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Eco-Friendly Fibers
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Welcome to the 5th issue of the new Yarnmarket Just Your Type newsletter. Each month we’re featuring a different Yarn Types category from our store and showcasing many of the sensational fibers & fiber blends in stock and just right for your favorite knitting & crochet projects. With over 700 yarns now available from Yarnmarket.com, you’re sure to find the perfect option for your next creative endeavor no matter what it is. Having trouble reading this issue? Then please enjoy the online version.
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Enjoy Your Favorite Craft and Still Take Care of Mother Earth
With the alarming news nowadays about global warming, pollution and other environmental dangers, more of us are taking the time to research the things we buy and how they have been manufactured. Now we can enjoy our crafty passions of knitting & crocheting and do so in an environmentally responsible way. All we have to do is check out the many options classified as Eco-Friendly Fibers and available in the yarn industry today.
So what exactly does make a particular fiber "eco-friendly"? As with most definitions, there is a wide range of yarns in this category, and the degree of environmental impact varies with each type. One common way to define this group is to identify yarns that contain primarily or exclusively natural versus synthetic fibers, but most definitions go even further. For our purposes in this feature article, we'll look at three main categories: Readily Renewable, Organic and Recycled.
In terms of readily renewable fibers, those with short growing seasons and that are harvested throughout the world are considered to be "readily renewable" resources. Such fiber sources as bamboo, corn and milk protein are excellent examples of this type of earth-friendly choice. Also fibers that result as the by-products of another process fit in here, so soy left over from the making of tofu is a significant type of this "readily renewable" option.
When it comes to organic yarns, the company can be using all or partially organic fibers, natural plant dyes, low-impact processing, recycled packaging, etc. When the manufacturer has invested in getting the product officially certified as "organic," however, is when you can easily identify the extent of just how completely the product and its manufacturing process is truly "organic."
There are three main organic certification references you can watch for to be assured that your yarn is organic and earth friendly from start to finish:
- For North American companies, certification by the Organic Trade Association covers all "post-harvesting processing from storage of organic fiber (such as cotton or wool) to the spinning, wet finishing and labeling" according to its website.
- The second inspection symbol -- the EKO Sustainable Textile -- is more international in scope with headquarters in the Netherlands, and actually the Organic Trade Association helped to develop this set of standards too. Yarns with this certificate on their label are guaranteed as being constructed of "natural fibres (e.g. cotton) that comes from inspected organic farmers."
- The most extensive certification and tracking process comes from well-known European research expert Biore (also known as bioRe) of Switzerland. It has partnered with textile companies including yarn manufacturers so that each ball of yarn is completely traceable via the batch number on the ball band. This means that starting with the specific field or herd where the fiber originates and all the way through the natural dyeing and drying processes, information is available to insure the completely organic nature of the final product.
Then last but certainly not least, when a yarn is manufactured completely from recycled fibers, you could say you have the ultimate in earth-friendly options. Recycled silk from industrial weaving mills and recycled cotton from new, never used fabric straight from the cutting room are two of the most often used sources for this yarn type. And environmentally conscious knitters and crocheters are even joining this movement firsthand as they experiment with unraveling sweaters from thrift stores and recycling or "repurposing" the yarn themselves as they sometimes call it.
So with 55 Eco-Friendly Fibers currently in stock at Yarnmarket.com, you have plenty of options from which to choose for year-round earth-friendly projects. We know that you enjoy browsing for yourself, but we also have the following special staff recommendations for yarns and projects you'll enjoy well into the fall. Several of these projects also start with Free Patterns courtesy of the manufacturer, so take a look and get started on your next fun outfit or gift right away.
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One of the best known companies developing yarns from readily renewable resources is South West Trading Company. Starting with their unique, 100% soy Phoenix yarn, South West has even coined and trademarked the term "soy silk" to describe this soft, lightweight, tubular ribbon yarn with the subtle sheen and texture of high quality silk. Soy Silk is an environmentally friendly fiber made from the byproducts of the manufacturing of tofu. Soy protein is liquefied and then processed into long, continuous fibers to be cut and dyed just like other natural fibers such as cotton, linen and flax.
