Webs yarn order - opinions please

[quirky]

I just recieved my order from webs. The color is everything I had hoped it would be. A lovely natural dark browish grey, with white hairs and flecks of light grey and rust. Lovely color!

Alas the yarn is thinner than I imagined and does not knit up as tight as I want. Also the yarn is a bit scratchy and a little sheepy smelling.

The smell goes away with a good wash. But retains a natural wool scent. I dont really mind that.

But now my question: As I said the yarn is pretty fine. Its a sport weight. I figure I have a couple of options. 1. Buy more and double it up,
2. Buy the merino/ alpaca blend in the same weight (which would alter the color), or 3. rethink my project.

I actually like this yarn. I dont want to give up on it. But softening it up would be a good thing. Still its not unappealing just the way it is either.

(its for a cabled sweater - rugged would be a good thing)