Handknitting and the cost of yarn

Littlebean_2

I've recently rediscovered knitting and have already produced a couple of scarves for Christmas presents. I'm dying to try something more adventurous and have a couple of patterns for sweaters that I want to try. However, when I price up the yarn it comes to over £60 :eek:.
The particular pattern I have uses Rowan RYC baby alapaca. Just wanted you ask all you experienced OS knitters if there are any alternatives. Is it essential to use the exact same type of yarn as specified? Are there any ways to keep costs of yarns down? I've checked on ebay but by the time you add in the postage you aren't much better off, and you can't always get an accurate idea of colour/shade.

I know that I'll end up with a lovely homemade item at the end of it (hopefully) but would like to keep costs to a minimum.

Is there a special OS-knitting thread? If so, please feel free to move this to a more appropriate place.

LizD_2

I found the same as you. I was advised to either speak to a knitting shop or try and find the yarn cheaper. The trouble is if you start using different yarns, your tension will be different and the item will knit up a different size.

Try looking at sale time for yarn.

http://www.angelyarns.com/rowan-yarn/ryc.php/rowan/561

miserly_mum

Its just so difficult to find wool nowadays never mind cheap wool. I've took up knitting again after a few years (new grand daughter) My local £ shop do decentish baby wool,Dk and Aran. Ok for kids stuff that won't be expected to last for years. But like OP, when I planned to do a few adult projects for inlaws for xmas the cost was extortionate. Surely there must be wholesale online wool companies? Even finding buttons for the baby's cardigans wasn't easy, mind you I live in a small town.

Little_Mama

Hello!

I love Rowan's patterns but they do cost.

I have found that John Lewis's DK, (Jonelle is the wool range I think) knits to a very good equivalent of Rowan's Cotton DK. If you do a tension square then you can adjust it accordingly but I've never had to and I don't think the jumpers have come out too hideously. That said I've just looked on their web page and can't find it, just hope they still do it in the shops.

Another thing is to find out what the old equivalent wool is, like Rowan Plaid being the same as Rowan XYZ (sorry can't remember which substitute it was now!) and look on ebay, good bargains to be had when doing that.

Happy knitting!

LM

Hardup_Hester

I order my wool online from Kemps wool shop, I can't find the link, sorry. But if you google it, it should come up.
I only ever knit small items as I find larger ones too expensive.
Hester

miserly_mum

Hardup_Hester wrote: »

I order my wool online from Kemps wool shop, I can't find the link, sorry. But if you google it, it should come up.
I only ever knit small items as I find larger ones too expensive.
Hester

Brilliant Hester this is exactly what i've been looking for:T

mocolo

Little_Mama wrote: »

Hello!



Another thing is to find out what the old equivalent wool is, like Rowan Plaid being the same as Rowan XYZ (sorry can't remember which substitute it was now!) and look on ebay, good bargains to be had when doing that.

Happy knitting!

LM

the rowan website has equivalent wools on -it is beautiful but darned expensive

redballoon_2

I got lots of lovely wool from a lady off freecycle

Littlebean_2

Thanks Little Mama - as luck would have it I'll be passing a John Lewis tomorrow so I'll have a look. And thanks also to Hardup Hester - will definately give this site a go.

Is it just me or has knitting suddenly become an excuse to try and rip people off? My nana taught me when I was little (now in my late thirties). It's great that knitting is currently enjoying a revival and I've been happily browsing ebay and specialist knitting sites. But I came across 'luxury beaded stitch markers' today. They cost upwards of £4 each and are designed to mark your place when doing patterns/large items. My nana just used to use curtain rings! But I guess there must be a market for these things or they wouldn't sell them.

moanymoany

Don't buy knitting needles new, go to charity shops and ask for them. For some reason they have to keep them behind the counter - they could be lethal weapons!

Charity shops are also places to look for yarns.

I bought some lovely yarn in France. It's much cheaper there as they are more into knitting.

Hapless_2

Poundstretcher does some wool, usually the "eyelash" type stuff in little kits, ideal if you want to get young 'uns into knitting.