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.