Knitting community furious at U.S. Olympic Committee

Millions of knitting enthusiasts are furious at the U.S. Olympic Committee over a cease and desist letter, and the organization’s two attempts at an apology have only worsened the situation.

Here’s the play by play (with the apologies that angered so many knitters):

Ravelry, a social network of knitting enthusiasts, planned to hold its “Ravelympics” this summer—with competitions such as an “afghan marathon”—to coincide with the London games.

The USOC noticed and sent the group a cease and desist letter, because the term “Olympics” and anything resembling are protected by a copyright. Knitting blogs, as well as Gawker, posted the USOC’s letter in full. Here’s an excerpt: