Very interesting, thank you for this. The KP Garden Gnome Heather looks just the shade of red I've been looking for for a cardigan I've been wanting to knit. I see an order in my future.
This was incredibly informative and gave me inspiration to do more research into the yarns I purchase!
I'm not sure where you are based in the world, but I was wondering how you would weigh up the issue of shipping in regards to the environmental cost of yarn? For example, I'm in Australia, and I do wonder whether going for something non-organic, but locally sourced, may be better overall than choosing an organic fibre that requires a lot of shipping to arrive to me.
Good question! I'm in the southeastern US. I'm a big fan of buying locally sourced food and fiber when you can, but it's not always possible. You'd think we'd have lots of local access here in the US, but most domestic fiber processing moved offshore in the wake of NAFTA in the 1990's. The vast majority of wool and cotton grown in the US is shipped to Asia for processing and spinning.
There are small local movements organized around Fibersheds, which aim to connect and support all the links in the fiber supply chain within a defined geographic area. In most cases, this means breed specific wool or alpaca. You can find out more about the Fibershed movement here: https://fibershed.org/
The fact that you are thinking about organic vs. locally sourced and considering their relative impact is hugely encouraging. We need to continue having these conversations and making mindful choices about our purchases.
What an incredible resource for understanding the importance of locally sourced fibres! Looking into the processing of US fibres offshore, I'm suddenly very grateful for the number of (fairly well priced and easy to access) yarn brands there are in Australia who grow and process locally.
Thank you for starting this important conversation! I look forward to seeing where we can go as a fibre arts community in helping to rebuild the planet.
Sandi, I would love to see 'A Yarn Face-Off' be a regular post. So much good information here. I also appreciate the swatching with notes. Good to point out that swatching is also a chance to test for color fastness.
Though I am willing to pay to support better for the planet fibers, I might choose the Woolen Cotton for a summer top or shawl because of its less wooly texture. BTW - Pretty basketweave! 🤩
Excellent post! Such good and honest information. You make a compelling argument for both yarns, and I appreciate that. I’m finding it ironic that now that I’m retired and on a fixed income, I’ve become more likely to buy eco-friendly products than I did when I was employed. Of course, I’m buying less over all, and I have a large stash of sock yarn that I bought from Knit Picks years ago.
I think my willingness to spend on eco-friendly products is based on a "less quantity, better quality" approach. i'm no longer interested in accumulation the way I was when I was younger.
There are so many great cardigan patterns! For a simple basic, you can't go wrong with Tin Can Knits Classic Cardigan - seamless, top-down, raglan. The pattern is written for multiple gauges and a broad range of sizes, so it's a great choice if you have a yarn you love that wants to be your everyday cardi. Here's where to find it on Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/classic-cardigan-24
Thank you! That IS a nice pattern... it's as if you were reading my mind... I am thinking it would be fun to try one of these wool/cotton yarns. I have to study the pattern to see how to knit in a different guage (I see the sizes, just have to adjust the guage.). It might be a fun sprint/summer knit. :-)
Very interesting, thank you for this. The KP Garden Gnome Heather looks just the shade of red I've been looking for for a cardigan I've been wanting to knit. I see an order in my future.
It's a good, strong wine red, without a lot of purple. I hope you love it!
Love this. Thank you!
I came here to write those exact words! 😆
This was incredibly informative and gave me inspiration to do more research into the yarns I purchase!
I'm not sure where you are based in the world, but I was wondering how you would weigh up the issue of shipping in regards to the environmental cost of yarn? For example, I'm in Australia, and I do wonder whether going for something non-organic, but locally sourced, may be better overall than choosing an organic fibre that requires a lot of shipping to arrive to me.
Anyway, great article! Thank you!
Good question! I'm in the southeastern US. I'm a big fan of buying locally sourced food and fiber when you can, but it's not always possible. You'd think we'd have lots of local access here in the US, but most domestic fiber processing moved offshore in the wake of NAFTA in the 1990's. The vast majority of wool and cotton grown in the US is shipped to Asia for processing and spinning.
There are small local movements organized around Fibersheds, which aim to connect and support all the links in the fiber supply chain within a defined geographic area. In most cases, this means breed specific wool or alpaca. You can find out more about the Fibershed movement here: https://fibershed.org/
The fact that you are thinking about organic vs. locally sourced and considering their relative impact is hugely encouraging. We need to continue having these conversations and making mindful choices about our purchases.
What an incredible resource for understanding the importance of locally sourced fibres! Looking into the processing of US fibres offshore, I'm suddenly very grateful for the number of (fairly well priced and easy to access) yarn brands there are in Australia who grow and process locally.
Thank you for starting this important conversation! I look forward to seeing where we can go as a fibre arts community in helping to rebuild the planet.
Sandi, I would love to see 'A Yarn Face-Off' be a regular post. So much good information here. I also appreciate the swatching with notes. Good to point out that swatching is also a chance to test for color fastness.
Though I am willing to pay to support better for the planet fibers, I might choose the Woolen Cotton for a summer top or shawl because of its less wooly texture. BTW - Pretty basketweave! 🤩
Thank you for your kind comments. And yes, Woolen Cotton does feel more appropriate for warm-weather wear.
Excellent information here Sandi. Thank you. :) I agree that having conversations and making mindful choices about our yarn purchases is important.
Thank you for this informative post.
Excellent post! Such good and honest information. You make a compelling argument for both yarns, and I appreciate that. I’m finding it ironic that now that I’m retired and on a fixed income, I’ve become more likely to buy eco-friendly products than I did when I was employed. Of course, I’m buying less over all, and I have a large stash of sock yarn that I bought from Knit Picks years ago.
I think my willingness to spend on eco-friendly products is based on a "less quantity, better quality" approach. i'm no longer interested in accumulation the way I was when I was younger.
I still have too much accumulation from when I was younger 😬
Same!
What a great comparison. Thank you. Do you have a cardigan pattern that you lije? Simple in design just to take off the coolness.
There are so many great cardigan patterns! For a simple basic, you can't go wrong with Tin Can Knits Classic Cardigan - seamless, top-down, raglan. The pattern is written for multiple gauges and a broad range of sizes, so it's a great choice if you have a yarn you love that wants to be your everyday cardi. Here's where to find it on Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/classic-cardigan-24
Thank you! That IS a nice pattern... it's as if you were reading my mind... I am thinking it would be fun to try one of these wool/cotton yarns. I have to study the pattern to see how to knit in a different guage (I see the sizes, just have to adjust the guage.). It might be a fun sprint/summer knit. :-)
Love this. Thank you! 😃