Customer Reviews

Alt Fiber: 25 Projects for Knitting Green with Bamboo, Soy, Hemp, and More

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There is some good information on fibers in this book, if not in great depth. The patterns are so-so, not that different from lots of other patterns in various knitting books. In some ways, it seems that this was rushed to publication to take advantage of the interest in "green" yarns. With the somewhat higher prices for these yarns, it would make sense to have patterns that show off the intrinsic qualities of the yarns - drape, soft natural colors, etc. I guess I just expected a different, more zen style than a tank top with a silly bow or a tee that is only shown from the back. Several of the projects are in bright unnatural reds and other dyed colors, and the photos do not show what the items really look like. Most importantly, I am not interested in closeups of a model's face - I want to see the project.

This is a good book with some really nice patterns that use alternate, more eco friendly fibers. There's a pretty good variety of yarns used in this book, and a variety of patterns. However ... many of the projects don't have very good photos. The photos are lovely, but often don't show very well what the finished product will look like. There are a couple of patterns for sets (shell, cardigan, and skirt) that barely show the skirt at all. Also, some schematics would be nice, but are lacking.
Overall I'd recommend this book if you are looking for patterns that use fibers like bamboo, hemp, seacell, corn, etc. Some of the smaller patterns (like the really cute socks) are a great way to begin experimenting with these lovely yarns.

I give this book a "thumbs up" for "green knitting". This book offers a variety of projects (easy to complicated) and all for non-wool yarns. There are very few books which offer non-wool patterns and it is a entire project within itself to try to convert a wool project (calling for wool yarn) into a non-wool project (using cotton, bamboo etc.) I enjoyed the abbreviation list for crochet and knitting on the front and back cover- very helpful at times. The introduction taught me a few things (good information!) and it was enjoyable to read. I like to try new patterns to stretch what I have learned so far in knitting and this book will help me to achieve a new skill or two. The patterns seem to be well written and offer suggestions for linings and extras like pattern and yarn notes to assist the reader as they work- good idea. I will enjoy the creativity I hope to see from this book to my hand work. thanks to Shannon Okey!

Shannon Okey, Alt Fiber: 25+ Projects for Knitting Green with Bamboo, Soy, Hemp, and More (Ten Speed Press, 2008)

Quick survey of different, increasingly-available fibers that one wouldn't immediately think of using for knitting (some mentioned in the subtitle as well as a number of others; I find myself most intrigued by corn fiber), with a number of projects to showcase the properties of each. The first part of that sentence is the book's weakness; I thought the initial survey was shorter than it should have been. I'm assuming it was edited down for space constraints. Wish they'd have just added another sixteen pages and let Okey get into more detail on the fibers. The projects, as always, are interesting, but it seems to me the survey is the real draw here, and should have gotten equal face time. Still, some fun things to do here. *** ½