I received my copy of Knit Green 2 weeks ago. Since then, I have been pouring through it.
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Now, I should warn you – I am NOT unbiased about this book – I sold my photographs to the editor and they appear in the book. This is the first time I've seen my name in print, in a bound BOOK. So yeah, I was more than a little excited when my copy came in the mail!

Knit Green, pg 109

That said, I was prepared to just scan the book and put it on my shelf (or let's be honest, on my coffee table where I can casually flip to my pictures whenever anyone wanders into the room). I've been reading and researching eco-friendly fibers since I first thought about starting a yarn business, over 4 years ago. I didn't think this book had a lot to teach me.

Whoa.

I was wrong. So very wrong.

This book is FULL of things I didn't know or couldn't find the answers to.

Part of the book's brilliance is in it's layout. Each chapter tackles a different angle of “green” knitting: Biodiversity, sustainable farming, vegan fibers, maintaining folk traditions, fair trade, organic, recycling, buying local & changing habits.

Each chapter has a well-researched article on the topic, followed by 2 – 3 patterns using yarns that embody the characteristic.
Knit Green - My photo!

While most of the patterns aren't for me (I hardly ever knit from patterns, so *most* patterns aren't for me), the fact that the author gives you real applications for what the book is teaching is refreshing.

The real gem in this book is the articles. The articles are worth the price, even if you never knit any of the patterns, if you are concerned with making concientious decisions in your knitting.

And don't let the whole “green” thing scare you away. The author never becomes preachy or pedantic. She seems to share my belief that knitting “green” needn't be a major life-changing commitment; it can be a slow path to making decisions you are comfortable with.

Shop Indie Bookstores

Book: Knit Green, written by Joanne Seiff
(since we're all about the shopping-local, why don't you try to find a local indie bookstore through IndieBound?)

7 Comments on Knit Green – Book Review

  1. Hanna
    October 28, 2009 at 4:02 pm (14 years ago)

    Thanks for the review! I've been wondering about this book but I usually like to see a book in person before I buy it …. sounds like it's definitely worth getting!

  2. OffTheHooks
    October 28, 2009 at 4:18 pm (14 years ago)

    Wow, looks like a great book!
    congrats on getting published in there!

  3. Fabeku
    October 29, 2009 at 12:54 pm (14 years ago)

    I love knowing that your yarn-ey gorgeousness is in a book. I hope it's seem by a bazillion people. Because the world would really be a way more awesome place if it was filled with your yarn. Because it's beautiful. And beautiful is good.

  4. blondechicken
    October 30, 2009 at 3:23 pm (14 years ago)

    I thought of you when I read it! I'm sure you'll love it!

    Tara

    Blonde Chicken Boutique
    Local, Sustainable, Colorful Yarn

    ________________________________

  5. blondechicken
    October 30, 2009 at 7:23 pm (14 years ago)

    I thought of you when I read it! I'm sure you'll love it!

    Tara