• Home
  • Suggest A Craft
  • DIY Newsletter

Knitting

Patterns, projects and techniques

  • About CraftGossip
  • Our Network
    • Bath & Body Crafts
    • Candle Making Ideas
    • Crochet Ideas
    • Cross Stitch
    • Edible Crafts
    • Felting Patterns
    • Glass Art
    • Home & Garden Ideas
    • Indie Crafts
    • Jewelry Making
    • Kids Crafts
    • Knitting Patterns
    • Lesson Plans
    • Needlework
    • Party Ideas
    • Polymer Clay
    • Quilting Ideas
    • Recycled Crafts
    • Scrapbooking
    • Sewing Patterns
    • Card Making
    • DIY Weddings
    • Not Craft Ideas
  • Giveaways
  • Roundups
  • Store
  • Search

What Do You Think of the Team USA Uniforms?

January 23, 2014 by Sarah White

team usa sweatersI told you a while back that the official team USA uniforms were being designed by Ralph Lauren and the sweaters and other garments the team will be wearing in the opening ceremony were completely made in America, including using yarn from Imperial Stock Ranch.

The uniforms were officially unveiled on the Today Show this morning, and criticism started coming in immediately. A commentator for the Boston Globe likened the colorwork-heavy cardigans to ugly Christmas sweaters (a common comment on Twitter, too) and offered an apology to the free world for them, while Gawker called them “hideously ugly.”

I think that’s going a little far, but the sweaters could have been a little less busy. And some parts of the collection are really lovely (I still want one of the polo teams’ sweaters, but not enough to pay $395 for one).

Julie Chu, a woman’s hockey player who modeled the garments, told USA Today they “make a bold statement” and when you look at them you can “see the patriotic spirit.” Well, that’s certainly true.

You can see the whole collection — and even buy your own if you’re inclined to spend $595 on a gaudy sweater — direct from Ralph Lauren.

I’d love to hear what you think of the collection. I for one am thinking about a knockoff USA hat…

[Photo via Ralph Lauren.]

Next Pattern:

  • Team USA Inspired Hat Knitting Pattern
  • A Simple Cowl for When You Need to Think
  • USA 4th Of July Knitting Patterns
«
»

Comments

  1. Kathie says

    January 23, 2014 at 1:07 pm

    I do not like the sweaters at all. They are way too busy, ugly, and awful to look at. They are just way too busy. I can’t believe the people in charge of approving them actually thought they are appropriate. I will be cringing during the opening ceremony.

  2. KateMet says

    January 23, 2014 at 4:10 pm

    Two word review: over designed.

  3. Regina says

    January 23, 2014 at 4:27 pm

    over priced!!!! The turtleneck alone is outrageously expensive…

  4. Susie says

    January 24, 2014 at 5:58 am

    It’s a shame that this is what the world will see represented as America’s best design for our teams. One word – edit. Too much going on. It would have been much better understated than overstated.

  5. Shari Harniss says

    January 24, 2014 at 7:17 am

    Looks like a candidate for an Ugly Sweater Contest, huh?
    Or, something you find hanging in a closet of an estate sale!

  6. Terry Kessinger says

    January 24, 2014 at 9:41 am

    My first thought, too, was that it looks like a candidate for an ugly Christmas sweater. Or, more harshly, that someone upcycled a patriotic throw from Wal-Mart… 🙁

    I LOVE the Olympics. I record it and watch it every year. This just frustrates me. Like the person above said, over-designed. Ralph Lauren knows better, and it just proves, yes, he can do wrong.

  7. Ginger says

    January 24, 2014 at 9:44 am

    Way ugly Christmas sweater category!!!!!!!

  8. EG says

    January 24, 2014 at 10:04 am

    At least the hats are cute.

  9. Michele T says

    January 24, 2014 at 10:05 am

    Uggghhh!

  10. Patricia Clifford says

    January 24, 2014 at 11:19 am

    When I look at these uniforms I see our American flag. I certainly don’t think our flag is ugly. The athletes are representing America.

  11. Trudi says

    January 24, 2014 at 11:22 am

    Yes, way too busy, what was he thinking?! But the other thing that occurred to me was the comment I heard on the news about terrorism and visiting the Olympics – “Make sure you don’t dress American” – so as to stand out to terrorists. Wow. Pray for the safety of those attending the Olympics!

  12. Canne says

    January 24, 2014 at 11:59 am

    Seriously, who thought Ralph Lauren could design, nothing designer about that ugly outfit. Well at least they’ll give the rest of the world a good laugh!

  13. GJ Amber says

    January 24, 2014 at 12:33 pm

    To strike a discordant note, I really like them. Yes, too busy but love the patriotic zing.

  14. Linddylou says

    January 24, 2014 at 12:45 pm

    They look like a bad Christmas sweater. No wonder they don’t want the teams to wear the sweaters out side the event. They will be the laughing stock of the Olympics.

  15. Marilyn Westphal says

    January 24, 2014 at 12:52 pm

    Would have been classier of Ralph to put the USA logo on the center front. At first glance it appears the players are competing for the country of POLO!
    FYI – the wool for the yarn came from Imperial Stock Ranch. The yarn was spun from that wool at Stonehedge Fiber Mill in Michigan.

