Green Options » Knitting + Crochet

The Growing Coral Craft Project to Save Endangered Sea Coral

Lucille Chi — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 19:04:18 +0000

Upon window gazing in San Francisco, this immense coral yarn sculpture reminded me of one of the most unique, and unusual TED Talks I’ve ever seen and it’s about coral yarn crochet. In this TED (Technology and Entertainment Design) talk, Margaret Wertheim shares the coral project she started with her twin sister that is all about crocheting the coral reef.

The idea of this yarn filled coral sculpture garden is inspired by endangered sea coral, the ancient art of domestic handicrafts, and the new discoveries in mathematics by Dr. Daina Taimina on the beautiful math of coral.

Read more of this story »

Fun Winter Flowers, Valentines and Stitching Tutorials that I Love

Lucille Chi — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 18:06:12 +0000

Have you ever wanted to expand your crafty side and try stitching a creative texture on a fabric, hanky, notecard or decoration? If so, here are a few neat finds and tutorials on the subject this season:

The ideas for crocheted valentines are too cute (shown above) the step by step card stitching process is fun.
Crocheted flowers on etsy are so soft, decorative, elegant and fuzzy, they are easily the perfect winter bouquet.
Read more of this story »

Tech Savvy Knitters Flock to Ravelry

Kelli Best-Oliver — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:35:40 +0000

Knitters and crocheters: looking for a social networking program that’s all about yarn-lovers? What about one with groups specifically for eco-minded crafters? Look no further than Ravelry.

I joined Ravelry in April, and since then, it’s my go-to place for (free!) knitting patterns and ideas. Just like Facebook or MySpace, users have a profile, make friends, and can join groups. It’s also got handy organizing features, such as a queue for projects you are working on or patterns you’d like to try, or cataloging features for your yarn stash or needle supply. It will also link to my blog and update my friends and my profile whenever I post there. It’s incredibly user-friendly–I’ve never had a technical problem using it.

There are several green-themed groups on Ravelry, each with a message board with tips for green crafting.

Read more of this story »

Knit That Man a Sweater

Autumn Wiggins — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 06:16:10 +0000

He deserves it more than your boyfriend, and you don’t have to worry about the dreaded break-up curse.

Al Gore has been all over the airwaves recently proposing a challenge for America to eradicate the use of fossil fuels by 2018. I’m picking up what he’s putting down. It’s like dealing with that friend who’s always late by telling them to meet you 15 minutes earlier than when you plan to arrive.

Alternative energy is the top priority of the environmental agenda, and rightly so. It slightly dwarfs the significance of making snow globes out of baby food jars. However, after we all start driving electric cars and installing affordable solar panels on our roofs, more intense focus will turn to how stuff is made, and I think green crafting is worthy of a slide or two on Mr. Gore’s next Power Point presentation. That is, if we can get his attention.

Read more of this story »

Meet your MAKER FAIRE: Me Crafty Jane. You Techie Tarzan.

Autumn Wiggins — Mon, 19 May 2008 03:57:06 +0000

Name how many men you know who own power tools.

Name how many men you know who own a sewing machine.

You might be shaking your head thinking, “Well, that’s obvious.”… because I tailored my request to resonate with women.

If you’re a guy, you’re probably wondering, “What is this crazy bitch getting at?” That’s OK, because I’m banking on the fact that most of our readers are, in fact, the gentler sex.

Maker Faire blows most craft shows out of the water in terms of vendors and exhibits. With an estimated turnout of 65,000 attendees, and over 500 “makers” exhibiting, it was almost surreal to witness. Though giving my presentations occupied me for a couple hours, I was free to roam the rest of the weekend, and still didn’t get to see everything. One thing I observed almost doesn’t need to be said. Male makers were a minority in the crafty corners of the event, and though women had a definite presence in the technology arena, they still seemed largely outnumbered, especially in robotics and other mechanical applications.

