The Natural Knitter: How to Choose, Use, and Knit Natural Fibers from Alpaca to Yak

by Barbara Albright

In The Natural Knitter , Barbara Albright takes readers on a rich journey through the joys of all-natural fibers–materials that can make an incredible difference, both in your knitting and in the health of our planet. From the animals and plants that produce the fibers to the artisans who work with them, The Natural Knitter presents the first-ever all-encompassing look at the world of natural knitting.

Tempted by the versatile and beautiful yarns produced from the fibers of llamas, sheep, cashmere-producing goats, and angora bunnies–as well as from cotton, hemp, linen, and silk–some of the most renowned designers in the textile industry have contributed patterns to this collection. There are more than twenty wonderful projects in all, and each highlights the softness, drape, and quality of the fiber used–from Norah Gaughan’s “Architectural Rib Pullover” in cashmere and wool yarn and Vicki Square’s “Uma Sweater” in silk yarn, to clever designs like Debbie New’s “Cast-Off Clothing” in hemp yarn and Barbara Albright’s “Lilliana’s Organic Cotton Poncho and Drawstring Pouch” design for organic cotton yarn. Meet the entrepreneurs who are creating beautiful products that are also non-toxic and earth-friendly, using plant-dyed fibers and unique processes. For the adventurous, step-by-step instructions are included for dyeing yarn naturally at home.

Lavishly illustrated and thoughtfully detailed, The Natural Knitter offers a thorough and engaging picture of the natural fiber industry–and a beautiful palette of designs for readers to knit, savor, and enjoy.

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction, Crafts, Reference

192 pages, Hardcover

First published March 6, 2007

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Patterns weren't of any interest to me, but the information about the different fibers was interesting.

[Sunday Kofax · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was amazing. Like all books, I liked but a few patterns. The strength of this book lies in the unbelievably beautiful photographs of the animals used to make yarn, and the descriptions of the animals, how their fiber is harvested, how they live, etc. It also describes how natural fibers are chemically processed, and what you gain and lose with that. It's like porn for knitters. I want to buy this book, with the excuse that I can use the fiber origin information for the master knitter program. But really I want to drool over the photos and pretend I own a vicuna.

[Alicia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beautiful photographs, but very few projects I would like to make. Some projects, like the Shetland Fern sweater are absolutely gorgeous, but I imagine it would take a very, very long time to make. The best part of this book was the interesting facts about the different types of fiber and what they are best suited for. A good book of information, but not patterns.

[Fernleaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent overview of fiber and where it all comes from, scattered throughout with features of small fiber operations. Interspersed with the fiber information are patterns worked using that fiber. Gorgeous photos.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book is equisite!

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read the yarn book instead...it's better.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how this book features mom and pop ranches who specializes in natural fibers. Also, I appreciated the discussion of the variables used to classify fiber as organic.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked learning more about fiber producing animals, and collection and processing of natural fibers.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A beautiful book that I LOVE to look at but not one that has compelled me to make anything from their patterns.

[Ali]

natural dye projects
shetland fern sweater
manly sweaters
architectural ridge pullover
lacy twinset
cast-off sweater
mod modular hat, socks, half-gloves

[Amy Derwae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great explanations of fibers available to consumers, the properties of those fibers and how best to use them. Definitely makes me want to branch out and create new pieces!

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

For my library :)