Earth Day is great. It got me to thinking about environmentally responsible yarns, needles, and notions. Karma is largely about the concept that what one puts into the universe comes back to you, so putting a respect for the earth out there is the right choice. Certainly responsibility is a great goal. And so I really considered. I wanted to make good choices.
What qualifies as responsible? Everyone's answer seems to differ. Fully organic, cruelty free, sustainable fiber and tools is the ideal holy grail of responsible. But how to source it? How to verify? When verified, how to handle production issues? Color shortages?
Then I went even deeper. Are only vegan (animal-product free) yarns right? How much do you need to know about the farms producing vegetable products? Are rayon and viscose made from sustainable, organic cellulose cool?
I concluded that I don't know. So I looked at it from another direction. Like someone trying to quit smoking, isn't the intention a great start? I think so. Some companies are making yarns that are more responsible than they were previously. That's a step in the right direction. Other companies have made a commitment to organic fibers, but not necessarily to organic labeling or handling or shipping products. What is enough?
I've decided that I'm pleased to support any company headed in the right direction. I will make my next major design project focus on sustainable fibers of a variety of descriptions. I'm not going to be judge and jury of what is good enough. I'm going to be pleased that so many companies are making an effort. I don't know where this path will lead, but I'm excited about it.
What are your favorite eco-friendly yarns? What do you like about them? Are they comparably priced to conventionally made yarns? Thanks in advance for your input.
Showing posts with label organic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label organic. Show all posts
Monday, April 25, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
Freebie Friday with Nicky Epstein!
Happy Earth Day! This is a gorgeous freebie from Nicky Epstein. Her website offers periodic freebies, but they are often fee for a limited time only. If you love it, download it soon, before it's a paid pattern! It's called the Celtic Knot Afghan, and I think it would b gorgeous in earth-friendly fibers to celebrate the day!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Knitter's Frolics
I'm starting to get really excited for the Toronto Knitter's Frolic, April 30 - May 1, and the Central New York Wool and Fiber Frolic, April 16 in scenic Baldwinsville, NY. These are the first frolics of significant size near me (suburban Buffalo NY) this year, and I'm champing at the bit! They're two months away, and it's driving me crazy. It's like a 7 year old waiting for Christmas.
Knitting and fiber frolics are amazing for a zillion reasons, but I will only list ten, in no particular order:
1. They are stocked with nearly universally "animal friendly" products, and cruelty free is an important credential for any product.
2. Absolutely one-of-a-kind uniqueness. Handspun yarn is original like a fingerprint. There is no twin to the skein you're buying anywhere in the world. It's not all handspun, but there is substantially more artisan yarn than any other situation.
3. The option to shop a wide array of completely organic product - no chemical sizing, dyes, or finishes make the yarns much less allergenic, and earth friendly. Organic yarns are usually very clearly marked.
4. The option for processed art yarns. Most shops can't carry a large array of art yarns, and when they do it's hit or miss as to whether they're colorfast, superwash, or durable. The spinners at Frolics are on site to tell you exactly how each fiber will hold up, knit up, and wear.
5. Many other knit, crochet, and weaving products are represented, and they are usually also mostly handcrafted - wooden knitting needles and spindles, ceramic yarn holders, stitchmarkers, sock and mitten blockers, project bags, needle gauges, jewelry, hats and tees, and of course, hand knit sweaters and everything else that can be knit (or woven). If you prefer artisan crafts to mass produced goods, you'll be in heaven. (Don't worry, there are plenty of quality manufactured products as well. If that's your thing, you'll also be happy. Trust me.)
6. Other fiber fans! No matter how big your stash is, or how obsessed with your craft you are, there are like-minded people, and those who will make your obsession look like a casual fondness.
7. Buttons. Buttons and buttons. Finding the right buttons can be a challenge, and the wrong buttons can really take the WOW out of a project. You'll find handcrafted buttons of every material you can imagine, and like other artisan products, originality is assured. Sometimes manufacturers are represented as well.
8. Classes are not a given, but they are pretty common in these events. I love taking classes, teaching classes, and even just reading through the classes that are offered. It always reminds me how much there is to learn, and keeps my perspective on my work fresh. Whether they're teaching how yarn is made, or some intricate needle technique, there is always something I can use.
