Recycling Just Got Easier

September 30th, 2008 in other crafts, knitting, crochet

Linda Permann, contributor

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Eco-Ways recycled blend yarn is made from recycled plastic.

Coats and Clark recently introduced 2 new yarns made from recycled materials.

I designed these Recycling Bins using the new Eco-Cotton yarn. (You can get the pattern in the latest issue of Crochet Today.)

Eco-Ways recycled blend yarn is made from recycled plastic.

Photo: Coats and Clark

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Coats and Clark recently announced the addition of two eco-friendly yarns in their line, Red Heart Eco-Cotton Blend and Red Heart Eco-Ways (acrylic blend). Both are made using recycled discarded materials (t-shirts for the cotton, and plastic for the acrylic blend). Coats and Clark scores some extra points by using recycled paper in the labels.

I've had a chance to work with both of these yarns and they are easy to work with. I'm especially fond of the cotton, which I used to make some nesting baskets for the current issue of Crochet Today magazine (see photo above). I also got my hands on some Eco-Ways for a project to be revealed in a future issue. Both yarns are a great value for the price, and if you're seeking those particular blends anyway, why not recycle while you're at it? You can go full circle and crochet some sturdy, reuseable shopping bags for holiday gifts.

I personally wondered aloud with my LYS owner about just how they turned t-shirts into yarn....so here's a bit more about how the cotton yarn is made, from Coats and Clark.

"Cloth scraps are collected from manufacturing plants (never touching a landfill), then chopped, blended and turned into fiber. Better yet, new dyes are not introduced to the cotton so fewer chemicals are used. "

If you're interested in learning more about Coat's Green Policy, click on "Environmental Statement" on their home page.

posted in: other crafts, knitting, crochet, yarn, recycle, eco friendly

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Comments (2)

LindaPermann writes: Jen1964- I am relatively certain that any store that already carries Coats products will be carrying the new lines (it's up to the individual stores...but it is worth checking!). Both yarns were soft- especially the cotton. The acrylic is definitely- acrylic- but I could see uses for it (just maybe not something to wear...but I am picky!). Posted: 11:39 am on October 1st

Jen1964 writes: THANK YOU! Maybe it's my wagon train roots, but I can't stand to waste anything. We donate, repurpose, or pass along whatever we really can't use. But yarn from recycled clothes? If it's soft, and good quality (which means it's gonna last) I'm sold. Are local stores (like Walmart) going to be carrying it? Posted: 11:16 am on October 1st

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