Feel good about crafting something by hand: you're saving energy from industrial manufacturing and lowering greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. Go a step further and try switching to organic fibres that are coloured with natural dyes in your next knitting or crochet project.

Not the knitting type? Browse our selection of eco-friendly home and garden ideas.

Knitting:
Knit a Newfoundland pullover
Perfect for him or her, the pattern for this cosy wool sweater is inspired by Nordic and Celtic traditions.



Easy to make knitting basket
Make a handy knitting basket that will help you to organize your yarn, looms and needles.



Knit a mohair lace throw
Worked in simple sections on large needles and edged in a pretty lace stitch, and made in whisper-fine kid mohair, this knit throw looks stunning thrown over crisp white cotton sheets.


CanadianLiving.com's most popular knitting patterns
Looking for new knitting patterns to try? Look no further than this collection of our readers' favourite knitting patterns.



Nona's knitted baby jacket with hood
Knit this adorable baby jacket with hood for the little ones in your life. This pattern was designed by and is shared in tribute to the author's Nona, Marianna Peri.


Knitted flower washcloth
These gorgeous, colourful face cloths are a perfect quick project for gifts, stocking stuffers or a little something for yourself.



Revamp a lamp with this easy knitted lampshade
Lighting in the bedroom needs to be just right -- warm, soft and flattering. The soft alpaca yarn in this shade lets the light shine through and gives the room a glow.



Knit a coffee cup sleeve
Are you a Starbucks or Tim Hortons addict? Lessen your impact on the environment by knitting your own personalized coffee cup sleeve out of scraps of worsted weight yarn.



Crochet:
Crocheted eco-friendly carryall
Fun and fast to crochet, this reusable cotton bag scrunches up to fit into a pocket, then stretches wide when it's packed with groceries and produce.


Platic bag craft: Two crocheted tote bags
Make good use of leftover plastic shopping and grocery bags with these quick-to-crochet tote bags.



Crocheted cotton tote
This super-simple tote is a perfect crochet project for beginners.




Round and round: Rag to run crochet
Create a one-of-a-kind rug using fabric scraps.




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Feel good about crafting something by hand: you're saving energy from industrial manufacturing and lowering greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. Go a step further and try switching to organic fibres that are coloured with natural dyes in your next knitting or crochet project.

Not the knitting type? Browse our selection of eco-friendly home and garden ideas.

Home and garden:
How to use less water in the garden
Read these tips on how to be water wise when caring for your garden.




How to start your own compost pile
Making your own compost is an easy way to reduce waste and provide cheap nourishment for your garden. Read about how to start your own compost pile or bin in your yard.


How to re-upholster a chair
Here's how to reupholster a chair, in 6 steps.




10 ways to pest-proof your garden organically
Keep pesky insects and animals out of your precious veggies and flowers with these easy and natural solutions.



12 pest-repelling herbs
Integrate these wonder plants into your garden to keep the rest of your crop happy.



Make a recycled book lamp
This simple craft is a great way to make use of old but treasured books.




Create a backyard nature habitat with your kids
Want to lure your children away from glowing screens and into the great outdoors? Follow these tips to create a wildlife sanctuary that they won't want to leave -- all in your own backyard.


Homemade bath salts
Soothe aching muscles in a warm bath complete with luxurious handmade bath salts.





Page 2 of 3Feel good about crafting something by hand: you're saving energy from industrial manufacturing and lowering greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. Go a step further and try switching to organic fibres that are coloured with natural dyes in your next knitting or crochet project.

Not the knitting type? Browse our selection of eco-friendly home and garden ideas.

Sewing:
As ye sew
Our sturdy gardener's smock is designed with generous fit and lots of practical pockets.



Sew a recycled tote bag out of juice bags
Practise the three Rs by sewing a stylish tote bag out of juice bags – an eco-friendly fashion statement for kids or adults.




Kids' crafts:
Tin can alley
Change the magnetic features of these tin-can creatures for hours of fun.




Denim redux: Add a crafty fabric cuff to your jeans
In less than half an hour your jeans will look brand-new -- a perfect fix-up for ratty-hemmed denim.



Pocket to purse
You might be ready to toss your old jeans but save the pockets to make this handy purse.



Two ways to restyle a T-shirt
Go for the innocent maiden look or a stylish halter style with these quick and easy projects.



Butterfly clips
Decorate your room with these easy-to-make coffee filter butterflies.




Farmers' market placemats
Use fruit and vegetables stamps to decorate placemats.




Recycled monsters
Don't fret — if the kids are bored they'll be allured by this monster-iffic craft!




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Read more:
• How to choose eco-friendly makeup
• Help the environment in just 10 minutes a day
• Discuss green living topics in web editor Daniela Payne's Green Living Blog