25 Jan 2014 USA Olympic team sweaters
This week has been an interesting one for those who were waiting for the big reveal of the 2014 USA Olympic team uniforms. Ralph Lauren designed the uniforms again, and this time had them crafted in the US. While there are several garments included in the 2014 uniforms – one in particular has garnered a lot of attention – and comments ranging from patriotic to bold to hideous.
The sweater our USA athletes will wear for the opening ceremony features a knit patchwork cardigan, with handcrafted details and emblazoned with stars, stylized USA flag and Olympic graphics. As a knitter and designer, I find the sweaters interesting. They are certainly colorful and in mass our athletes will certainly be noticed. The sweaters remind me of a patchwork jacket I once owned, although the jacket wasn’t quite so flamboyant.
For those who would like a sweater of their own, you can buy one from Ralph Lauren for a mere $595.00. Yes, that’s really expensive – with 100% of the price going to the USA Olympic committee. Since the USA Olympic committee is based in Colorado Springs – you’d be helping my local economy. 🙂 Unfortunately, I don’t know many folks who can afford this sweater – me included.
What are your thoughts about the sweater our USA athletes will be wearing for the 2014 Olympic opening ceremonies? Do you like it? Hate it? Are you somewhere in-between?
Happy Knitting! Jean
desertroseknits
Posted at 07:11h, 08 FebruaryIt’s interesting to hear what folks think about the USA Team sweaters – keep those comments coming.
As a knitter, I noticed the sweaters the Olympians from Andorra were wearing – classic fair isle which I liked. I think every color was represented in the Parade of Nations, and seeing all the knit scarves & hats was fun.
Dr. Paul Waisbrot
Posted at 06:40h, 08 FebruaryHas anyone found the pattern for the opening ceremony sweaters?? I think they are awesome and my wife will make me one but I can;t find the pattern anywhere P(.
And btw Ralph Loren is sold out and the prices on ebay for these is >$2000.00…so if there is a pattern it would be feasible to make and sell them too (and donate the $ to the Olympic committees) !
ThanX
desertroseknits
Posted at 07:19h, 08 FebruaryI’d be really surprised if Ralph Lauren & the Olympic committee allow anyone to create a pattern for the sweater. The Olympic committee definitely enforces their trademark for the Olympic rings and I can’t imagine Ralph Lauren would not enforce their design ownership as well.
Selling sweaters knit from a licensed pattern with the funds going to the Olympic committee is a sweet idea though. And would be totally cool if the committee went for it.
lisa
Posted at 02:07h, 08 FebruaryIf the sweaters are something that an old person would wear.I guess that makes me old. I love the sweaters. I don’t think they look hideous at all.
Crystal
Posted at 22:05h, 07 FebruaryLOVE THE SWEATERS! They are designed to be loud and proud. I really wish I could afford one.
Lynda
Posted at 18:18h, 07 FebruaryI was just searching to see who made those hideous sweaters & came across your post. They look like something a very old person would wear. Parts of it are cute but it’s WAY to busy. It is cool that they were made in the USA & the yarn is from Michigan.