Most of us, knitters included, want to do our part for the planet, but it can be hard to know what that means. What makes a yarn organic? Are natural dyes safer than chemical dyes? From selecting organic yarns to reusing yarns to knitting warm projects (and turning the heat down), there are a variety of ways to knit green.
Leading knitting industry figures, including designers French Girl Kristeen Griffin-Grimes and Kristin Nicholas, yarn company creative director Pam Allen, and writer/editors Amy R. Singer (Knitty) and Clara Parkes (Knitter's Review), offer their perspectives on integrating green principles with their work and lives.
In addition to the articles and personal essays, Knitting Green includes 22 contemporary projects from top designers for garments, accessories, gifts, and home furnishings, all designed to use earth-friendly yarns or to serve an earth-friendly purpose. In addition to Ann Budd, designers include Pam Allen, Mags Kandis, Deborah Newton, Vicki Square, and more.
The collection has a wearable but fashionable feel (similar to Interweave's Style series) projects are current without being trendy. These appealing, innovative designs give knitters a sense that they are helping the planet while making beautiful and useful knits.
Each designer interprets the challenge of "knitting green" in her own way: reducing disposable plastic bags, facilitating an alternative to chemical detergent, using fiber that would otherwise go to waste, and keeping wearers warm or cool without using energy.
"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’ Caterina Wrap." -- Knitty.com
"This eco-educational book highlights eco-friendly yarns from organic cotton to silky-with patterns for knitting projects using these yarns, complete with photos showcasing how good sustainable knitting can look." -- Mother Nature Network
"Beautiful, and classy... This book is refreshing, offering a ton of information to help knitters make educated decisions about how they can make their craft more green." -- Petitepurls.com
"The concept of earth friendly knitting is nothing new. But in Knitting Green, knitwear designer Ann Budd takes it from buzz-wordy concept to more grounded place with useful info, thought-provoking stories, and beautiful patterns."--Venus Zine, June 2010
"A truly delightful book with 20 fashionable designs. All the garment designs have full blocking diagrams with imperial and metric measurements."--Machine Knitting Monthly, July 2010
"Demonstrates how you can enjoy your favorite hobby while doing your bit for mother earth, too....A beautifully laid out book."--Crafts Beautiful Magazine, July 2010
"Explores ways to integrate 'eco' perspectives into knitting, and day-to-day life, with articles, essays and projects."--Needle and Handicrafts, July 2010
"It doesn't preach, rather it provides you with the facts so you can make educated choices. This book is a wonderful resource for knitters who care."--Knit Today Magazine, July 2010