We wrote about the Knitting Olympics yesterday. Apparently that's not the only competition in the sweater- and mitten-making world. There's the Yarn Smackdown, which sounds a little sweaty and less peaceful than the event organized by Yarn Harlot. Here's the deal with the smackdown (which organizers claim is the "largest and most organized death-by-knitting and death-by-crocheting tournament in the world"): the lace and Olympic-themed competition has 12 events: beginner sock, advanced sock, bookmark, dishcloth, knitted animal, scarf, knitted stole, crochet stole, amigurumi, crochet hat, granny square, and the food fight event. (We especially look forward to the last event.)

Sign-ups are open until midnight on July 31 (that's today, folks). The "games" begin on August 8. There is no fee. Knitters and crocheters can sign up at the website. The knitter or crocheter with the most points wins. Bring home the gold! We're not settling for a silver for even a bronze when there are so many talented U.S. knitters and crocheters.