Ideal Bite

Is knitting just for eco-archaic old biddies?

10.26.2007

Submitted by tmeronek on Fri, 10/26/2007 - 12:14am.

The Bite:

Knit on your life. New-school yarn purveyors are spinning some rad eco-materials, such as organic wool, so grab a skein and get needlin'.

The Benefits:

More sustainable mittens. Nonorganic yarn comes from sheep potentially raised on pesticide-laden pasture and feed; acrylic yarn is made from a petroleum byproduct.
Fab fibers. Add silky bamboo, soft organic merino, and stylin' recycled fabrics to your list of yarn options.
Joining the trend. This hobby ain't just for crotchety crocheting relatives anymore.

Personally Speaking:

Toshio's mom just knitted him a scarf made from eco-wool that's keeping him cozy on chilly SF nights on the town. Tosh thinks it goes well with his "Born to Shop" tee.

Wanna Try:

NearSea Naturals Merino Wool Yarn - naturally dyed yarn in three neutral colors; made in America ($17/skein).
Green Mountain Spinnery Maine Organic Yarn - affordable wool yarn in six basic colors; made in the United States ($12/skein).
Shirts of Bamboo Yarn - incredibly soft, 100% bamboo yarn in seven bright colors - but it's made in China ($9/skein).
Knit One, Crochet Too, 2nd Time Cotton Yarn - spun from recycled cotton and acrylic fabric; available in blues, purples, and neutral colors ($7/skein).
No Sheep for You - fun pattern book focused exclusively on nonwool fibers ($16).
DIY Bite: Get some old wool sweaters in decent condition and start unravelin'.

Aurora Fox and Susan Piacenza

Cocktail Fact

In April, British knitter Susie Hewer became the first person to knit a scarf while participating in a marathon, which she completed in less than 6 hr.