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I have two jumpers on the go at the moment, plus a hat and a bag… but I still can’t resist planning my next projects and I found a great pattern book for twilley’s freedom spirit and twilley’s freedom wool.
These look like beautiful yarns but they are, like many others, really really expensive.

I just wondered if anyone has any tips on sourcing yarn that is affordable but not “cheap” if you see what I mean?  Not particularly the twilley’s ones but just in general.

PS hope this is in the most appropriate place, I wasn’t too sure where to put it.

Hi Clare

Have you tried ebay for your yarn?  I’ve had some good bargains eg Rowan & Debbie Bliss.

Hello

One of the best places if can wait and source is ebay as a lot of the wool is sold in 9-10 ball lots and you may get lucky ( I do find BUY_IT_NOW options not so cheap). Always have a price in mind what you wish to bid and STOP there! Also be wise to research current retail prices for your wool, as one time I found that the wool I thought I had got for a bargain on Ebay wasnt at all, as everywhere currently had it on sale as end of season.

The other way is to type the brands you like into google and see what online shops come up, as one normally has a sale or discount on the ones you need! Quite good online shops are Laughing Hens, Angel Yarns UK, Kemps Wool Shop but to name a few. Always though consider the postage costs (as some are based on wait or quantity) and also whether VAT is included (most Ive used include in the price and state it) as this can put unforeseen costs ontop of the wool.

Hope this gives a brief starting point for you and good luck!

Def Ebay!!! brilliant to stash away when you see them! Also have you tried kempswoolshop.com- this has some great bargins!

Buy wool in sufficient quantities as and when you see it in sales at the shops or on webs and then when you are ready you will always have your stash to got to. It doesnt matter when you buy, it matters that the yarn is there when YOU are ready
That is the reason I have more wool than I could possibly have time to make up but I know that if there was something I would like to make I can usually find the wool in my stash and if not.....SHOPPING SPREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes I agree with Ebay you can get some good bargains, (not soon though if we all start buying lol) Debbie Bliss can be good, but I have got some, ‘un-named ‘ brands at a bargain price too, it also pays to look in charity shops sometimes they have them tucked away in a corner, I got nearly a 1,000 gms of pure wool, which has been great for felting, x Janet

Thanks, that seems like good advice and I’ll give it a go.
I really must give ebay a go, I have some stuff to sell too…

Even better if you manage to sell your stuff and buy yarn with the proceeds.

try New Lanark mills, very reasonably priced
http://www.newlanarkshop.co.uk/shop.php?view=product&product=181

and getting good reviewws on ravelry too