yarn substitution?

[leah]

I want to knit dd a sweater. The yarn in the pattern (classic elite commotion) would cost 30+ dollars :shocked: Don't know why I am surprised. I've been looking at dozens of patterns and all of the yarn is outrageously expensive (esp when you need to buy 10+ skeins for an adult sweater). Anyway, is it safe to assume that I can substitute a cheaper yarn that has a similar weight and gauge? How would I even find such a yarn, it's pretty confusing cause it uses a double strand of the yarn. Is this just another sweater I won't be able to knit?

[pmcgary]

I knit for years "on the cheap"....using mostly whatever yarn was on sale somewhere - usually X- mart type stuff.

I suppose I am now a yarn snob.

I don't know what sweater you are making or how long you expect your dd to be able to wear it......but I would consider those factors when deciding what to use.

I am making DS a sweater (Cabin Fever -on of the top down sweaters) and GASP I spent $33 on the yarn (he doesn't own a single article of clothing that I have paid that much for) BUT I must say it was worth the money....I love working with a good quality yarn (this one is wool/acrylic)

So, although you could substitute a yarn - it will likely work if you get gauge. You might not be as happy with it.

I guess I am just saying don't sacrifice quality completely at the effort to save money. (Though I am pretty sure you could find something in between the expensive and El Cheapo.....)

I also noticed that I will have enough yarn leftover to make a baby sweater.....wish the pattern had been a bit more accurate in its yardage!

[dandelions2]

I almost always substitute. No way will I spend a ton of money on yarn. If it's the same weight I use it. I've never had a problem. I say go for it.

[lestouffer]

Substitute, substitute, substitute. I knit each of the girls a sweater each winter and have taken on some pretty outrageous patterns (think super fancy British stuff like Starmore) but it is ALWAYS in washable stuff (mostly wool blends) but the babies sweater was 100% washable wool. I think Alice Starmore would roll over if she knew that I could throw one of her designs in the washer :) You can always check on ebay for some, I have gotten some good deals there.....good luck....