South West has followed this innovation with their Bamboo yarn known for incredible softness, drape and elasticity not often found in other bamboo and bamboo-blend fibers. Both "Phoenix" and "Bamboo" are terrific all-seasons options for comfort and elegance and are sure to add special pizzazz to your wardrobe.
But if wool is your preference, then check out Karaoke Solid and Karaoke Multi for sensational 50/50 blends of soy silk and wool. Add that "Karaoke" is a marvelous, worsted-weight felting yarn, and you have a great choice for many knitted & crocheted projects.
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Bamboo
Ballerina Tank
Cornucopia Socks
Nona's Hooded
Baby Jacket
Cornucopia
Argyle Cardigan
Panda Soy
Baby Socks
Phoenix Shawl
Love Ribbed
Sleeveless Top
Panda Cotton
Entrelac Baby Hat
Cotton Lace Trimmed
Kimono Top
Craft Newborn
Baby Booties
Patchwork
Carriage Blanket
Links Granite
Bay Cardigan
Ecologie
Flip Hem Skirt
Teddy Bear's
Letter Sweater
Purelife Cotton
Astilbe Top
Himalaya
Bias Scarf
Organic Cotton
Cap-Sleeve Top
Rainbow Shrug
2nd Time Cotton
Suzie Q Top
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The readily renewable fiber of corn has definitely captured the imaginations of the yarn gurus at Kollage Yarns. First off, with just one touch of lusciously soft Cornucopia, we bet you'll find it hard to believe that it's sensationally crafted in the USA of 100% corn fiber. With a woven tape construction, this terrific option gives you spectacular, light-worsted beauty in all your creations for babies, adults and children. Add that "Cornucopia" is machine washable & dryable, and you have the ideal yarn choice all year long.
Then building on the success of earth-friendly "Cornucopia," Kollage has created DK-weight Corntastic yarn. With its more traditional plied construction, "Corntastic" gives you a smooth, round strand for excellent stitch definition in your tops, sweaters, cardis, scarves and more.
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When you're looking for what always-popular Crystal Palace has to offer in readily renewable fibers, be sure to explore the "Panda" yarn family featuring bamboo blended with at least one other natural fiber. For example, we love the supersoft blend of bamboo with soy in Panda Soy Print and color-coordinated Panda Soy Solid. This fingering-weight fiber mix gives you the superb feel and luster of bamboo, plus the soy adds a soft, silky core ideal for socks, baby clothes, gloves and accessories just to name a few project ideas.
Or for a wonderful blend of eco-friendly bamboo with breathable cotton, discover fabulous Panda Cotton Print. Then add complementary Panda Cotton Solid and fun Panda Cotton Dot to the mix, and you'll have a fingering-weight trio that will definitely stir your creative juices.
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Fun, funky knitwear designer Vickie Howell has also developed several fiber blends based on readily renewable fibers.
First comes versatile, worsted-weight Love, a terrific bamboo-blend that we know you'll truly "love." Designed for beautiful tops, shawls, scarves and accessories, "Love" just begs to be worn right next to the skin and knits up & crochets fabulously. Also its sensational shades are uniquely named after famous couples to reinforce Vickie's whole "love" theme.
Or for an even more exotic blend of milk fiber with organic cotton, discover cuddly soft Craft yarn. With none of the stiffness but all of the durability of other cotton yarns, "Craft" is soft on the hands and on the body, so it's ideal for babies and children plus adults with sensitive skin.
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When you're ready to explore your organic options, we recommend you take a peek at two fiber gems from Nashua Handknits. Beautifully spun & dyed in Italy from 100% pima cotton, Nashua's Natural Focus Ecologie Cotton is a great DK-weight choice for environmentally responsible knitters & crocheters. Using only natural dyes from plants, nut shells, wood and other elements such as indigo, sandalwood & chestnut, "Ecologie Cotton" gives you lovely pastels & tone-on-tone hues.
As a great complement to this cotton choice, Nashua has also developed the cool-weather equivalent in Natural Focus Ecologie Wool yarn. Its thick & thin, 2-ply construction gives you added texture & interest in any aran-weight knitting or crochet project. Plus its subtle, tone-on-tone color variations from eco-friendly natural dyes give your garments what Nashua calls a "back-to-nature" look & feel.
