Help me choose a yarn for a ME sweater

[sonuptosondown]

I want to make a sweater for myself (first one for me!) and have chosen the Liesl sweater:

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/liesl

I want to use cotton or a cotton blend for the warmer weather but can't decide what to buy! Does anyone have insight on which to use? Or any other recommendations? Here's what I'm considering:

Araucania Nature Cotton--recommended in the pattern. I read you should alternate skeins every few rows, though, and would kind of like to avoid this hassle--have you had to do this? I'd have to order it, which means waiting

Lion Brand Cotton Ease--I could run over and get this tomorrow, so it's tempting. I know it's popular for making kids' clothes, but not sure I should use it for something for myself--maybe not soft or nice enough?

Lion organic cotton--I've seen this at the craft store. It's soft. Would probably get really fuzzy?

Knitpicks Comfy or Shine or Simply Cotton organic...again, would have to wait for it to come in, but maybe worth it?

Can you tell I'm eager to get started?

Thanks!!!!!!
deb

[mamasthree]

I think I would lean towards the organic cotton...I've not felt the Lion Brand, though.

I did a nice dress for my dd in Cotton-ease, and it has a nice feel and washed up well.

If you decide to go with the Nature Cotton (which is lovely, BTW, I bought some for a yarn swap partner some time back) it's on sale at WEBS . You probably should alternate skeins, but I wouldn't! The pattern seems like it would be pretty forgiving, but then again, if you have to order it you can't be too choosy about getting your skeins to be very close in color.

Let us know what you choose! I love that pattern, so pretty.

[laf512]

I used Knitpicks Comfy for a February Lady Sweater for myself, and I love it. It's very, very soft and has a nice drape to it. I handwash mine and it's held up well...a few fuzzies, but not that many.

I recently started a Rusted Root sweater with Knitpicks Shine, and it's also nice and soft. Not as soft as the Comfy though. I have heard that it is a bit heavy so it may not be the best choice for a summer sweater. I didn't know about that until I started my sweater though

I made a toddler dress out of Cotton-ease, and it was nice and soft. I can't attest to how well it washes though since it was a gift.

[sonuptosondown]

Thanks so much for the input and advice!!!

Originally Posted by mamasthree

I think I would lean towards the organic cotton...I've not felt the Lion Brand, though.

I did a nice dress for my dd in Cotton-ease, and it has a nice feel and washed up well.

If you decide to go with the Nature Cotton (which is lovely, BTW, I bought some for a yarn swap partner some time back) it's on sale at WEBS . You probably should alternate skeins, but I wouldn't! The pattern seems like it would be pretty forgiving, but then again, if you have to order it you can't be too choosy about getting your skeins to be very close in color.

Let us know what you choose! I love that pattern, so pretty.

I did find the WEBS deal--thanks! Not alternating skeins would make that yarn much more appealing. I wonder if the sweater would weigh a lot being all cotton? I'm going to look at the organic cotton again today at Joann's. I think it's pretty expensive.
ps and I have now added the Crumpets dress to my faves--adorable!

Originally Posted by laf512

I used Knitpicks Comfy for a February Lady Sweater for myself, and I love it. It's very, very soft and has a nice drape to it. I handwash mine and it's held up well...a few fuzzies, but not that many.

I recently started a Rusted Root sweater with Knitpicks Shine, and it's also nice and soft. Not as soft as the Comfy though. I have heard that it is a bit heavy so it may not be the best choice for a summer sweater. I didn't know about that until I started my sweater though

I made a toddler dress out of Cotton-ease, and it was nice and soft. I can't attest to how well it washes though since it was a gift.

Thanks! How does everyone find these great patterns? I looked at the February Lady pattern you mentioned and now I am torn about whether to make that or Liesl first. Liesl is probably a faster knit, so I should do that one. But that pic of the preggo lady in the FL sweater looks so cute. I hope I can make Liesl fit like that. And the rusted root sweater is adorable--I'll have to wait until my upper arms are a bit (a lot) sleeker, though

I think the Comfy sounds great--I like that it has more cotton than cotton ease.

I'll let you know what I choose! And I'd still love any more input!!!

[yogachick79]

Make the Liesl first and then Feb Lady It will be a much fast knit and more useful with the warmer weather fast approaching!

I'm using Malabrigo and have also considered using Dream in Color Classy. Both are worsted wool though so it just depends on how you feel about that. I think that with it being such a light and airy pattern, wool wouldn't be much of an issue even for spring and cooler summer nights

[stealthmode]

I tried to make a Liesl out of Malabrigo awhile back but my gauge ended up being way too tight and I had to frog it. That's what I get for not swatching.

You've inspired me to try making one out of some Cotton Ease that I have sitting around...it WOULD be really cute for warm weather! I'm almost done with a "Hey Teach" in Cotton Ease (in a different color) and I'm REALLY excited to try it out this summer when I'm hopefully pregnant...

(Also, I messed up the lace on my Feb Lady really bad and had to scrap that too, so I could definitely use a quicker project to feel better about my knitting skills again!)

Good luck and post pictures when it's done!

[sonuptosondown]

Thanks so much for all the advice!! I ended up buying Cottonease. I liked the price. I do like the idea of making one in wool. If my first one goes well, I'll have to try different yarns Then I want to make the Feb Lady sweater!

I did buy a skein each of the TLC Cotton Plus, KP Shine and Comfy, and Bernat organic cotton. I'm going to use them to make LTK baby and toddler bucket hats for the summer and I'll be able to evaluate them in the process

And I've swatched the cottonease and now can't figure out which size to make. I started another thread explaining, hoping to get some more help with that.

[flapjack]

Originally Posted by sonuptosondown

Thanks! How does everyone find these great patterns?

You join ravelry, you add every single individual you know to your Friends list and then you check "Friend's Activity" every couple of days. You also find a few knit bloggers whose knitting you really like and stalk them religiously, but in this day and age Ravelry is faster.
Don't forget to add designers to your friends too it's a good way of making sure you don't miss new patterns.

[sonuptosondown]

Originally Posted by flapjack

You join ravelry, you add every single individual you know to your Friends list and then you check "Friend's Activity" every couple of days. You also find a few knit bloggers whose knitting you really like and stalk them religiously, but in this day and age Ravelry is faster.
Don't forget to add designers to your friends too it's a good way of making sure you don't miss new patterns.

Aha! I am on Ravelry but haven't added any friends yet--I'll have to get going on that!!