Alt Fiber, by Shannon Okey takes knitting with cotton and bamboo clear into another universe to experiment with the likes of corn, soy, hemp, even seaweed, and many more unusual fibers.
The different qualities of each of these fibers is discussed as well as suggestions for patterns based on each type of fiber’s uniqueness.
Nettles, pineapple and silk are explored as is milkweek, ramie and banana.
Got access to a cattail swamp? You guessed it. Spin it with a longer staple fiber and you have a most unique product.
The book also includes a section on natural dyes, plant based dyes and overdying.
On to the patterns; 25 of them including sweaters, coats and jackets, stoles, scarves and wraps, mittens, hats and socks. So the next time your dig out the pesticides to deal with those unmanageable dandelions, grab your wheel instead and watch a whole new world open up!
And, I found the cutest, rustic style Christmas Stockings. A free pattern from Knitting At Knoon, here:
http://www.knittingatknoon.com/stockingpatt.html
Enjoy!!
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