Green Knitting: A Gorgeous Blanket Projec

I’ve been looking for a bed coverlet to knit with a soothing neutral palette. Generally, I am attracted to knitted projects that are brightly patterned with a rainbow of colors. When I spotted this Log Cabin quilt, I took a double-take. Is it quilted or is it knitted?

The quilt is hand knitted with yarns of varying degrees of un-dyed neutral hues. This blanket creates an aesthetic that provides the perfect mix of classic styling with a modern twist. Before we dig into all the loveliness of Purl Bee’s, Half Log Cabin Ombre Blanket, let’s take a quick look at how to green up the craft of knitting.

The Nasty Side of Knitting

Knitting is generally not the greenest of crafts. It tends to be expensive. Much of the yarn is dyed with foul chemicals. The treatment of sheep can be questionable, and the manufacturing process is not energy-efficient.

In my reading for the Moms Clean Air Force, I discovered…
“Fertilizers used in livestock production and chemicals used in textile manufacturing can release considerable quantities of ammonia and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. VOC’s promote the formation of ozone in the air, which can act as a greenhouse gas.” ~ EDF

VOC’s are particularly dangerous to small children and animals. Yikes! All that nastiness, coupled with the knowledge that a large chunk of yarn comes from far-off places, stomps heavily on our carbon footprint.

The Green Side of Knitting

Look for wool that comes from animals that were raised organically and humanely. Organic yarn is available, and it adheres to similar rigorous requirements of organic meat. The sheep must be fed organic food and be free of injected growth hormones. Their fleeces cannot be washed in chemicals. Even managing organic livestock is more sustainable than mass farming because the overgrazing of sheep is limited. Look for companies that create safe dyes from non-hazardous, non-toxic, and heavy metal-free materials. Some companies conform to the Organic Trade Associations criteria for Organic Fiber Processing.

Half Log Cabin Ombre Blanket

I chose this blanket pattern because I love the way the design transitions from cream to ecru to fawn colors. The un-dyed, neutral palette is fresh and natural looking. It exudes the calmness I wanted for the bed.

Happy Knitting!

Images used with permission: Purl Bee

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Michele W.

11:52AM PST on Nov 23, 2011

Thank you

send a green star

Jennifer C.

12:45AM PDT on Jul 28, 2011

Great info. Thanks for sharing.

Ann F.

8:50AM PDT on May 23, 2011

thanks for posting

Barbara J.

12:05PM PDT on May 15, 2011

I would just like to ask anyone out there who loves to make any kind of blanket,and has no one else in your family to give 1 to,think of giving to a blood(kidney)dialysis center. because of the treatment the building is kept cool and the patients get cold and most have to lay there 3-4 hours a clip and its 3 days a week. my mother was in this situation and since she was inher 80s and afraid to be alone I stayed with her the 2 years she lived with failed kidneys and believe me,I even froze in the building so when same one donated hand made blankets they not only were put to use,but received withthanks (small pillows for the butt also welcomed because chair not comfy);for those of u not knowing about this process think about sitting in a dental chair with a transfusion needle in you for 4 hrs. Thanks 2 anyone who donates also think about chemo patients in same situation.

Paula H.

9:42AM PDT on May 12, 2011

Thanks for the post and the info!

Kamryn M.

8:45AM PDT on May 7, 2011

thanks.

John S.

5:46AM PDT on Apr 30, 2011

I don't knit but my wife does, love the colors and will try to get my wife to do something like it.

Gabriela B.

12:21PM PDT on Apr 21, 2011

I like it! Looks so natural and soft! :)