yarn substitution

janae1987 · 03-23-2011, 02:28 PM

im wanting to make a lapghan for my bf mom - the pattern is Adirondack lap blanket from 12 months of knitting - i dont have the pattern on me (im at work) but it calls for rowan big wool - im wanting to substitute due to lack of income and wool allergy. im wanting to use lion brand hometown usa - both are super bulky - do u guys think this will work?

suzeeq · 03-23-2011, 03:38 PM

That should work fine, it may be off an inch or 2 in size if you don't get the same gauge as in the pattern, but that probably won't matter too much.

MGM · 03-23-2011, 05:23 PM

I'd say go for it! When making an afghan, the gauge isn't all that important. I often substitute yarn that I have on hand for what the pattern calls for, and I even will go up a size or two for the hook to make it looser and softer. Have fun with it!

MGM

Ingrid · 03-23-2011, 11:40 PM

Many people, especially myself, dislike knitting with Lion Brand Homespun. It just doesn't seem to have any body to it. I, personally, don't like the way it splits and how it feels on my hands.

Check into other bulky yarns --Plymouth Encore has a bulky that's nice to work with. I'm sure there are others, as well.

suzeeq · 03-24-2011, 09:14 AM

Ingrid, she said HomeTOWN not Homespun, a newer yarn from Lion which is a superbulky and smooth.

kmaclean · 03-24-2011, 09:31 AM

Originally Posted by suzeeq

Ingrid, she said HomeTOWN not Homespun, a newer yarn from Lion which is a superbulky and smooth.

I was just going to say the same thing!

While I'm not a fan of HomeSPUN (and I've heard mixed reviews as far as how well it holds up as an afghan), I think HomeTOWN would be a great choice. ArtLady has made several blankets out of Hometown, I believe, so you could always try checking out her posts if you're interested in seeing how the Hometown knits up as a blanket (I think they turned out great!)

janae1987 · 03-24-2011, 09:56 AM

thanks everyone!! i really like the way hometown feels - and if one didnt know better and just by look (not feel) hometown reminds me of wool-ease thick and quick -

fatoldladyinpjs · 03-24-2011, 08:36 AM

I have several skeins of Hometown gathering dust in a bag somewhere. I made an honest effort to try and use it several times, but just don't like it. I had difficulty knitting with it even with the size 13 needles they recommend. It splits, it's hard to scoop it up with the needles, and the knitted piece is very stiff. I would suggest you only buy one skein and try it out before you commit and have a lot sitting around like I do.

A lot of people here use Red Heart yarn Supersaver knitting worsted yarn for prayer shawls. That's what our church recommends so it can be easily washed and because it's economical. I don't like it because it's stiff and scratchy. If you're on a budget, one thing that might work for you is Caron One Pound worsted weight yarn. You may have to cast on more stitches on your pattern. I don't know if you can substitute for that. It's fairly cheap but a softer yarn that feels better against the skin. I've been using it all fall and winter for charity mittens.