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.

From the animals and plants that produce natural fibers to the artisans who work with them, "The Natural Knitter" presents the first-ever, all-encompassing look at the Earth-friendly world of natural knitting. Included are projects that use alpaca and mohair yarns, hemp and cotton, and organic silk. 120 color photos.

Barbara Albright was a seasoned writer as well as a passionate knitting and craft designer. Barbara authored several books including Odd Ball Knitting, Knitter’s Stash, and Simple Knits for Sophisticated Living. She was a contributing editor to Interweave Knits and has written about knitting for Vogue Knitting, Knitter’s, Family Circle Easy Knitting, Cast-On, and Knit It. In addition to fiber, Barbara was passionate about food and authored more than twenty cookbooks and wrote for many newspapers and magazines, including the Associated Press, Good Housekeeping, Traditional Home, Classic American Home, Country Living, the Los Angeles Times, Working Mother, 1001 Home Ideas, and Americana. She was the editor in chief of Chocolatier magazine.

The Natural Knitter was the final accomplishment in her illustrious career. A native of Nebraska, Barbara resided in Wilton, Connecticut, with her husband, Ted, and two children, Samantha and Stone.