Sweater yarn that is not wool?

[zvi]

I want to make a sweater. (Well, technically, a poncho, but a crocheted object to keep me all warm and cozy on my top.)

I'm allergic to wool, so I can't use it, and I'm wondering what sort of yarn should I look into for making an adult-size piece of clothing. I have my eye on an ebay lot of 60% cotton/40% microfiber (Lana Grossa Soft Cotton, if anyone knows it), but I'm open to suggestions.

I'm new at this, so I'd like stuff that's easy to work with, and machine washable is better than handwashable, but I am flexible on this point. (Or, rather, I am totally willing to put handwashable things in the washing machine and live with the terrible results, which isn't quite the same thing.) Also, cheaper is better. The pattern I'm looking at calls for 740 yards of bulky.

Comments

[lady_myfanwy]

If you are wanting something that is easy to work with, the less fuzzy, the better. The more fuzz you have to work with, the harder it can be to see the stitches that you are supposed to be working into.

Something else you might do, since it calls for bulky, use two strands of smaller yarn. If you mix the right colors, you can get a stunning effect. I made a scarf and hat set using a solid color and a multicolor. It is really pretty. The combination looks like flames.

Anywho, there are lots of nice yarns that are not fuzzy, but still bulky. If you have a local craft store, I recommend going and seeing what they have.

[zvi]

Do you just have two loops on your hook at once, or twist them together? How does that work?

[lady_myfanwy]

You have 2 loops on your hook at once. It's pretty easy once you get used to it. And, you can get some really pretty items using this method. Treat the 2 yarns like they are one. You tie the knot to get your first loop with both and then just keep going with 2 loops on your hook the entire time.

[ariestess]

My first thought, if you want something warm and bulky, is go to with Bernat Bamboo. I am completely in love with this stuff, despite its weight, and it works up pretty nicely.

[sara]

Yeah, I was going to ask if you'd thought about some kind of a bamboo yarn.

I also like Paton's Canadiana, as far as acrylics go.

[zvi]

what happens if I use worsted weight to knit a pattern that called for bulky? (The pattern recommends a n/p hook. Canadiana suggests a 6 mm knitting needle.)

P.S. is there a handy chart that matches needle sizes to hook sizes for the purpose of figuring out gauge?

[sara]

Oh, well, I never pay any attention to the recommended hook or needle size for a given yarn, I just use whatever gauges/looks right.

I think it depends on the pattern. If you are making a poncho thing, well, you add a few rows until it looks right and you go from there. If you are making a lace sweater, you will be sort of fucked unless you're a lot better crocheter than I am, and I'm not too bad.

[ariestess]

I'd try to do a swatch for gauge with the hook it says. If that doesn't work, try a hook that is larger/smaller, depending on how your swatch worked out. Tho' larger hook with thinner yarn makes it a lot airier and lighter. You could also try a worsted weight with a sport weight combined as an option?

[ariestess]

Does the Canadiana work up pretty soft? I'm being really picky about my acrylics, as I have gotten really into working with the natural fibers as much as possible, but like the softer feeling acrylics when I can get and use them.

[sara]

That's actually what I like best about it -- soft and less pilly than a lot of acrylics I've tried.

I am usually the superwash wool type myself (I live in the PNW! Wool is my friend!) but there are applications for which a synthetic makes more sense.

[ariestess]

I'm in the PNW, too! LOL!

Mostly I've gotten into using cotton for, like, just about everything. I still use acrylic for afghans and things that don't go next to the skin. I don't use much wool because I don't like how it feels, tho' I am hoping to start experimenting with some of the "softer" wools and blends.

[zvi]

oooh, that does look lovely and not too dear.

[ariestess]

I LOVE it. And the new ombre colorways they've got now were a wonderful surprise when I went to get the link for you. I wish this particular yarn were in colors other than the pastel look, but those ombres will definitely help with that issue...