  16. Julie Henderson says

    January 24, 2014 at 1:01 pm

    The good news: I can SO appreciate that they’re patriotic. The bad news: I have to concede &
    agree w/ all the above: way too busy, reminds me of an early 90’s outfit, and I guess I’m surprised at this coming from Ralph Lauren. Oh, and I sure can’t see ANYONE paying $595 online for one!! Otherwise, go team USA!!!

  17. Sandy L says

    January 24, 2014 at 2:10 pm

    Yes their a bit busy and yes their very pricey. But at least they are 100% made in the USA even the yarn. Go Team USA!!!!

  18. Rosemary says

    January 24, 2014 at 5:47 pm

    1. too busy
    2. looks like someone cut up a flag
    3. they will look like targets

  19. Theresa says

    January 24, 2014 at 6:57 pm

    They are HIDEOUSLY UGLY!!! I wouldn’t pay a penny for one.

  20. Kathleen says

    January 24, 2014 at 6:58 pm

    what were thay thinking? While I appreciate the attempt at patriotism it’s way over the top. I would not wear it. I feel sad for the athletes who are wearing them and the people who worked hard to execute the design. They could be appealing and attractive without losing the national flair. Wondering who approved the design… I love that the materials are made in the US.. We need to see more of that.

  21. Susan says

    January 25, 2014 at 1:05 pm

    It’s a shame that, instead of being able to clearly see the USA on the left breast, you see POLO. When the advertising brand is more pronounced than the name of the country, that’s a sad state of affairs and makes a mockery of the so-called patriotism of the rest of the design. It’s too busy, it’s too commercially-branded, I wouldn’t buy one of those sweaters at a garage sale for a quarter.

Have you read?

Pet Beds to Knit

I have two cats, and I have always wanted to make them some kind of cat bed. But I also feel like they would completely ignore it, so I would be better off spending my knitting time on someone who I know will appreciate it (me). If you want to give it a try, though, here are some cute pet beds to knit for cats, small dogs, and maybe even some bigger dogs. 

My favorite of the ones I came across in writing this post is the Capiti knit cave that looks like a cat. This one is from Ursule Knits, and from the pattern description it sounds like it is lightly felted by hand to make it stand up, so you need to use wool to make it. It calls for DK weight but I’m sure worsted would work, too. 

The Maya Cat Cave is another cute cave-like project. Designed by Lavi V and using super bulky yarn, it’s like a purpose-made sack for your kitty to hang out in. It uses a metal ring (like you might use to make a dreamcatcher) to make the opening sturdy. You can find this one on Ravelry.

If you don’t want to be quite as literal as a cave, this pet bed nest from Monique Rae is another good choice. This one is flat on the bottom with short sides. It uses two strands of worsted weight yarn held together and comes in six sizes for a range of cats and dogs to be cozy in.

This circular cat bed knitting pattern from Ginger Purl is cute and easy to knit if you’re familiar with knitting flat circle. This one is striped, which is a great reminder that cats don’t care what color their bed is, so you might as well use leftover yarn on it. 

I am a little skeptical that this pet bed that’s made with roving and arm knitting will look as good once an animal has seen it, but it is a cute and quick project (and you could just use it as a basket that kitty is allowed to get in rather than a dedicated space). The pattern is from Wools by Nicky and includes a video tutorial if you’re new to arm knitting.

If you’d rather knit a blanket for the dog or cat in your life, check out the Ziggy Zag Pet Blanket by Paws and Purls Knits. This pretty reversible blanket comes in five sizes for various pets, and if you make it in washable yarn it’s the perfect thing for your furry friend to cuddle with. 

Or if you have a pet who will submit to a hood, I love this hooded pet blanket from Yarnspirations. Using Bernat Blanket yarn, it’s super cozy (and bright!) and pretty easy to knit as it’s all worked in one piece. The pattern only has one size but it’s just a rectangle with a hood so you could probably adjust it pretty easily for the size of your pet. 

7 Knitting Patterns For Your Pet

Book Review: Knitting with Dog Hair

Knitting News: Knitting More than Your Bit, Knitting for Pets and More

Categories

baby hat Baby Patterns Beginner Book Reviews cardigan Christmas CraftGossip Giveaways Craft News and Events Free Kntting Patterns Giveaways! Hats Knitting Articles Of Interest Knitting Patterns Knitting Technique & Ideas mittens Quick scarf shawl patterns socks Sweaters

RSS More Articles

  • How to Add Magnetic Snaps to Your Bags: A Simple DIY Tutorial
  • Pet Beds to Knit
  • Bluebird Park Baby Quilt Pre-Cut – Free Pattern
  • Etsy Spotlight: Whole Store Bundle – Sewing Patterns
  • 19 FREE Camping SVG Cut Files and Printables
  • Turn Dollar Store Finds into Stunning Vintage Decor with This Easy DIY Milk Glass Hack!
  • A Flower Bouquet Quilt Along
  • Hamsadhwani Sari Crop Top Crochet Pattern
  • Viral Crochet Prodigy Story Takes Dark Turn — But We’re Staying Focused on the Craft
  • Geometric Lion Wall Art

Copyright © 2025 · CraftGossip | Start Here | Contact Us | Link to Us | Your Editors | Privacy and affiliate policy