HAPPY EARTH DAY.....Reduce, Re-Use, Recycle!

Did you know that you can be doing something good for the planet, while you're knitting? You could try one of the new eco yarns made from organic, sustainable, or recycled materials. There's durable, unshrinkable hemp (http://www.hempforknitting.com/), for example, or hypoallergenic and vegan Soysilk, which is produced using remnants from the tofu manufacturing process. Lion Brand has a new recycled cotton yarn, made from pieces that would otherwise be discarded when fabric is cut to make tee shirts; and you can have rainbows of silk yarn at your fingertips, handspun from mill ends of Indian saris. (www.recycledsilk.com/patterns.html)

If you want to expend a little more of your own energy, you might consider unraveling a rummage sale sweater, and using the re-claimed yarn in the design of a totally different garment. Here are some excellent instructions for this. Not feeling quite so energetic? Then check out http://www.jagsfunkyfibers.com/, for a variety of yarns that have already been re-claimed, washed, and prepared for your knitting adventures.

Really feeling crafty? Try making your own yarn out of newspaper......yes, newspaper! Greetje van Tiem did it for her "Indruk" project, and Doug Gunzel gives clear instructions for you at http://www.greenupgrader.com/2138/handspun-recycled-newspaper-yarn. The newspaper yarn is sturdy enough to use for something like rugs or curtains, but not recommended for clothing.....well, maybe a hat....