I'm knitting for orphans and homeless kids here in Aust. and in countries where winter temp is below zero. I can't afford to buy a lot of wool, but have also been using 8 ply acrylic yarn doubled, as I can afford lots more of that. Now I have been told it won't be very warm. Is this true???? Any ideas please............
2006-07-10 17:20:24 · 9 answers · asked by maggie rose 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Community Service
A blend would probably be best. Lion Brand makes a decent blend called Wool-Ease. It's relatively inexpensive here in the U.S. so you might have some luck with them. It's not the highest quality, of course...but certainly economical.
This looks like a local source for you. http://www.knittingloft.com/store/products.pl?category_id=1134&tree_ids=1134
Also, if you are doing this on behalf of a knitting guild or group, you may be able to find a local retailer that would be willing to underwrite your charitable efforts.
Good luck!
2006-07-14 07:26:36 · answer #1 · answered by tplemel 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Wool may be warmer, but it's a lot more scratchy. Look honestly, if you can't afford wool, don't worry about it. You are doing a fantastic job. Not many people would even consider what you're doing, you deserve an Australian of the Year nomination.
However, I think that there's combination wool. Or have you thought going to Good sammys and buying jumpers, you may be able to get them for the same price as what you're using to knit with?
2006-07-10 17:25:36 · answer #2 · answered by Clueless 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I find that acrylic sweaters, if they are worn under a jacket, keep you warm. Acrylic mittens are useless when they get wet. If you are going to make mitts, I would buy wool, but for sweaters, acrylic is ok. In Canada, there are acrylic wool blends available as well. I don't know how the Aussie dollar is faring against the Canadian dollar, but a great source for discount yarn is http://www.elann.com.
2006-07-13 02:30:55 · answer #3 · answered by satmchorister 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes; sorry to say, it's true. It's synthetic--like plastic. If you put on plastic you will be hot when it's hot and cold when it's cold. If you wear natural cotton, silk or wool, the material breathes. It'll keep you cool when it's hot, and warm when it's cold. It's very healthful. Synthetic material that doesn't allow your skin to breathe and that doesn't soak up the sweat, is unhealthful. Those poor little kids don't need to feel physically miserable, in addition to all their other problems.
God bless you for your altruistic work. I LOVE you!
2006-07-10 17:35:20 · answer #4 · answered by GypsyGr-ranny 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My mum could knit with her eyes closed and we always got a couple of new jumpers every year. Now the only place you see knitted stuff now is either in the hospital shop or at a market. My friend runs a group called the knit wits and they knit and donate to the nursing homes and to the prem babies.
2016-03-27 00:34:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
when wool gets wet.. it is still warm.. while other synthetic materials are not... and .. synthetic materials don't start out as warm as wool...
your best bet.. use wool.. make fewer garments.. or... ask for help in purchasing the wool.
I have spent many nights in freezing weather with both synthetic hats and wool hats... wool is my choice!
2006-07-10 17:25:29 · answer #6 · answered by ♥Tom♥ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know anything about knitting, but I just had to say, "Wow!" What a great thing you're doing. Star in your crown!
2006-07-10 17:26:05 · answer #7 · answered by sadiemylady 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
thats very sweet....but they are gonna freeze. acrylic is not warm at all. you need to find a material that is a blend. good luck.
2006-07-10 17:24:00 · answer #8 · answered by jak_aroo 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, wool is warmer.
2006-07-10 17:22:10 · answer #9 · answered by crystal89431 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