I agree with the previous posts. You should probably find a pattern first then find a yarn to match the guage. Sometimes when I buy the yarn first and then look for a pattern I either can’t find a pattern, I like, that matches the guage or if i’m lucky enough to finally find a pattern with the right guage i don’t have enough yarn and i have to buy more which might be from a different dye lot (if there is one).
I don’t like swatches, but they are a must if you’re going for a sweater.
The most important think I have learned in knitting is swatch, swatch, swatch! You really can’t leave it out when knitting garments, I learnt this the hard way, tried to to a tank top, and the neck was was WAY to small, along with arm holes. Now I always swatch!
Like you I’ve only ever used cheap yarn, even the stuff for the dressing gown had acrylic in it! The only posh yarn I’ve bought is for my swap victim.
Hope you get something nice, looking forward to seeing pictures of that sweater. It’s great to see you you knitting and posting again. I hope you’re doing well.
I just wanted to add that Plymouth Encore is a good first-sweater yarn.
I second that- and it comes in a widerange of colors and is easy to work with. (i.e. frog and reknit) and it wasn’t very expensive, even at my LYS…
I just started working with Wool Ease and though it’s mostly acrylic, there’s also wool in it and it’s very nice. And machine washable…
sue
I’d look at Swish Superwash from KnitPicks, it has great colors and is superwash and wool and worsted. Just an FYI, I find that this works up in a nice fabric at the lower end of the guage range they give, so expect to use around a 7 needle with this yarn if you knit on the tighter side.
sometimes you can also get really cheap bags on ebay.
I got a whole one of jaeger matchmaker merino for my first sweater for $20.
good luck!
I would strongly recommend that you find a LYS and walk around the store and touch and feel the yarn. Plus, the LYS will then help you find a pattern and get you started. In the event that you have a problem, they would also be able to help you. Sometimes it is easier when you are dealing with someone face to face.
JMO
I would second that. I’m currently knitting my first sweater with it and its working out fine. I’m using this free pattern which was suggested by Silver. Its working out great.
At http://www.discountyarnsale.com/cat_by.cfm you can buy bags of nicer, inexpensive and expensive yarn by the bag very cheap. There are 4-10 skeins per bag, depending on the yarn.
sue
KnitPicks Swish Superwash is a [B]great[/B] first sweater yarn. It starts you off on the right foot, knitting with wool and other natural fibers.
Woohoo! Thank you so much for that link, now I know where to get my Lion Brand in bulk instead of paying through the nose for one skein.
Thanks for all the great information everyone!
I get the point re: swatch.
I was looking at the Superwash on Knitpicks and I think it might be what I want to start with.
I’d love to visit a LYS but we don’t have one where I live and it’s very hard to find one with big rig parking :LOL:
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