Favorite 'other' yarns

[Ceinwen]

I'm calling them 'other' yarns, because I'm not sure what I'm looking for!

I *lurve* the wonderful, yummy yarns of LTK, TIG, etc. (you all know the kind of yarn/wool I'm talking about!) but with a five year old and a two month old, I'm knitting like crazy and the paypal just won't allow for frequent 'boutique' type purchases.

So, what are your favorite cheaper yarns to use? I'd like more cotton-y, wool, wool/acrylic blends, but still stuff that's nice for kids to wear, kwim?

Does this exist? :

And where do you buy it? Online? I've got a Michael's and a HellMart here, but no craft stores persay.

Thanks!!!

[birdiefu]

I find Knitpicks yarn to be great quality for a fair price, if you haven't checked there yet. As far as stuff to buy in regular craft stores, Paton's Merino was okay for me.

[ErinBird]

For super soft single ply, I like 100purewool. I have not ordered from them in a while, but they now sell 3ply wool as well. I'm a huge Peace Fleece fan as well.

Cascade 220 is wonderful for meeting my bright, colorful, and cheap wool needs.

[flapjack]

I like HPY (www.handpaintedyarn.com) for anything that won't touch the floor, like hats and sweaters.

[zoebugsmom]

I like Patons classic merino, Galway, Outback and Brown sheep for less expensive wools. On the slightly higher end I adore Malabrigo.

For cotton, I'm actually enjoying Peaches N Cream. I knit a couple of baby sweaters with it and they're nice and soft, plus they're totally machine washable. Cottontots is nice, too.

[iowaorganic]

I second peace fleece- if you can get the coop price (or just put in a really big order) it is totally affordable. Wool ease is like $4.99 here and I can get PF on coop for that- and it is way nicer. (not to be misunderstood- wool ease is yuck- it is just the same price)

[lyttlewon]

Originally Posted by flapjack

I like HPY (www.handpaintedyarn.com) for anything that won't touch the floor, like hats and sweaters.

: DS has longies and shorties from them and they pick up lint really easy. But they are so soft and squishy I love them.

I also don't mind Patons but I wouldn't make pants for a crawler out of it because it kind of rubs the knees and irritates more than the nicer woolens.

[Ceinwen]

Thanks for all the great suggestions! Now I can order some online to try, and I think a few of these are available at Michael's.