Knitting Green: Conversations and Planet Friendly Projects

by Ann Budd

Detailing a wide range of perspectives and approaches to environmental issues, this unique crafting manual offers ideas for knitting conscientiously. Leading figures of the industry, from designers to yarn company executives, share their methods for integrating green principles into their work and lives--selecting organic products, facilitating an alternative to chemical detergent, recycling old projects, reducing disposable plastic bags, and creating pieces that provide warmth and save on energy. Inventive and timely, this practical guidebook explains answers to important questions such as What makes a yarn organic? and Are natural dyes safer than chemical dyes? Providing 20 clever designs for earth-friendly garments, accessories, gifts, and home furnishings, craft enthusiasts of all skill levels will enjoy projects that balance the altruism of saving the planet with the joyful benefits of their favorite hobby.

Genres: Knitting, Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference, How To

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book for the discussion about moving towards greener more sustainable approach to knitting - recognizing it is not a simple all or nothing discussion that has many nuances. some interesting projects to go back to

[JoAnn Steinly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Filled with thoughtful essays about what it means to "knit green". The essays might be my favorite part of the book. Several patterns I'd like to try when I become slightly more proficient. The Caterina wrap, videvik shawl and slippers look interesting.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a good book to have! I enjoyed the essays by people in the knitting fields, from fiber producers to finishers, which gave me much to think about. I marked several lovely patterns to knit. And I have become more aware of what it means to knit "green".

[Cassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Less information than Knit Green. It has knitting projects and intermixed guest pieces. One person said they didn't vaccinate their sheep.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read but I didn't really love any of the actual patterns.

[Anastaciaknits · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are a ton of cute projects in this book, well written, charts as needed. Some cables, some lace, some basic, some more complex. The yarns used are all "green" yarns, like Eco Wool (yarn is neither dyed nor chemically processed) or Schulana Sojabama (bamboo & soya, a fiber from soybeans, that is similar to silk in feel).

There's smaller projects, like Sustainable Bamboo Scarf & Soap Nut Vessels (a little bag to throw your soap nuts into). There's wearables, like Organic Sprout tank, which uses Classic Elite Sprout yarn (organic cotton), or the classically styled All (North) American Hoodie, using St Denis Nordique wool yarn (a yarn grown, harvested, processed, & distributed all in North America).

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

The essays about environmentally conscious aspects of knitting were great- I almost wish that had been the whole book. None of the patterns were particularly interesting to me, possibly because none of them would actually be flattering on me, or possibly anyone over, say, a size 6 or 8 (I didn't check sizing to see how large they were going because well, they were all very boxy and looked like they'd be a pain in the neck to modify).

[Rachael Lauritzen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great ideas, great essays. I made the commuter knapsack, which is gorgeous, although there seems to be some errata in the flap. I haven't found it documented, but made as written, it is way too big and has funny proportions. I'm actually still working out the best number of stitches to cast on, but it looks like no more than 65 (not the 99 in the pattern). Still, I liked the patterns and ideas. Worth a look.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many things I'd love to make in this book, especially the skirts! There are creative home accessories to make as well, like a soap nut bag,
structured tote, and cute slippers.

But what's really interesting is the discussion of eco-friendly yarns at the beginning. It's a good, quick reference.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought I had read this book. But I had not marked it or reviewed it. So I got it from the library again, and I love it. Either I've never seen it before, or I was in a funk when I looked at it. There are some great pattern sin here and I love the reviews of the green products. I favorited 4 projects in this book. May be worth buying this one!

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a little disappointed with this book -- I thought it was going to be a bit more informative than it was. Instead, I didn't really learn anything that I didn't already know. The patterns, while fine, weren't really for me. The essays from various people in the knitting community were nice, though.

[Cayenne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book on eco-friendly knitting a lot, but it is much more pattern oriented than Knit Green. The patterns are lovely, and from famous, high-quality designers. I'm going to make the bear at least and I love the Organic Sprout Tank.

[Marge Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many of the books I read come from the library. I like this one so much I am buying a copy for home. One knitting book I know I will make many of the projects. I'm also more challenged to support local and green yarns.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting articles on what constitutes green knitting from various knitting designers, weavers, sheep farmers and dyers.

Some great projects too.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed making Ann Budd's sock patterns and look forward to knitting several of these patterns too.

[Liberty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good fiber information, may need to look into adding a vegan yarn to the shop. Cute patterns. Love the bicycle basket (on the cover).

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wouldn't buy, but glad I borrowed it. The articles are worth the read, and there are definitely a few gems pattern-wise.

[Joanne Wiggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked this book. There are a few projects that are on my list to tackle. Where oh where is the time?

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

More for the images then the patterns. But I loved all of the essays that knit the book together.

[Leslie Jem · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like the Eco Vest, Honor-the-Buffalo Mitts, On-the-Go Basket Purse, Organic Sprout Tank.

[Stacy Tomaszewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book again for the third time this holiday and drooled once again over the patterns. I think that I need to update my rating.

[Sheila]

746.432 BUDD