9. Exotic fibers abound. Suri, quiviut, buffalo, llama, banana, soy, silk, camel, angora - they're all there, just waiting to be caressed and admired, and ultimately taken home.
10. You don't have to spend a dime to have a wonderful time. Shopping is fabulous, and encouraged, don't get me wrong! But these are some of those situations where you will see things and learn from them as if you were in a really cool interactive museum. There are creative ideas galore, and it's contagious. So no matter how weak or healthy your budget is on Frolic day, there's a great reason to go.
Okay, to me the above post reads like knitting porn. If it has the same effect on you, I'll probably see you at these events. Let me know if you're going. I'd be delighed to meet you. :)
Knitting and fiber frolics are amazing for a zillion reasons, but I will only list ten, in no particular order:
1. They are stocked with nearly universally "animal friendly" products, and cruelty free is an important credential for any product.
2. Absolutely one-of-a-kind uniqueness. Handspun yarn is original like a fingerprint. There is no twin to the skein you're buying anywhere in the world. It's not all handspun, but there is substantially more artisan yarn than any other situation.
3. The option to shop a wide array of completely organic product - no chemical sizing, dyes, or finishes make the yarns much less allergenic, and earth friendly. Organic yarns are usually very clearly marked.
4. The option for processed art yarns. Most shops can't carry a large array of art yarns, and when they do it's hit or miss as to whether they're colorfast, superwash, or durable. The spinners at Frolics are on site to tell you exactly how each fiber will hold up, knit up, and wear.
5. Many other knit, crochet, and weaving products are represented, and they are usually also mostly handcrafted - wooden knitting needles and spindles, ceramic yarn holders, stitchmarkers, sock and mitten blockers, project bags, needle gauges, jewelry, hats and tees, and of course, hand knit sweaters and everything else that can be knit (or woven). If you prefer artisan crafts to mass produced goods, you'll be in heaven. (Don't worry, there are plenty of quality manufactured products as well. If that's your thing, you'll also be happy. Trust me.)
6. Other fiber fans! No matter how big your stash is, or how obsessed with your craft you are, there are like-minded people, and those who will make your obsession look like a casual fondness.
7. Buttons. Buttons and buttons. Finding the right buttons can be a challenge, and the wrong buttons can really take the WOW out of a project. You'll find handcrafted buttons of every material you can imagine, and like other artisan products, originality is assured. Sometimes manufacturers are represented as well.
8. Classes are not a given, but they are pretty common in these events. I love taking classes, teaching classes, and even just reading through the classes that are offered. It always reminds me how much there is to learn, and keeps my perspective on my work fresh. Whether they're teaching how yarn is made, or some intricate needle technique, there is always something I can use.
9. Exotic fibers abound. Suri, quiviut, buffalo, llama, banana, soy, silk, camel, angora - they're all there, just waiting to be caressed and admired, and ultimately taken home.
10. You don't have to spend a dime to have a wonderful time. Shopping is fabulous, and encouraged, don't get me wrong! But these are some of those situations where you will see things and learn from them as if you were in a really cool interactive museum. There are creative ideas galore, and it's contagious. So no matter how weak or healthy your budget is on Frolic day, there's a great reason to go.
Okay, to me the above post reads like knitting porn. If it has the same effect on you, I'll probably see you at these events. Let me know if you're going. I'd be delighed to meet you. :)
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Spa Gifts - Free Pattern
If you're looking for a quick last minute gift, try beautiful washcloths and artisan soaps. Two handmade cloths wrapping some fine handmilled soaps and tied with a ribbon would make a lovely gift for anyone on your list. (Modern men are into skin care, too.) Add a candle or two, and it's a spa experience you can even tuck into a stocking!
Use some organic cotton or bamboo fibers, and these cloths will gently exfoliate skin. Choose a boutique artisan soap that fits your friend's personality: chocolate, olive oil, lavender, and oatmeal are all popular handmilled soap types. (If you're in the Buffalo NY area, stop in to Village Artisans on Main Street in Williamsville for a lovely selection of soaps and candles.) Or coordinate soap and candle colors to the yarn colors used for a pretty visual. Need something more substantial? Add a pedicure brush or a facial brush, bubble bath, and a natural moisturizer. Enjoy!
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