Gorgeous eco-friendly yarns online at Green Sheep Shop

March 2nd, 2010

I’m a big fan of the do-it-yourself (DIY) movement that’s seen a resurgence since the US economy tanked, and especially, the home arts: sewing, knitting, gardening, cooking, etc. This type of know-how isn’t just financially beneficial, it’s good for the environment: Being able to mend your own pants at the first sight of a tear instead of running out to Target for a new pair, for example, helps reduce consumption. (Reduce — the first of the three R’s of the environment, remember?)

With the risk of sounding pessimistic, these DIY skills — the skills that our grandparents and great-grandparents and every generation before them had — may prove essential if and when the $%#$ hits the fan with regards to climate change. One day, we may not be able to rely on industry to produce an endless stream of food and goods; our individual survival may hinge on our ability to be self-sufficient.

And what could be more self-sufficient and DIY than knitting (and crocheting)? You take a couple balls of yarn, a pair of kneedles, and presto! You have a hat on your head, or a blanket to keep you warm, or a cute outfit for your best friend’s new baby.

You’d think that the innate sustainability of knitting would mean more eco-friendly yarns out there, but I actually have a hard time finding a good selection at local knitting shops, even in Los Angeles. (Admittedly, I also kind of hate the shopping experience at most of them, thanks to the holier-than-thou vibes I usually get from the knitting gurus who work there.)

That’s why I’m so excited that the Green Sheep Shop has finally opened its online store, with beautiful yarns in all manners of eco-friendly: organic, fair-trade, vegan, naturally dyed — even a glistening multicolor one made from recycled Indian saris (not up on their website yet, but available soon).

I got a chance to check out the Green Sheep Shop’s goods in person at the Go Green Expo in January, and all the yarns are absolutely sumptuous — something that’s a bit hard to feel through the website, but the vivid colors and clear photos make the online shopping experience a breeze nonetheless.

To celebrate the opening, the Green Sheep Shop is offering 10 percent off all orders through March 15 (use coupon code GSS10 at checkout). Sharpen those knitting needles!

–Jennifer Grayson