Yarn for big shawl - bulky, cheap, lightweight?

[KristiMetz]

I was wondering if anyone had yarn recommendations for me...

I want to make this Big Snuggly Shawl for this winter (for use around my home).

It needs to be warm, and reasonably cheap, and fairly lightweight (as she says in the pattern, if I don't use a fairly lofty combo of yarns, I'll be wearing a rug!)

Some acrylics fit the bill but I have to admit I am just not a fan of acrylics for my personal use. I guess I'm a yarn snob although I hate that phrase!

Anyone have recommendations for me? I'd really like something machine washable too, but that seems to be asking for too much!

[AidanM]

Actually, that looks like it would be great in Red Heart's Light 'n' Lofty. I know you said you don't like acrylics, but that's just my opinion.

[Mrs.H]

Have you considered the "Homespun" from Lions Brand? I am a admitted novice but I came across this yarn at Tuesday Morning when I went there for the NeedleMasters on sale last month. It just so happened I was looking for yarn for my first shawl(the easy triangle, my 1st big project), and at $2.50(normally $5.99) a skein for the discontinued color(sandstone) I couldn't go wrong. I am about haft way through, and and I've had friends ask where I got my alpaca yarn, I had to show one of them the label to convince her it was acrylic. I liked the way it looked and felt so much that I bought all 12 skeins they had so I could knit a lap robe to match the shawl I knitting now. It is fluffy, and light, and very soft against my skin, and since I have very(!) sensitive skin that is high praise.
Linda

[Rennagayle]

I second Homespun. I've made really long and wide scarves out of it for Christmas presents, as well as to keep myself. I wear mine when walking with my dh in the winter. It keeps me snuggly and warm, and it's very soft. With big needles, it knits up really quick.

Incidentally, I just looked at the pattern you'll be making. I have already bought Homespun to make that very pattern for a friend who moved away this year.

[geekgolightly]

this is comparable in price to homespun but its alpaca and wool

twirl

and then there are a couple bulky yarns on sale that you might be interested in. tactel yarns
here and here

[Ladybug Lady]

this is comarable in price to homespun but its alpaca and wool

twirl

I'd say "darn you!" but that's too harsh for introducing me to - another - must have yarn! At least the "it's still cheaper than your motorcycle payment" defense is still an option....... :devil:

[geekgolightly]

Originally Posted by geekgolightly

this is comarable in price to homespun but its alpaca and wool twirl

I'd say "darn you!" but that's too harsh for introducing me to - another - must have yarn! At least the "it's still cheaper than your motorcycle payment" defense is still an option....... :devil:

hehee :rofling:

yarns dont have the potential for head injuries either. its a safer hobby. do you think he would enjoy taking up knitting instead of open road rides? :imagines harley guy with itsy bitsy DPNs in hand making baby booties:

[KristiMetz]

this is comparable in price to homespun but its alpaca and wool

twirl

and then there are a couple bulky yarns on sale that you might be interested in. tactel yarns
here and here

Oooh, nice yarns. I browsed their site a bit and the Suri Dream looks like it would be really nice too. Do you think it would work for that pattern? Should I add in another yarn if I used it or just use it by itself, do you think?

Thanks everyone for all of the suggestions... it sure is hard to decide on yarn!

[earthchick]

I did a shawl in Suri Dream and it turned out quite nice. I think it fits your bill - warm, cheap, lightweight - and I bet it would look great in the pattern you're looking at. It feels like a more expensive yarn than it is. My shawl used 4 balls, which means it only cost $16!

I would recommend needles with sharp points if you go with the Suri Dream. I used Addis, which are blunter, and sometimes found it frustrating trying to slip the yarn onto the needle quickly.

[Mrs.H]

Originally Posted by geekgolightly

this is comarable in price to homespun but its alpaca and wool twirl

I'd say "darn you!" but that's too harsh for introducing me to - another - must have yarn! At least the "it's still cheaper than your motorcycle payment" defense is still an option....... :devil:

I'll add a daggone to the comment above, and I just bought a lot of reclaimed silk blend yarn on ebay last night! I'm not sure I could slip this by my DH on the heels of yesterdays ebay purchases. As to the hawg ridered knitting, some of the best crafts people I know are brawny, bearded, and ride hawgs. I say make room in the budget for both the yarn, and the hawg.