American Northeast folklore legend suggests that the severity of the winter can be predicted by the bandwidth of the black and orange stripes after local woolly bear herbivores hatch their eggs in the fall. With true to form seasonal timing, Caterpillar Knits has "hatched" its new fall line of handcrafted patterns in earth, eco-friendly knit and crochet designs.

Using all natural, organic, eco-friendly yarns, Caterpillar Knits moves forward with the goals of a conservationist sustained, earth-friendly lifestyle. The new patterns include crocheted and knitted scarves and shawls, a top-down knitted raglan cardigan, bottom up knitted pullover with a front lace stitched panel, crocheted 3/4 hoodie, and useful crocheted winter hat, all sweaters with plus sizing to 54.5 inches. (Slideshow accompanies this article.)

The yarns used by Caterpillar Knits are animal friendly, dye friendly, organic, and leave a low carbon footprint: all 'fair trade' yarns, where "the workers paid to harvest, process, spin and dye this yarn are all respected, treated ethically, and offered a fair and timely compensation for their efforts."

Caterpillar Knits' 'animal friendly yarns' means that animals were "not mistreated, or harmed at any time during the growth or processing of the fiber... never subjected to mulesing, and were provided ample land on which to graze." These yarns include Cascade's Eco Wool, Manos del Uruguay's Wool Clasica Naturals, O-Wool's Balance and Classic 2-ply, Plymouth's Homestead, and, recently PKE featured, Quince and Co.'s Chickadee.

By purchasing these yarns and patterns, you are putting your dollars to work for a better world by upholding earth, eco-friendly and fair trade objectives. Read about fair trade objectives, you'll be encouraged to ONLY buy crafting supplies that ensure fair trade certification.

Well known to the New England crafting community, Kristen TenDyke, knit/crochet designer, is the owner of Caterpillar Knits, and holds a BFA from Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Her designs can be found in various well-known publications such as Vogue Knitting, Interweave Knits, Interweave Crochet, Knit Simple, Classic Elite's pattern collections and more.

All photos and graphics, property of Caterpillar Knits, used with permission.

Providence LYS's carrying earth friendly yarns are included in this long list of Rhode Island yarn shops.

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Find more SW free knitting and crochet patterns on InfoBarrel or read Sharon Watterson's blog.