on the knitting community or to suggest that knitters are not supportive of Team U.S.A.,” wrote spokesman Patrick Sandusky in a statement on the group’s website. “We apologize for any insult and appreciate your support…To show our support of the Ravelry community, we would welcome any handmade items that you would like to create to travel with, and motivate, our team at the 2012 Games.”
The knitters were not placated.
“Wait, you want us to give you presents for insulting us? I don’t think so,” Melanie Teabird sniffed on Facebook.
“I only knit for people who are nice to me,” added Natalie Strong.
God Bless Knitters.
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