Creativebug It turns out that the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia are surprisingly…crafty.
Seriously.
The Official Look of the Games is “Patchwork”
From Bosco’s creative department:
“Every region in the world is proud of its unique origins, and it is no different in Russia. That is why there are so many different local traditions, songs and crafts that highlight the individuality of their creators, each valuable in its own right. Bosco had a wealth of choices to represent Russia’s rich diversity, but in the end we settled on something familiar, warm and welcoming: the patchwork quilt.”
Learn more about the Olympic quilt. If it inspires you to make your own Olympics- or country-inspired project, we recommend Anna Maria Horner’s oddly similar Color Dive quilt.
There Are Knitting Coaches
Literally seconds before Roope Tonteri of Finland did his final run in men’s slopestyle, cameras caught an awesome shot of his coach knitting.
Maybe a victory scarf? Is that a thing?
If you want to knit your own victory garment (and this is totally something you should do), we suggest a patriotic Riff Hat.
And we could have told you that knitting is the perfect watching-the-winter-Olympics activity. C’mon.
The Quilt-Inspired Men’s Snowboarding Uniform
“To design the uniform for the 2014 Sochi Games, Burton once again turned to America’s heritage for inspiration. And nothing represents Americana more than handcrafted patchwork quilts and the American flag, which are both at the heart of the 2014 uniform.”
Learn more about the designs and the vintage quilt that inspired them at Transworld Snowboarding.
Make a for-realsies vintage-style quilt yourself, should you be equally inspired.
Rampant Fan Body/Face Painting
We’re not saying you have to paint your entire body to cheer on an athlete (too time consuming, too cold, really more of a “summer games” look), but a little face painting is a fun way to support your favorite athletes and showcase your brush skillz. Just remember that when it comes to lettering, if it looks right in the mirror it will look wrong to everyone else.
Face painting newbie? Learn the basics here.
The Ugly Sweater Team Uniforms
This year’s USA Team uniform was designed by Ralph Lauren and made in the USA. We love both those things, but there’s no denying that the look of these sweaters is…unique.
But hey – it’s the Olympics. Go team.
Looking for a more subtle knitting pattern? Make your own vintage lace cardigan with Gudrun Johnston.
The Battle of the Curling Pants
Why have the Norwegian curling team members packed nine different pairs of pants?
Because they’re awesome. And because they probably know that the more ridiculous the outfit, the more likely they are to get more new fans. *cough* Us. *cough*
What we really want to know is why they aren’t wearing leggings.
Photo and more fabulousness via USAToday.