Yarn subs for Roped Shell and Wakame Lace Tunic

LeeAnn posted a comment asking about yarn substitutions for the Roped Shell in the Summer 2008 IK, and as I had been thinking about this subject, I decided to stick my neck out and offer a few possibilities (bear in mind that unless otherwise noted, I do not have personal experience with these yarns, and am basing my opinion mainly on fiber content and yarn weight/gauge).  Remember that swatching is very important when switching yarns, and that you may need to try several different needle sizes to get the correct gauge.  I do feel strongly that since the Filatura di Crosa Luxury (Roped Shell) and Tilli Tomas Fil de la Mer (Wakame Lace Tunic) are both very expensive ($18-20 per skein), suggesting more reasonably priced alternatives is something somebody should do, and since that somebody is not IK (ahem), I guess next in line would be me.  I will say that I felt both of these yarns were excellent choices for their projects; the Luxury drapes very nicely, which is important for the look of the Roped Shell (and much less yarn is required for the shell than for the tunic), and I really love the subtle color variations and the texture of the Fil de la Mer.  So if you can afford them, great.  If not:

Roped Shell:   LeeAnn had asked if I thought KnitPicks Elegance might work.  I think KnitPicks Shine Sport would be a better choice, because the gauge is closer to the Luxury, and although the alpaca/silk combo in the Elegance might drape nicely (alpaca tends to have less resilience than wool), I think the modal/cotton in the Shine Sport would probably also drape quite well.  Another alternative which is still rather expensive is Louet Euroflax sport weight, 100% linen.  This is around $21-22 per skein, but each skein is 100 grams (or you can buy 1/2 lb cones), meaning it ends up costing around half as much as the Luxury or Fil de la Mer, and I have swatched with it for other projects, and like it a lot.  Other possibilities:  Classic Elite Cotton Bamboo (around $8), Reynolds Rise & Shine (cotton, $7-8), or Reynolds Saucy Sport (cotton, $3-4). 

Wakame Tunic:  KnitPicks CotLin might work nicely for this.  Like the Shine Sport, it is very economical at $2.49 per 50 gram ball!  Classic Elite Classic Silk (cotton, silk, nylon, ~$8), Ella Rae Silkience (cotton, modal, silk, rayon, $5-6), RYC Bamboo Soft (bamboo, ~$9) and Elsebeth Lavold Hempathy (hemp, cotton, modal, ~$6) are other possibilities; I have some Classic Silk and Hempathy in my stash and have swatched with both for other projects.

I haven't included any wool, alpaca or cashmere blends; certainly you could use one of these for a dressy-ish cool weather layering piece (the shell) or a more all-seasons tunic, but I would recommend keeping wool and nylon content on the low side for a nicely draping fabric.

Comments

[Lorraine]

Thanks for the yarn suggestions. I was thinking about a cotton/silk blend for the Roped Shell. I'm thinking that in Navy and something (not white or red, too much contrast I think) it will look perfectly at home on our sailboat this summer! Thanks for the fantastic pattern, and for inspiring me to stretch my skills!!

[connie]

I think I found a great substitute for the Luxury! I'm really excited.

[LeeAnn]

Wow, thanks so much for the response! That was very thoughtful of you. I'm just itching to get started. I've had the magazine out on my office desk all morning and predictably, I'm not getting much work done! :)

I think I may go for a blue/green combo in the Knit Picks Shine Sport River and Grass colors, although Hollyberry and Willow would come pretty close to the original pattern colors, which are quite lovely. It's so reasonably priced I might get both and decide which I like best in swatches!

[shutterhoney]

Glad to hear you think the Silkience will work well. I plan on ordering this when the budget allows. Love the design, thank you!

[Carol]

I had been thinking about the CotLin for Wakame and it's nice to know that you concur. Plus, if it doesn't work, it certainly isn't a huge investment.

[B. Rickman]

Just saw the Wakame Tunic and decided to do it. Then I saw the cost of the material and......well....!!

Then I read your ideas for yarn substituiton and suddenly I CAN do this now! Thanks for saving my gas AND my stash budget!!

bjr

[Elizabeth]

I love your Wakame tunic and am knitting it in madil Eden (a 100% bamboo yarn) and it is coming out beautifully and on gauge. It is also on sale at yarn.com right now, if anyone is looking for a bamboo yarn that is affordable. Thanks for the pattern!

[cathy]

I recently finished knitting your wakame tunic using two stranded of zephyr (wool/silk) held together. I know it doesn't have the drape of the original yarn, but I think it turned out great, and I was able to use up two clearly different dyelots (I know, I know) that were taunting me from the stash.

I really appreciated the novel construction, and just wanted to let you know!

[cathy]

I recently finished knitting your wakame tunic using two strands of zephyr (wool/silk) held together. I know it doesn't have the drape of the original yarn, but I think it turned out great, and I was able to use up two clearly different dyelots (I know, I know) that were taunting me from the stash.

I really appreciated the novel construction, and just wanted to let you know!