Alt Fiber: 25+ Projects for Knitting Green With Bamboo, Soy, Hemp, and More - Brossura

“An inviting introduction to the world of fibers whose origins come not from hairy four-legged beasts but from the earth itself--things like soybeans, legumes, milkweed, agave, corn, and the humble cotton plant.”
--Clara Parkes, publisher of Knitter’s Review and author of The Knitter’s Book of Yarn

“Alt Fiber is a book that takes after my own eco-friendly heart! During a time when we as a society are searching for environmentally responsible ways to live, books like this one help spread the word that we can do the same when we craft. Come for the soy, stay for the sweaters!”
--Vickie Howell, designer, author, and host of Knitty Gritty

“Shannon is on the leading edge. Alt Fiber is a gift to all of us who love new and earth-friendly fiber. This book is informative, interesting, and stuffed full of fabulous patterns that make eco-luxury knitting ultra hip!”
--Jonelle Raffino, co-founder of South West Trading Company, Inc.

“If No Sheep for You had a sister book, it would definitely be Shannon Okey’s Alt Fiber. Shannon has brought an ecological focus to my favorite topic: non-wool yarns. The section on natural dyes covers everything from ingredients to process (fabulous!) and the pattern selection is fresh and vibrant.”
--Amy R. Singer, editor at Knitty.com and author of No Sheep for You

Winner of the PETA 6th annual Proggy Award for Most Animal-Friendly Craft Book - "What do you get when you cross a love of animals with a love of knitting? You get Shannon Okey’s new cruelty-free craft book! Packed with fun and unique knitting projects suitable for newbie knitters and pro purlers alike, Alt Fiber focuses on alternative animal- and eco-friendly fibers, including seaweed, hemp, and soy-based yarn (a tofu byproduct). Tailor-made for people who want to knit but don’t want to hurt sheep, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in joining the cruelty-free craft community." —PETA

\Shannon Okey is the spokesperson for South West Trading Company’s “Go Green” campaign and the author or co-author of more than ten books. She has appeared on HGTV’s Crafters Coast to Coast, the DIY Network’s Uncommon Threads and Knitty Gritty, and several other shows. She writes a column for knit.1 magazine, is a frequent contributor to CRAFT and Yarn Market News, and teaches craft classes all over the country. She co-owns a studio workshop/store called Stitch Cleveland (www.stitchcleveland.com) and created Stitch Cooperative, a designer-owned pattern distribution network. Shannon lives in Cleveland, Ohio, with her boyfriend, Tamas Jakab, and three furry beasts. Connect with Shannon online at www.knitgrrl.com.
THE AUTHOR SCOOP

Who would you cast as yourself in a movie of your life?

My mother says it’s already been done: Reese Witherspoon in “Election.” I thought she (my mother, not Witherspoon) was going to asphyxiate herself laughing when she called to tell me I was “in” a movie.
 
Are you “six degrees of separation” away from anyone famous?

I’ve beaten a certain award-winning, NYT-bestselling novelist at Trivial Pursuit.
 
What is your favorite sandwich?

Wheat bread, Stonewall Kitchens onion & garlic jam, sharp cheddar, walnuts and roast beef, pressed in the panini maker. Oh my.
 
What’s the farthest you’ve ever traveled?

Czestochowa, Poland, to see the Black Madonna icon.
 
How long does it take you to write a book?

I once wrote 10,000 words of a draft book manuscript from scratch in under 12 hours. I type fast!