suggestion needed for economical chunky baby yarn

EmD, MD · 11-05-2006, 04:11 PM

Hi, I'm new here, great site.

Someone has asked me to knit a baby ensemble including blanket, sweater, leggings, booties, hat and mittens, requiring about 1500 yards of yarn, needle size 10, gauge 14-15 st per 4".

I am a slight yarn snob (if I had my way I would make this ensemble in super chunky cashmerino

). I don't want to compromise on quality but I don't want this lady to have to spend $100 on yarn.

Has anyone used the Lion Brand baby Homespun? It's the right color and gauge...I just don't want it to turn out like crap or fall apart in the washer.

Anyone....?

Ingrid · 11-05-2006, 09:32 PM

I haven't used the baby Homespun. If it's like the regular Homespun then put on your sneakers and run as fast as you can in the other direction. But then again that's just my humble opinion.

I'd suggest Encore Chunky or the colorspun variety.

But what's wrong with spending $100 on a complete ensemble like that? It's certainly worth it.

suzeeq · 11-05-2006, 09:40 PM

Bernat has a Softee Chunky and I think Baby Chunky yarn... bernat.com. You really want baby clothes to be washable; they're getting drooled or spit up on all the time.

sue

EmD, MD · 11-05-2006, 10:21 PM

Originally Posted by Ingrid

But what's wrong with spending $100 on a complete ensemble like that? It's certainly worth it.

Nothing...I'm just afraid she can't really afford it and I don't want to hardsell her, you know?

Ingrid · 11-05-2006, 10:39 PM

I see. It's very easy for me to spend other people's money.

rebecca · 11-05-2006, 11:57 PM

Originally Posted by Ingrid

I see. It's very easy for me to spend other people's money.

LOL, I agree with Ingy

I also agree with the Chunky Encore as your best bet

losnana · 11-06-2006, 12:46 AM

What Ingrid said. I'm finishing a sweater for a DGD out of the regular Homespun. I didn't know yarn could fray so fast!!! I've had to tie a knot in every end after weaving them in to keep the whole thing from unraveling. Never again. Lion Brand should be ashamed for putting such a thing on the market.

EmD, MD · 11-06-2006, 12:49 AM

The chunky encore IS perfect except for the fact that it's not machine washable, suzeeq is right. I need one of these merino-microfiber blends or some chenille or something.

/still at a loss

EmD, MD · 11-06-2006, 12:51 AM

has anyone used Lamb's Pride superwash? Is it soft enough for a baby?

Ingrid · 11-06-2006, 12:55 AM

Originally Posted by EmD, MD

The chunky encore IS perfect except for the fact that it's not machine washable, suzeeq is right. I need one of these merino-microfiber blends or some chenille or something.

/still at a loss

Encore is machine washable and dryable. I've used the worsted and dk for sweaters and they wash and dry beautifully.