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alternative yarns to major brands? 
Posted: 03 July 2008 07:37 PM   [ Ignore ]  
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are there any alternative cheaper brands or online site that will tell me what I can use as an alternitive and what a wool is likje to knit with etc?

I like debbie bliss baby cashmerino as an example -is there any cheeper as goos alternatives?

whats a good yarn for hats etc?

thanks!

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Posted: 03 July 2008 07:44 PM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 1 ]  
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Don’t know about alternatives to the yarns you said, but my LYS sells Stylecraft - its DK is £1.25 for a 100g ball!  Fantastic value and nice to knit with - I’ve made my MIL and myself a jumper each (don’t have to share it, LOL) with it.  I think they also now do a Merino, but couldn’t tell you a price or anything as when Jo who owns my LYS was telling me I shut off cos if I find out any more lovely things to buy...!

I think Stylecraft DK would be fine for hats.  It’s soft enough to use on a jumper so should be fine on your head!  I also knitted a baby santa suit with Stylecraft DK and baby was fine in it.

Hope this helps somewhat.

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Posted: 03 July 2008 07:46 PM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 2 ]  
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mistressangel - 03 July 2008 07:37 PM

are there any alternative cheaper brands or online site that will tell me what I can use as an alternitive and what a wool is likje to knit with etc?

I like debbie bliss baby cashmerino as an example -is there any cheeper as goos alternatives?

whats a good yarn for hats etc?

thanks!

James C Brett also has very nice wools that are suitable for all sorts of projects.

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Gillxx

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Posted: 03 July 2008 07:56 PM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 3 ]  
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Leighb - 03 July 2008 07:44 PM

Don’t know about alternatives to the yarns you said, but my LYS sells Stylecraft - its DK is £1.25 for a 100g ball!  Fantastic value and nice to knit with - I’ve made my MIL and myself a jumper each (don’t have to share it, LOL) with it.  I think they also now do a Merino, but couldn’t tell you a price or anything as when Jo who owns my LYS was telling me I shut off cos if I find out any more lovely things to buy...!

I think Stylecraft DK would be fine for hats.  It’s soft enough to use on a jumper so should be fine on your head!  I also knitted a baby santa suit with Stylecraft DK and baby was fine in it.

Hope this helps somewhat.

ok what is the yarn called? I had a look but there are many DK’s.....

Thanks!

;d

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Posted: 03 July 2008 07:59 PM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 4 ]  
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Erm… Sorry I don’t think I can help on that one!  I think if you search “Stylecraft” you should get something come up.  I will give it a go myself in a mo see if anything comes up.  I think Gill’s got a good point, if I am right James C Brett do a lovely baby yarn which is self colouring - but again as I trying not to spend any more money at the mo I can’t help with a name etc.  Sorry!! But again, do a search on James C Brett and you should come up with something -I’ll have a look and if I find the one I’m talking about I’ll post it on here ASAP!

Leigh xx

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Posted: 03 July 2008 08:06 PM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 5 ]  
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If you google The Knitting Parlour you will find all the yarns you need and it is an English site. They are in Malvern. but just put knitting into google and all sorts of stuff comes up

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Posted: 03 July 2008 08:10 PM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 6 ]  
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Well i done a bit a trawling, and came up with :

knitandsew.co.uk (jsut put in Stylecraft and went onto the first result)

They have Stylecraft yarns, Stylecraft Life DK is a lovely yarn and it’s got 25% wool.  It feels lovely (my LYS has it and I’ve had a stroke of it!) The knit and sew website has pics of colour swatches, but obviously colour will be dependant on the quality/settings of your monitor.  I knew I had seen James C Brett in my LYS (thanks Gill!) and remember now being in when the Rep arrived.  They do a really lovely baby yarn called Magi knit Baby DK which comes in a wonderful array of colours, and again if you search the internet you will find some!  If all else fails I know a good wool shop - but it’s in Thundersley. Essex!  Good luck!

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Posted: 03 July 2008 08:17 PM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 7 ]  
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gill1946 - 03 July 2008 07:46 PM


James C Brett also has very nice wools that are suitable for all sorts of projects.

Ooh, I’m using a James C Brett wool for my cowl-neck jumper - it’s beauoooooootiful! I think it was £3.95 for a 200g ball, I thought that was pretty good as I only had to buy three balls. It’s lovely and soft, and I’m really enjoying knitting with it. It’s a Sirdar Click pattern, the lady in the shop checked the pattern for me and thought it would do fine.

I’m on a pretty tight budget too, so I was also wondering if there was a website or anything which listed appropriate substitutes. I’m not confident enough in my calculations to work it out for myself just yet!

Glyn xx

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Posted: 03 July 2008 08:31 PM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 8 ]  
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For substituting all you need to ensure is A) the yarn is the same weight - check the needle size used on a pattern or the ball band, and B) the yardage (or metreage for young trendies!) will work out.  It should state this on the ball band too, or you maybe able to contact the Manufacturer if you check their website, (especially useful if looking to purchase from a website!) or if you’re in the shop - ask the worker!  They SHOULD be happy to help you out - if not vote with yr feet!

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Posted: 03 July 2008 08:34 PM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 9 ]  
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She was really nice and helpful - Atkinsons, in Sheffield, if anyone was wondering - basically I fell in love with the yarn and then went looking for a pattern for it. I had picked out two or three I liked, and she helped me find the one that would work with the yarn.

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Posted: 03 July 2008 08:39 PM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 10 ]  
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I used a Magiknit for a cardie for Gina and was very pleased with the result. For an acrylic yarn it feels lovely.

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Posted: 03 July 2008 08:41 PM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 11 ]  
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Well that’s just how it should be but if you look at some of the threads on here telling tales of stupid people refusing to sell patterns without the wool.  Blithering idiots!  Makes you wonder how crazy the world’s getting eh?

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Posted: 03 July 2008 08:42 PM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 12 ]  
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This is the Magiknit and it comes in a range of colours suitable for baby clothes.

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Posted: 03 July 2008 08:46 PM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 13 ]  
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Well the piccy looks lovely and as you say Gill its feel belies the fact it’s acrylic.  I don’t think there’s anything wrong with acrylic myself, especially for baby knits ( or messy eaters red face ) as it can be machine washed.  Can’t be bad eh?  And the cardi looks absolutely beautiful, Gill.

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Posted: 03 July 2008 08:50 PM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 14 ]  
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Thank you, dear. I have not seen it on her yet as it is a bit big. I believe in room to grow. wink

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Posted: 03 July 2008 08:55 PM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 15 ]  
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well there’s no point in making it only to have it whizz past your ears onto the “too small already” pile is there!?  Gotta get going - housework I promised to do three hours ago is still awaiting.  Will stay logged on tho so don’t get up to nothing naughty cos I WILL be watching you… cheese

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