Read more of this story »

Yearn Worthy Yarn: Qiviut

Kelly Rand — Thu, 08 May 2008 17:00:49 +0000

After the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge popped up in the news again, my mind couldn’t help but think of all of the great wildlife found in the arctic and in Alaska; the porcupine caribou, the arctic fox, and the polar bear. But do you know of the musk ox?

The musk ox is a large gentle creature similar in weight and stature to a buffalo. They have large curved horns and long shaggy hair and are more closely related to goats and sheep than to oxen. I first fell in love with these animals when I was researching the arctic a while back for work. For those of you that have watched the Planet Earth series you know how cute they are.

Read more of this story »

Top 5 Must-Have DIY Crochet Tomes

Victoria Everman — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:12:03 +0000

Often the second banana to the world of knitting, crochet is steadily gaining more followers thanks to just how easy it is to pick up the hobby. Instead of using two needles, all you need is a ball of yarn and a crochet hook to create everything from toys and toaster covers to sweaters and stylish accessories.

For the first book on our Top 5 Must-Have DIY Crochet Tomes list, most knitters will recognize Debbie Stoller as the editor-in-chief of Bust Magazine and the writer of all three Stitch ‘N Bitch books. Crafters were both surprised and delighted when she released Stitch ‘N Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker in 2006.

Similar to her first Stitch ‘N Bitch book about knitting, The Happy Hooker is an introduction to the history and process of crochet as well as a kick-ass pattern book. Whether you are an experienced knitter or new to fiber crafts all together, The Happy Hooker is the perfect first crochet book for everyone.

Crochet shares some similarities with knitting. One major likeness is that the more you know, the more likely you are to make a mistake. No crocheters’ bookshelf would be complete without The Crochet Answer Book: Solutions to Every Problem You’ll Ever Face; Answers to Every Question You’ll Ever Ask by Edie Eckman.

With line illustration, charts, details on tools, specific techniques, standard crochet abbreviations, common crochet terms and phrases, standard body measurements and sizing, suggested sizes for accessories and household items, and yarn care symbols; this is the only book you will need when your loops and hooks don’t look right.

Answers to detailed questions about all aspects of crochet is the feature element of the book, with chapters on gauge, circles, edges, and finishing. Thanks to Edie’s support, you will feel more confident to progress into more detailed crochet patterns and projects.

Read more of this story »

Tools to Use: Knitting Needles

Kelly Rand — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 14:24:21 +0000

Learning to knit can seem a bit overwhelming, especially if you are familiar with long-time knitters and all of their tools and many needles. At the basic level, all you need to get started is a pair of needles and some yarn. Beyond that there are some very helpful tools to consider and Victoria has already complied a great list on what to get a novice knitter. But what about those pesky needles?

When deciding on what needles to invest in, you’ll want to consider what type of knitter you are and what type of projects you’re interested in. A fair amount of patterns, from sweaters to scarves, call for U.S. size 8/5 mm or 10/6 mm needles. So you’ll probably want to own these sizes. If you find yourself enamored by sock making you’ll want to stock up on U.S. size 0/2mm and 1/2.25mm.

So how do you go about acquiring these needles in an eco-conscious manner?

Choose Bamboo - Bamboo is a fast growing natural material that is used in a wide range of sustainable products. Over at Core77, you can read the pros and cons of bamboo as a “green” material. Needles made from bamboo are widely available at any craft store and are lightweight, virtually noiseless and easy on the hands. They are just the right texture to have ease of movement and are able to hold your stitches without fear of them falling off of your needle.

Read more of this story »

Trending Green

Kelly Rand — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 16:21:09 +0000

New online knitting mag MetaPostModernKnitting arrived on the internet last week with the fashion forward in mind. Complete with great patterns, blog and articles, MPMK is a welcome edition to the online world.

In their first issue, The Knitting Bully contemplates recycling as a fashion trend. The article questions the use of new clothing repurposed right out of the box, and marketed as “recycled,” and rightly so (take a look at that sweater/skirt.) Other outlays in the article are also easy to get behind; ensuring proper use of reclaimed materials and creating an end product that will be worn. But the larger question that isn’t as easy to get behind, is the premise that recycling is detrimental to style.

