Celebrate Earth Day with Knitting Green

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April 20, 2010

Tips, Patterns, and Ideas for Preserving the Planet While You Knit! Curious about how you can make your fiber habit more earth-friendly? Let Ann Budd and a host of other leading industry figures show you how easy it is in Knitting Green: Conversations and Planet-Friendly Projects. Budd notes, "Knitting Green is more about making choices and being aware of what goes into the yarn than knitting organic knitwear. Part of the point of the book is that you don’t have to use 'organic' yarn to be eco-friendly. The essays, articles, and projects show you how." Knitting Green is an ideal reference for knitters eager to make their needlework even more eco-conscious. Peppered throughout this resource are nine thoughtful and engaging essays to help you think about your carbon footprint. From Lisa R. Myers's frank look at running a yarn shop in the new era of conservation to Kristin Nicholas's lovesong to sheep, Knitting Green is chock full of information for you to consider while you work your needles. Other essayists include: Carmen S. Hall, Clara Parks, Pam Allen, Sandi Wiseheart, Kristeen Griffin-Grimes, Darlene Hayes, and Amy R. Singer. Knitting Green edited by Ann Budd Solstice Skirt Soy-Silk Kimono Commuter Knapsack Cunene River Pullover On-the-Go Bike Basket-Purse Honor-the-Buffalo Socks and Mitts Plus, you'll get 22 fabulous and earth-friendly projects! If you loved Mags Kandis's "Paris Recycled" scarf that Kathleen showed you in yesterday's post, just wait until you check out all of the other sweet and sustainable projects in Knitting Green! Inside you'll find: Eco Vest by Katie Himmelberg: Using Eco Wool, a yarn that is neither dyed nor chemically processed, Katie shows you how to knit an unstructured vest that transitions from fall to spring. Tree-Hugger Pullover by Therese Chnyoweth: With a subtle sheen and a gentle drape, this pullover is perfect for a cool morning at the farmer's market. Blue Cloud Afghan by Ann Budd: Instead of turning up the thermostat when the temperatures plunge, try snuggling under this beautiful lightweight blanket! Save-the-Streams Slippers by Kim Hamlin: Keep a few pairs of these inviting slippers in a basket at the door for your guests, and soon you'll discover that your floors need a little less elbow-grease--and cleaning products down the drain--to stay clean. Cotton Comfort Bear by Michele Rose Orne: Using soft organic cotton and stuffed with a microwaveable pouch of natural rice, this huggable guy does double-duty: a reusable heating pad and a comforting friend. Soy Silk Kimono by Vicki Square: As a fiber, soy protein has a soft-as-silk texture and a warm-as-cashmere appeal. Vicki uses this yarn to create a subtle drape for all sizes and with a beautiful design for all seasons. On-the-Go Bike Basket-Purse by Kim Hamlin: What better way to get around town than with two wheels and a little muscle power! And, with Kim's fun basket design, you'll be able to carry all your goodies easily without breaking your back! And 15 more fabulously green-friendly designs! See what others are already saying about Knitting Green!   "The book proved to be quite an eye-opener for me, a long-time knitter. . . . Essays in the book really pulled this writer's head out of the sand in terms of what the term 'organic' actually means."—Green Right Now "A great book to turn to if you're wondering how to make your knitting more ecologically conscious, and the projects are really eye-catching."—CanadianLiving.com "Knitters 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."—About.com Guide to Knitting "A terrific book that helps to educate the knitter about how our hobby has an environmental impact. It's neither preachy nor condescending. And of course—there are patterns. . . . I'm in love with the patterns!"—KnitPurlGurl.com "The patterns in this book are simple, basic and refreshing."—CraftGossip.com "I'm impressed with the stylish patterns—and the print designer in me likes the layout, use of colors and typefaces. It's a book with projects for knitters at any level."—Austin American Statesman "A green approach still means beautiful patterns—have a look at Nancy Bush's Videvik Shawl, Ann Budd's Honor the Buffalo Socks and Mitts, and Kristeen Griffin-Grimes's Caterina Wrap."—Knitty.com Pick up your copy of Knitting Green today! Ready to try your hand designing an eco-friendly project? Join us at KnittingDaily.com for the Knitting Green Challenge!  Make sure to visit your local yarn shop where you can find Knitting Green as well as the best selection of yarns, notions, books, and magazines.