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An alternative wool question ??

I'm new on this part of the site, so please be gentle with me lol. Some great tips on here so I will be lurking for a while now.

Anyway, moving on to my quest. I have bought a pattern for jacket/cardigan for myself, it's in Sirdar Calico DK wool. I've not a thing for years and am out of touch with whats what these days.

Question is, can I use an alternative wool for this garment please, would it knit up ok in any DK yarn as the Calico is a cotton mix. The pattern No is 9159 if you want to look it up.

I would be grateful for any suggestions as I keep looking at the pattern and my needles and want to get started. :undecided
There's no place like home :)

Feeling down? Weak in body? Makes no difference to me, I think of you all when I'm sitting quietly.

Hugs and healing thoughts are always going your way.

Comments

  • ubamother
    ubamother Posts: 1,190 Forumite
    I think with matching yarn, as well as the description i.e. DK, it's important that the length by weight is similar - i.e. the balls will say something like 100m by 100g. It is extra important to knit a swatch, maybe a slightly bigger one than normal to see if it matches the swatch size given in the pattern and go up/down a needle size if you need to.
  • Savannah02K
    Savannah02K Posts: 307 Forumite
    just google 'knitting wool substitution sites' and you'll get directed to a host of sites that allow you to type in what you've got and what else you can use. I second the comment re swatching though, tension makes a huge difference and even if you find a wool that has the same tension guide on the yarn band, you could find your own knitting style means bigger/smaller needles.

    Also, join Ravelry! It's free to join on line and there's masses of advice about yarn substitution there. Just google it and you'll get directed there.
  • altojack
    altojack Posts: 9,734 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker I've been Money Tipped!
    Thank you ubamother and savannah, youv'e both been a help to me.
    As I said, I hadn't knit for years but have just started back with a baby cardy lol. I always do a swatch to test the tension, I learned that lesson years ago after making a big error of judgement.

    I'll have a look at that site tomorrow savannah as it's late now and my eyes are sooooo tired. Many thanks.
    There's no place like home :)

    Feeling down? Weak in body? Makes no difference to me, I think of you all when I'm sitting quietly.

    Hugs and healing thoughts are always going your way.
  • fountainpen
    fountainpen Posts: 371 Forumite
    Have you joined Ravelry ? Ita great knitting forum .They will give you advice.
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