The Natural Knitter

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In The Natural Knitter, Barbara Albright takes readers on a rich journey through the joys of all-natural fibers–materials that can make an incredible difference, both in your knitting and in the health of our planet. From the animals and plants that produce the fibers to the artisans who work with them, The Natural Knitter presents the first-ever all-encompassing look at the world of natural knitting.

Tempted by the versatile and beautiful yarns produced from the fibers of llamas, sheep, cashmere-producing goats, and angora bunnies–as well as from cotton, hemp, linen, and silk–some of the most renowned designers in the textile industry have contributed patterns to this collection. There are more than twenty wonderful projects in all, and each highlights the softness, drape, and quality of the fiber used–from Norah Gaughan’s “Architectural Rib Pullover” in cashmere and wool yarn and Vicki Square’s “Uma Sweater” in silk yarn, to clever designs like Debbie New’s “Cast-Off Clothing” in hemp yarn and Barbara Albright’s “Lilliana’s Organic Cotton Poncho and Drawstring Pouch” design for organic cotton yarn. Meet the entrepreneurs who are creating beautiful products that are also non-toxic and earth-friendly, using plant-dyed fibers and unique processes. For the adventurous, step-by-step instructions are included for dyeing yarn naturally at home.

Lavishly illustrated and thoughtfully detailed, The Natural Knitter offers a thorough and engaging picture of the natural fiber industry–and a beautiful palette of designs for readers to knit, savor, and enjoy.

Riley Sassafras-Lady

Amigo De Peru x BAL Copy Me

Congratulations to Rebecca Wood on the purchase of Sassafras_Lady. 

sassafras08_15_04.jpgAnother genetic powerhouse, Sassy is by the ALSA Grand National Champion Amigo De Peru. Her dam is the well known BAL Copy Me from Berry Acres, by Silver Peru. Sassy has inherited the size and body capacity known in these lines. Her fiber is a lovely dark copper, and she has a lot of crimp in her fiber. Sassy is bred to the Suri ALSA Halter Champion Peruvian Kordero. This combination of genetic lines has produced many excellent offspring with suri fiber, and we are hoping for the same from Sassy.

JLL Michele M’ Belle

LW Marcellus x PPLP Huckaboo

michele_1542_crop_250.jpgAlthough Michele has her ALSA ROM and we are very proud to show her, her real fame is from her carreer as a PR and therapy llama. Michele has the most beautiful head and proud carriage, and when we visit a health care facility, you can hear the “ooh’s and aaah’s” from everyone! Michele simply loves the attention from childrem and adults, thriving on all the handling, touching, hugging, bumping of wheel chairs, and even the occasional over-zealous hair pulling. Michele is one of the few llamas to have earned her Delta Society certification as a Pet Partner. We have held off breeding her even though she is an adult, in order to use her for valuable visits at our local children’s home and Riley Hospital summer camps. She is often specifically requested to attend, and we just cannot disappoint her many fans. Showing and breeding are more fullfilling when we also share our llamas with those who really appreciate their visits. At some point we will breed Michele, and we hope she has a clone of herself that is just a versatile!