Friday, September 07, 2007

Major league yarn substitution being considered.

Hi. My friend Anne (who doesn't have a computer and so we have joined forces) has already knitted one of these. Photo coming soon, I promise. Meanwhile, she wants to go straight onto another and it seemed like a good time to jump on board and get all the benefit of her experience.

But it is summer coming up here, so I like the idea of a non-wool base and Anne wants something lighter than the RYC Cashsoft Aran she used for the first one.

So, firstly

(1) Thinking cotton mix and Rowan All-seasons seems the obvious choice: does anybody approve or disapprove? It's the right gauge and nice stitch definition. The other option is straight pure cotton: but maybe it'll be harder to knit and have serious stretch issues. This is more based on my theory of cotton than my experience...I haven't knitted much with it.

and secondly:

(2) For something lighter: I've only come up with Rowan Kid Classic at the moment, same gauge and 150m compared with 100 for the Cashmerino Aran, so it has got to end up being lighter. But I've never knitted with it, so maybe somebody else has a different idea...

7 comments:

The A.D.D. Knitter said...

Personally I vote for the Kid Classic option, just because I love it...

Virtuous said...

Hi Anne & Cathy!!

So glad you chimed in we were just talking about how we should have a post about yarn substitution.

And we have GOT to see pics of her finished Silver Belle I believe she is the 1st one we know of that has finished!!! AND she is going straight into another SB?? WOW!! Good stuff! :o) Please please be sure to post final pics very soon!

100% cotton would definitely be a WRONG choice. It does stretch and lose its shape not to mention it is tight to work with and with all of the cables would NOT be fun.

I personlly would not go with the DB Cashmerino Aran since the majority of it is wool based and has the "warmth" fact to it. I believe you mentioned her 2nd one would be for warmer weather?

I actually like your suggesthon of the Rowan All-Season yarn especially since gauge is dead on.

But that is just my 2cents and I haven't casted on for anything! LOL

Let us know what Anne decides on and don't forget those pics!

cathyC said...

Embarrassed to admit how technology-challenged the pair of us are...neither of us has a camera. I'm going to get a lesson on using one this weekend.

cathyC said...

Actually, so far perhaps we could do one of each, I could try an all-Seasons cotton one and Anne could try the Kid Classic. We are meeting up on Monday to make some decisions.

Liz said...

Wow, how exciting, can't wait to see the first finished silver belle!!

I agree with Virtuous that all cotton would go all baggy and lose stitch definition as it looks like a heavy garment anyway and that would make it heavier..also, imagine drying the thing when you washed it :(

I think your first idea about some Rowan sounds good. What about Rowan bamboo soft, or Rowan cashcotton DK, or Rowan wool cotton?
(Honestly I haven't got shares in Rowan, although I SHOULD have!!)

A mix of wool and cotton would still be cool but warm and I don't think you'd have to do a lot of fiddling to get gauge.

That's my two pence worth, anyway! Lucky you guys, looking forward to summer, ours never really got started and now we're hurtling towards winter! Mine will be knitted in WARM yarn, believe me!

Sally said...

It is a really heavy sweater. I would have used a lighter yarn if I hadn't had the Cashmerino Aran in my stash. I think most cottons would end up being very heavy. It's harder to work with when you are doing stitch manipulation also. It wouldn't be my first choice.

Why not get one skein of the Kid Classic and swatch to see how you like it?

a friend to knit with said...

I do love debbie bliss cotton dk....you would have to go down one or two needle size and up the pattern size.......that yarn is really fabulous!