What to substitute for Lion Microspun - child's dress

chie96 · 01-04-2008, 07:01 PM

I found a very cute pattern for a child's dress (shhh - it's crochet) and it is done in Microspun, a sport-weight yarn. No Michael's in a 2-hr. radius has enough of the color I want in the same dye lot, so I decided to go ahead with another sportweight yarn.

I have a fairly large balance on Michael's gift cards, so I am tring to stick with something they have! I bought Bernat Satin Sport, but don't know if it'll work as well or not.

Does anyone have any thoughts? If Microspun is the only way to go, I want to know before I start!

bonstance · 01-05-2008, 12:31 AM

According to yarndex.com Microspun is a DK weight, while the Bernat Satin Sport (I'm working with it right now so the label is right under my nose!) is slightly lighter - sport weight.

Not a huge difference - apparently the Bernat is 221 yards for 85 grams, and the Microspun is 168 yards for 70 grams... The recommended needle size for the Bernat is 4mm, but the Microspun is 3.5mm, so make sure you swatch! (I hate swatching...)

I do like Bernat Satin Sport, and as far as Michael's goes I think it's a good bet! Hope I'm slightly helpful... Good luck!

chie96 · 01-05-2008, 02:30 AM

Thanks for the help! Both have the no. 3 on the label and I though that if I picked the same no. it would be OK. Ugh - I just started knitting 3-1/2 mos. ago and crochet about 2 mos. ago so I don't know a whole lot about yarn, needles and hooks.

Have a great weekend!

bonstance · 01-05-2008, 03:09 AM

Originally Posted by chie96

Thanks for the help! Both have the no. 3 on the label and I though that if I picked the same no. it would be OK. Ugh - I just started knitting 3-1/2 mos. ago and crochet about 2 mos. ago so I don't know a whole lot about yarn, needles and hooks.

Have a great weekend!

It'll be close! I think it can be done - don't get me wrong...

I'm still learning a lot about all of this too - I just thought I could offer some help since the info was right in front of me! What colour are you using?

chie96 · 01-05-2008, 04:50 AM

TY again! Ther is soooo much to learn, isn't there?

Speaking of learning...I am really upset because although I measured my DDs' chest measurements, I never saw the length until after I bought the book ($15) and 11 skeins of yarn. The length is too short for my oldest DD by *several* inches. Anyhow, I'll not be making the dresses. That's what I get for trying to add crochet to my repertoire when I can barely knit!

bonstance · 01-05-2008, 06:45 AM

Aww... That's too bad about the measurements! I hope you can find another project to use the yarn. But good for you for learning knitting and crocheting at the same time! I think my brain can only handle one new skill at a time... I've been knitting for just over a year.

brittyknits · 01-05-2008, 02:32 PM

The only thing is, Microspun has a very distinct drape and hand to it. It's very, very soft and produces a specific feel. So if you substitute something else, you might not get the best results. Now, having said that, I must admit I've never used the Satin Sport, and so maybe it's closer to the Microspun than I'm aware, but having knitted a good bit with Microspun, I would say it's different from anything else I've ever used.

Plantgoddess+ · 01-05-2008, 03:35 PM

It shouldn't be difficult to just keep crocheting and adding length to the dresses and if you can't find more of the same color yarn why not try adding a border in another color or adding a few stripes and stretching your yarn that way.