AwareKnits: Knit & Crochet Projects for the Eco-Conscious Stitcher

by Vickie Howell, Adrienne Armstrong

The fiber world is all abuzz about sustainable yarns and alternative materials, and AwareKnits jumps on this trend with a socially conscious approach to knitting and crochet.

Knitting superstar Vicikie Howell and activist-knitter Adrienne Armstrong present a groundbreaking volume that’s part pattern book and part crafty call to action. They offer 31 stylish projects that use a variety of “green” yarns, including ones from soy, corn, and hemp.

 

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction, Crafts, Crochet, Reference

128 pages, Paperback

First published October 6, 2009

Reviews

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wholeheartedly recommend this large size book of over thirty knitting, crocheting and felting projects. They are simple looking enough for even a novice to get started and have immediate practical use. Some are for more advanced skills but they have star ratings to indicate the recommended skill level.

Along with each pattern the authors tell us a little about the kind of fibre - bamboo, silk, hemp, even soy can all be made into fibres and found at a knitting supply shop. As well as alpaca, organic wool, organic cotton. A very eco-conscious notion is using up your stash, even the odds and ends in a scarf of many colours. And you can buy an old jumper in a charity shop and unravel it - a few wise tips are provided, such as checking that it doesn't have finished seams. Whether wrist warmers or a cardigan, a shopping bag, door mat, picture frame or pillowcase, you can personalise your accessories. We also see that you can rip up and crochet anything like t-shirts, plastic bags, newspapers. Each pattern also comes with a paragraph of environment-conscious chat, such as buying wool locally, and how that Chinese goat hair is really produced.

I'm gifting this book, to a lady who knits. The photos are very well taken and many are items of beauty in themselves. Enjoy. I bought this book in Dublin. This is an unbiased review.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up from the library on a whim. Many of my friends are knitters and this seemed like a book they might be interested in learning about. And I was right, I was really impressed. The authors presented a really informative as well as (seemingly, from a non-knitter) useful book. There is a lot of information about sustainable, green and eco-friendly materials, of course. But there is also information about other topics including ergonomics, recycling, even reflexology. And the designs are really cute! The book is lovely as well. I'd recommend it for knitters or as a gift for the crafty set.

[Kelly (Maybedog) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some cool ideas, like making a reusable grocery bag out of plastic grocery bags. (I didn't like that pattern, just the idea, so I'm making my own patter.) I like the cover pattern but that's about it. Seems like it's trying to cash in on the environmental movement without really providing anything of substance.

[Ligaya · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmmm, interesting knit book with some flaws. More photos would have been appreciated for some projects, like, what does the front of the Camisoul tank LOOK LIKE? Also, jute for the Greenhouse outdoor mat? One of the authors claims, "It's one of my favorite fibers to use for outdoor projects!"??? Waa? I'd hate to spend so much time on a project and have it disintegrate in one season... Okay, maybe more than SOME flaws. Punny project titles and author chatter on environmental issues aside, fashion is one of the most wasteful of industries so maybe crafting your own with high-end (read: expensive) eco-friendly yarn is a way to go. That said, the projects are okay. The reuse info for t-shirts and plastic bags are decent but not new. Nothing spoke to me, so I didn't look closely at the pattern directions. I guess I was looking for something more innovative.

[Tilden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some very good advise on how to knit and live more green. Also some very cute and clever patterns made out of olastic shopping bags and old t-shirts.

[Jaq · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great collection of some beautiful items to make and also some tips and hints along the way on reusing and sourcing of beautiful materials to craft with.

Thank you!

[Elisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kirjassa on tietoa ekologisista langoista, vinkkejä ekoelämään muutenkin ja eritasoisia ohjeita. Moni varmaankin tietää jo, että luomupuuvilla on hyvä vaihtoehto ja kemiallista pesua kannattaa välttää, ja että on paikkoja kuten etsy.com ja vanhasta villapaidasta saa mainiota sukkalankaa. Opin uuttakin: hamppukangas on tekstiileistä ympäristöystävällisimpiä, kameli tiputtaa omia aikojaan karvansa eikä sitä siis tarvitse missään vaiheessa keriä, Manos del Uruguay:n reilun kaupan langat on kalliita joo, mutta aikas upeita, vanhoista teepaidoista (oikeastaan melkein mistä vaan!) voi leikata virkkuukudetta ja taituroida matskusta vaikka säilytyskorin tai kauppakassin. Enpä ehdi paljon neuloa, mutta joskus tulee jotain pientä ja helppoa väsättyä, ja silloin tulee selattua tämänkaltaisia käsityökirjoja. Malleista eniten inspiroi juuttinarumatto ja ranteenlämmittimet, joista soveltamalla vois jotain koettaa väkertää…

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains instructions on how to make delightfully designed knitted--and some crocheted--projects that are eco-conscious. The authors provide extensive information not only on how to make the items, such as a sweater and a carrying bag, but on different types of more or less earth-friendly yarns--including make-it-yourself recycled-t-shirt yarn. They even offer suggestions for use of scraps.

The two authors' conversations about what they do ecologically are mildly interesting but not necessary.

A useful and enjoyable book for eco-conscious knitters and crocheters of any skill level, including this beginner crocheter.

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I understand wanting to sell a book and writing to niche audiences, so I was disappointed in both the projects and lack of eco-consciousness aspects the book.

See: Knit Green: 20 Projects and Ideas for Sustainability by Joanne Seiff

[Tamara]

I don't knit or crochet, but...

[Heywu · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are a number of great eco friendly projects and lots of great info on how to be an eco friendly consumer.

[R. J · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some cute patterns and great tips for the eco-conscious. Just found it ironic that the book was manufactured in China, which is not the most eco-friendly way to go.

[Kasey Jane · Rating 1 out of 5]

Fluffy.

[Two Readers in Love · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit less guilt/preaching and a bit more factual information about the pros/cons of various fibers would have made this book much more convincing. The projects themselves are nice.