Feature
| PLANT-BASED YARNS
has at least one cotton yarn in its range.
It’s well known for being soft, lightweight,
Organic cotton is
versatile and eco-friendly
cool, machine washable, easily dyed and
– this top by Marie
only slightly stretchy. Cotton is easy to Wallin uses crochet
crochet and knit with and might even be the
and is from Rowan's
Purelife Organic Cotton
fi rst fi bre you learnt to use.
Collection (ZB57).
Cotton comes in a range of weights,
from 2ply to DK, in a vast range of colours
– some cotton yarns come undyed, with the
cotton in its natural state, usually a cream
colour, but natural, undyed brown and green
shades are also available. Its versatility
makes cotton great for many different
projects, from soft furnishings to clothing
for all the family.
However, cotton has a big ecological
impact and yarn companies are waking
up to the demand for more eco-friendly,
organic cotton yarns. Cotton is a thirsty
plant and drinks a lot of precious water
in the warm climates in which it grows.
“
Its versatility makes
cotton great for many
“
projects but it has a big
ecological impact
Ordinary cotton crops also use a vast
amount of pesticides and herbicides, which
can be harmful to those farming the crops
and also the surrounding environment
from run-off chemicals polluting the water
supply. Intensive growing of cotton has led
to desertisation in parts of the world and
many crops use controversial genetically
modifi ed cotton plants.
Marie Wallin, Head Designer at
Rowan Yarns says: “Cotton yarns vary
tremendously, from soft and matte to strong
and thick, and even shiny, mercerised
cottons. Cotton is cool, hard-wearing,
versatile and there’s lots of choice for yarn
types and colours. Conventional cotton is
»
Rowan Purelife Debbie Bliss
Eco Cotton Eco cotton
100% organic 100% organic
cotton, 16 cotton, 18
naturally dyed shades, hand
colours, 50g, wash, 50g, 90m,
120m, 3.75mm 4.5mm hook,
hook, RRP £4.40, RRP £4.05,
www.knitrowan. www.
com. designeryarns.
com.
www.insidecrochet.co.uk
|
63
IC3.feat.plant-based yarns.FINAL.indd 63 7/7/09 16:01:23
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