And one other lovely DK-weight organic cotton is Organic Cotton DK yarn from Sublime. The cotton has been grown organically without the use of pesticides and gently dyed using environmentally friendly products resulting in a beautiful color palette too.
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Now for certification in North America, Vermont Organic Fiber Co. leads the way with three 100% organic fiber gems under the well-respected "O-Wool" banner.
Their original O-Wool Classic yarn is incredibly wholesome without compromising color or style and is strong with minimal pilling and excellent stitch definition. "O-Wool Classic" even becomes ever softer with each hand washing.
Then add lighter weight O-Wool Classic 2-Ply yarn and marvelous wool/cotton blend O-Wool Balance, and you have numerous options for year-round comfort no matter what type of fashions you are knitting & crocheting.
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For those who prefer to rely on the EKO Sustainable Textile inspection symbol, Fibra Natura offers two EKO 100% organic cotton yarns.
First off, you can enjoy Cottonwood, certified as an eco-yarn through all phases of production and even in its delivery to shops in recycled packaging. Also "Cottonwood" is soft and ideal for all your DK-weight spring & summer projects including items for babies, children and others with sensitive skin.
Then with the same 100% organic certification, Links is beautifully crafted as a woven, chainette yarn for added texture and substance. "Links" has wonderful versatility as a worsted-weight, eco-friendly fiber option for multi-seasonal wraps, jackets, vests, tops, handbags, blankets and baby & children's clothes.
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Or when you crave the latest in yarn innovations from fiber powerhouse Rowan Yarns, check out their sensational "Purelife" collection. Living up to the rigorous standards of the Biore certification process, every ball of yarn in this series can be traced from its original field or herd all the way through the entire production and delivery process. And lucky for all of us, this line has grown rapidly in the past year to now include four superb yarn options.
First up for warm-weather fashions, explore the wonders of two 100% organic cotton choices. Purelife Organic Cotton DK yarn was the original release last spring, and it was an immediate hit. Not only is it supremely eco-friendly, but also the natural dyeing allows the inherent softness and beauty of the cotton to shine through, while giving the yarn a superb texture plus marvelous stitch definition.
As a sensational, finer gauge complement comes Purelife Organic Cotton 4-Ply this spring in order to give you even more knitting & crochet options. The yarn gurus at Rowan have also expanded the family to include terrific wool choices like the unique Purelife British Sheep Breeds yarn that celebrates the four British wool types in their rugged natural colors for hardy outerwear and DK-weight Purelife Organic Wool for fabulous sweaters and accessories.
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Of course, as we've mentioned before, going beyond certified organic fibers means the recycled approach, and one of the leaders in this field is Himalaya Yarns. The owners have worked with Asian mills and handspinners to develop exotic and lovely Recycled Silk.
Multi-colored, multi-textured "Recycled Silk" is constructed of 100% recycled silk fibers from the industrial weaving mills of India. Then the fibers are handspun in Nepal, supporting a cottage industry of spinners with each one working independently. Therefore, no two skeins are alike and the random color combinations vary widely so that your knitted or crocheted project can truly be its own work of art and unlike anyone else's results.
Or if you prefer a more set color palette, newcomer Frabjous Fibers has created the lighter weight Hand Picked Hues Recycled Silk where you can pick out your favorite color family for tone-on-tone results.
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And another recycled option for year-round beauty comes from Knit One, Crochet Too, but this fiber gem is crafted of recycled cotton.
2nd Time Cotton is a lovely, variegated cotton blend spun from new, never used, recycled fabric directly from the cutting room. "2nd Time Cotton" has wonderful drape in soft, muted color combinations for a terrific tweedy effect. This soft, worsted-weight delight is perfect for all your spring/summer creations such as cardigans, pullovers, tops, bags, shawls & accessories and knits up and crochets especially well into multi-seasonal garments for those with sensitive skin.
And just as a little preview of what's to come, our 6th issue of the Just Your Type newsletter will be emailed to you on Tuesday, July 28th, so get ready to update your footwear wardrobe with Rocking Sock Yarns. Discover all the terrific ways you can knit and crochet with sock-weight yarns including way more than just socks!
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Orginally published by Yarnmarket.com in 6/2009. Please note
that yarns and links may change over time.
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