Tip o’ the Day: Knitting the Way
There's nothing better than a warm fuzzy handmade scarf wrapped around your neck. But how does knitting affect the environment in a positive manner? Yesterday we talked about slowing down and how it can connect you to the earth (and where things come from) a bit more. But that's not the only way that knitting is green.
By doing it yourself, you can control the quality of the ingredients that go into that scarf. Try Blue Sky Alpaca or Lion Brand Yarn in organic cotton. Once you get going, there will be no stopping your green knitting self. Next thing you know, you'll need a Yogurt Yarntainer.
Knitting is a tradition that is at least 1,000 years old, though some argue that it is much older than that. And good news, knitting is cool again and is enjoying quite the revival as of late. One of the best benefits of knitting is that it is a great social activity - we love it when like-minded people get together! Find a local group near you through Stitch 'n Bitch or Meetup.
Knitting cafes are also popping up across the globe. Imagine, a coffee shop where you can sit and knit, or learn to knit, as you sip your favorite (fair trade) coffee! Check out The Point in NYC or Lisbet's if you ever find yourself in Doylestown, PA.
Finally, if you are into public art, you'll want to check out Knitta Please. We're still not sure if we consider this a green action, but we like public art and find this fun and inspirational.
Rebecca says: I'm looking forward to getting together with the local knitting group here to make some new friends, and continue to learn how to knit! Now that I've made my first scarf, I look at the scarves in stores that I used to dream about buying; now I try to figure out how to make a similar one, but exactly how I'd like it. By making my own, I hope that I'm saving petroleum and keeping the action mostly local. And yes, I realize that I live in Miami…I'll have to make sure not to go overboard on this one!
Photo via Knitta Please
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March 6th, 2007 at 10:01 pm
Another way to “go green” with knitting is to recycle yarn. I’ve been going to the thrift stores and buying wool sweaters to unravel for use in making hats and other warm clothing for charity. It does take some time to do, but it is strangely satisfying to unravel an entire sweater. There’s a nice tutorial on how to do this at Neauveau Fiber Arts (among several other sites).
March 7th, 2007 at 3:51 pm
That’s a fun tip, Debbie! Really getting creative with reuse!