Knitting and crocheting are great crafts. Portable and practical, not only can you create beautiful and useful items, but you have an escape and a way to relax at the end of a grueling day. Perhaps why the trend has been so hot with celebrities over the past few years.

We have lots of choices when it comes time to skein-up now too. No longer are we limited to using synthetic yarns or yarns that have been produced in socially and environmentally damaging ways.  The current trend to go green has filtered through to the world of knitting too.

Here are some of my top places to find great 'green' yarns.  Of course they come in plenty of other colors too.  ;)

Earth Friendly Yarns is a great source of vegan, organic, recycled and fair-trade yarns, along with other types of yarns that are Eco-friendly. They actually have a wide selection from bamboo wool to yarn made from corn and soy plants to hemp and even milk based yarns! The website is a great place to start your search for green materials for your next knitting project.

Blue Sky Alpacas not only offers Alpaca-silk yarn but a beautiful line of high quality, naturally dyed organic cotton yarn. The colors tend to be pretty light, pastel and neutral shades; you will not find their naturally dyed yarns in vibrant colors. Ideal soft yarns for baby projects andsnuggly blankets and scarfs.

Mango Moon is unique in that its proceeds go to support the NGO Organization N-WEG, which helps women from abusive backgrounds, allowing them to use their fiber crafting skills while caring for their children and getting their lives in order. Not only do they offer fair trade yarns, but they specialize in 100% silk yarn from recycled Saris. If you are looking for unique and vibrant colors, and like to feel that you are helping others in some way while you knit, then you will want to check out what they have to offer.

Companies such as Kollage and Soysilk specialize in offering vegan yarns that are made from cotton alternatives such as corn and soy in particular. These yarns are perfect for those of you who want to avoid wool and other animal fibers. A wide variety of color options are available in these yarns. My favorite choice has to be their chunky Organic DK wool in a natural color.  10% of all sales of this wool are donated to local charities too,  boosting the 'feel good factor' of this yarn.

Classic Elite Yarns has introduced a great product called Bam Boo which is made from (yup, you guessed it) 100% bamboo. Apparently this yarn is naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic to boot!Bam Boo is light weight and perfect for making cardigans as well as pullover sweaters. It is also a great choice for people with sensitive skin.

With so many types of yarns and a large selection of suppliers for your Eco-friendly knitting and crocheting projects there is no excuse for crafting without a conscience.