The Knitting Bully asks “…have we thought about what [recycling] is doing to our style?”

The answer is a million times, yes!

Read more of this story »

Green Crafty Q&A: Beginner Knitting Tools

Victoria Everman — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 17:50:53 +0000

As Crafting a Green World continues to grow, new ideas and opportunities for us to share our eco-creative experiences are ever flourishing. Today we are premiering our first-ever Q&A segment, which we hope will be the beginning of a long line of crafty questions from our readers.

Our first question comes from one of Green Options‘ own, Noelle d’Estries.

Q: I’d like to get my sister into knitting — what are the basic tools I should set her up with, along with these beginner books? - Noelle

A: First off, I have to say congrats for getting your sister into knitting! Once she learns the basics, a whole world of creativity will open up to her and she will be forever grateful to you for bringing her into that world.

Other than the knitting needles and yarn

Read more of this story »

Top 5 Must-Have DIY Knitting Tomes

Victoria Everman — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 19:46:35 +0000

Who’s ready for some purling!? Knitting may not seem as exciting as football, but for some of us it is our lifeblood. Making something out of (what seems like) nothing is what all of us crafty folks crave, and for millions of men and women worldwide, that craving can only be satiated with some yarn and needles.

Continuing my aging “Top 5 Must-Have Tomes” series, I’ve finally put together my list of knitting books that will make any bookshelf feel complete. Mind you, this was no easy task as Amazon.com alone sells over 1,500 books on the subject, but it was more than worth it to bring this list to you, my avid readers.

Next in my Top 5 series, I’ll be bringing you the top crochet books available in print. Until then, enjoy this much-researched list on the wonderful world of knitting. Feel like something is missing? Leave a comment with your favorite knitting book and why you’ve referenced it so many times that the pages are falling out.

Read more of this story »

Knitty.com’s Fall 2007 Frankenknits Column

Victoria Everman — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 10:33:54 +0000

Remember how bummed you were when your favorite sweater got a hole in it? Even with similar structural blemishes, I find it hard to part with my favorite garments — ones that have been worn during so many memorable moments. With a few snips, unraveled rows, and sections of knitting, you can easily turn these old, damaged favorites into fashionably new creations with Knitty.com’s Frankenknits column.

Knitty was started back in 2002 by Toronto-based, New Jersey-born knitter Amy R Singer, who still edits and publishes the “web-only knitting magazine with a sense of humor and absolutely no doily patterns.”

Read more of this story »

Knit.1 Magazine Winter 2007 Issue Preview

Victoria Everman — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 20:53:22 +0000

After their well-received Green issue, Knit.1 Magazine continues to bring the classic art of knitting to thousands of younger purl pursuers. I must admit, the publication is a personal favorite of mine and I have been subscribed since the beginning. Each issue has a theme, and the Winter 2007 theme is Time - an integrative part of all of our lives and the craft of knitting itself. Here is a brief glimpse at what editor Adina Klein has to say in her editor’s letter for the issue:

In this age of I-want-it-NOW, taking the time to make something with your own two hands is priceless. In this issue we have included projects that take, literally, minutes to make, as well as projects that are well worth all the time and effort you put into them. Whether you choose to whip up the key chains on page 59 or create the fabulous flapper dress on page 30, you are making a statement about the importance of art, beauty and individuality just by picking up your needles and hooks. Often in our daily struggle to get things done faster, better, cheaper, we forget the value of taking the time to do things that are important to us.

What else will this slightly holiday themed issue have to offer? Here is a run-down of some of the Winter 2007 features:

PIECING TOGETHER MORE TIME
Shannon Okey finds ways to make every moment on the needles count.
KNIT-TINI TIME
Vickie Howell investigates: Where does Pink Martini frontwoman China Forbes rank knitting on the list of life’s most important things?
A KNITTING TIMELINE
Leigh Witchel’s almanac charts the most important dates in knitting history.
TWO-TIMERS
Reversible knitting—it’s not just for garter stitch anymore. Charlotte Quiggle presents your primer.

Read more of this story »