When it comes to knitting with the health of the planet and the people on it in mind, there are a lot of different things to consider. Ann Budd's Knitting Green: Conversations and Planet-Friendly Projects looks at a lot of the issues you might want to think about, as well as providing 20 designs for tops, bags, accessories and more knit with green fibers.
The book provides a lot to think about for knitters who are interested in making the craft world a greener place, but it also emphasizes that it isn't an all or nothing proposition; you can make the choices that are most important to you when you want to.
Thinking Greener
What makes Knitting Green different from other books in the genre of eco-friendly knitting is the collection of essays from knitting experts and fiber fiends exploring different aspects of what it means to knit with the planet in mind.
Some of the topics include:
- a discussion of assumptions people make about greener knitting, and why those assumptions aren't always valid, from yarn expert Clara Parkes
- thoughts on buying organic yarn from the point of view of a local yarn shop owner
- the joys and potential challenges of natural dye processes
- a look at all the humble sheep gives to us besides fiber
- some ideas of what to do with yarn you bought but don't want to use, or at least don't want to use for knitting
These and other essays illuminate different aspects of the knitting world that we might not otherwise get to see and remind us that the choices a single knitter -- or yarn producer -- makes can make a difference in what's available for other knitters to use and in the health of the planet.
The Patterns
Knitting Green has 20 patterns using organic, naturally dyed, sustainable, eco-friendly and people-friendly yarns (sometimes a combination). Each yarn has a story just as each project does.
There are tops like Veronik Avery's All-(North) American Hoodie, made with her yarn that is completely sourced and produced in North America; cozy projects like the Blue Cloud Afghan, worked in a yarn made by a company that supports local, sustainable jobs in Chile; and cute objects for little ones like the Better Baby Rattle, worked in organic cotton yarn by Katie Himmelberg.
The projects aren't rated in terms of skill level but offer a range of options, from relatively basic shapes and stitch patterns to more ornate projects.
Some of my favorites include The Eco Vest (pictured bottom right on the cover), worked in cables and Garter Rib in naturally colored wool; the Honor-the-Buffalo Socks and Mitts, which use a Chevron Cable stitch and fiber produced from the downy undercoat of animals that are raised for their meat; Nancy Bush's Estonia-inspired cashmere Videvik Shawl (which makes the cut, I guess, because a shawl can keep you from turning up the heat); the super-cute and useful Cotton Comfort Bear, complete with a rice pouch that can be microwaved for a bit of comfort for an upset tummy; and the clever On-the-go Basket Purse, knit from jute twine and lined with oilcloth, its designed to be both a bike basket and a handbag.
Bottom Line
If you're already an eco-minded knitter, you'll enjoy the fact that Knitting Green has patterns specifically designed for greener yarns, and you may find some products being used that you didn't know about before.
Knitters who are new to the concept of green knitting will find this book offers them a lot to think about, and a lot of solutions depending on what they decide is most important to them when it comes to crafting with the planet in mind.
Either way, this book is full of fun projects that are sure to be used and enjoyed and make you feel great about the fact that you're treading a little more lightly on the planet when you make them instead of some other projects.
Publication date: April 2010
