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The Story:
For months I've been looking forward to the release of Ann Budd's newest book, Knitting Green (Interweave Press, 2010). Upon receiving my copy of the book, I curled up in a comfy chair, listened to the breeze blow by the open windows and began reading. Not all knitting books can hold my attention long enough to flip through each page, cover to cover, but Knitting Green did—I wanted to absorb all it had to tell me, and there was plenty.
A variety of eco-conscious designers—Kristeen Griffin-Grimes, Katie Himmelberg, Véronik Avery, Pam Allen, Michele Rose Orne, Nancy Bush, Mags Kandis, Cecily Glowik MacDonald, myself and many others—joined together in creating a beautiful collection of hand knitting designs. The patterns range from a small teddy bear, elegant shawls and scarves, beautiful cardigans, pullovers and wraps, to a warm and cozy blanket. There is a pattern for every level of knitter, and every level of green.
The patterns are lovely, and the yarns used are all friendly to our earth in one way or another. However, even a non-knitter would enjoy this book because of the informative earth-friendly essays—what it means to be organic; the difference between various sustainable fibers; what it takes to raise sheep in North America; stash-busting, etc…, by well-known authors such as Clara Parkes, Pam Allen, Sandi Wiseheart, Kristin Nicholas and more.
Ann encourages a variety of ways in which someone can *go green*. It's not so cookie-cutter that it's the same for everyone. We can all choose how deep we want to dive into the rabbit hole. Eco-consciousness can vary from knitting a blanket or a sweater to avoid turning up the heat, or committing to buying only certified organic yarns. Either way, or anywhere in between, it's all helpful to our earth, and however deep you decide to go, you're heading in the right direction.
The Yarn:
There are currently five earth-friendly yarns in the Verde collection, and one more is scheduled to arrive in the Fall of 2010. At the time Knitting Green was coming to life, the Verde collection was in its early stages. The first three yarns from the Verde Collection were all chosen to be included in the Knitting Green book—Allegoro, Solstice and Sprout. Each of these yarns is partially or wholly made from certified organic cotton.
Also included in Knitting Green is Véronik Avery's yarn, Nordique, from her St-Denis collection. Nordique has a small carbon footprint, as it is completely grown, processed and distributed in North America.
Don't miss these projects in Knitting Green:
Solstice Skirt: knitted in Solstice, designed by Cecily Glowik MacDonald
Allegoro Lace Tunic: knitted in Allegoro, designed by Therese Chynoweth
Organic Sprout Tank: knitted in Sprout, designed by Pam Allen
All-(North)American Hoodie: knitted in Nordique, designed by Véronik Avery
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