question about using Bernat yarn in a pattern

[MzMolly]

Found a gorgeous pattern for a big, hefty sweater with a huge collar that can be a hood if pulled up. I love it!

They didn't give a weight for the suggested yarn but they describe it as:

Gauge: 16 sts = 4″/10cm
Needle size: 5.5mm, US 9
Yardage: 138yd/125m

Bernat Alpaca is described as:

Knitting Tension: 15 sts/ 20 rows = 4" (10 cm)
Suggested Knitting Needle: 6.00 mm, US 10
Length: 120yd / 110m

Based on the comparison I think the Alpaca will work for this pattern without too much adjusting. The pattern calls for 15 balls of their yarn so I multiplied 15 by 138 (their yardage/ball) and then divided that by 120 (Bernat Alpaca yardage/ball) and came up with needing 17+ balls of Bernat Alpaca. Does that seem right to anyone else?

Does anyone have any other comments about it? I'm going to order on-line and I want to make sure I order enough of the same dye lot. I'm thinking 20 balls would put me with enough plus 2 extra for whoopsies.

Thoughts? Ideas?

I'm not sure if I can post a link to a picture of the coat here but I have a link if anyone wants to see it.

[Shandeh]

They didn't give a weight for the suggested yarn but they describe it as:
Gauge: 16 sts = 4″/10cm
Needle size: 5.5mm, US 9
Yardage: 138yd/125m

Bernat Alpaca is described as:
Knitting Tension: 15 sts/ 20 rows = 4" (10 cm)
Suggested Knitting Needle: 6.00 mm, US 10
Length: 120yd / 110m

What KIND of yarn is used for the original pattern? Is it a heavy or a light yarn?
The reason I ask is that the Bernat Alpaca yarn is a heavy yarn, and could stretch out of shape if the garment is too large or loose. The Alpaca yarn works best with fitted garments. This is just from my personal experience in using that yarn. I would not use the Bernat Alpaca for a loose sweater.

Bernat Denimstyle would be a good choice for a loose, big sweater.

[MzMolly]

What KIND of yarn is used for the original pattern? Is it a heavy or a light yarn?
The reason I ask is that the Bernat Alpaca yarn is a heavy yarn, and could stretch out of shape if the garment is too large or loose.

Sooo glad I asked ..

this is what they're recommending

Wool Clasica
Fiber Content: 100% wool

Wool Clasica is hand-spun and kettle-dyed. The natural variations in texture and color produce a rich knitted fabric ideal for outerwear; the yarn takes particularly well to simple stitch patterns and felts beautifully. The broad color range is wonderful for home decor projects!

I don't know enough about fibers to know if 100% wool is lighter than Alpaca or not. I managed to get a picture of the finished project and would love to know if you think Alpaca would work for this. If not what other soft, natural fiber would work?

[Shandeh]

I don't know enough about fibers to know if 100% wool is lighter than Alpaca or not. I managed to get a picture of the finished project and would love to know if you think Alpaca would work for this. If not what other soft, natural fiber would work?

Hmm....after seeing the photo, and looking through our yarns, I think the Bernat Alpaca might work if you use the size 9 needle instead of a size 10 needle. I believe this would make it fit gauge, and the tighter stitches would make the fabric less prone to stretching. Just keep in mind that your sweater will be VERY WARM and thick and heavy.

The other option would be to use Bernat Soft Boucle. It would make a very light fabric, and would retain the bounce and fluffiness a sweater like that requires. It is an acrylic/polyester blend, so it's machine washable and dryable. Here is a photo of another project made with Soft Boucle, to give you an idea of how it works up.


Bernat Roving would be wonderful for a project like that, but the gauge is all wrong.

Bernat Softee Chunky would be the final option for that project. But, it's 100% acrylic. I love how it works up, though. I made a hooded cape with it, that I wear ALL THE TIME!

Bernat Cape Complete - Back by Shandeh, on Flickr

[MzMolly]

Thanks so much. That big, winter sweater/coat feeling is what I'm after so I think I'm going to give the Alpaca a try. It reminds me of a Siwash sweater (just a classier, more modern version).

[MzMolly]

Hey Shandah ..

in the packing/moving process I came across a big tupperware bin that didn't have a label on it ... opened it and voila! ... chock full of that old buffalo yarn used to make Siwash sweaters. 100% wool, light as air and BROWN!

It might be perfect for this sweater or at least it's worth a trial run. Gotta love an old, forgotten stash!

[Shandeh]

Hey Shandah ..

in the packing/moving process I came across a big tupperware bin that didn't have a label on it ... opened it and voila! ... chock full of that old buffalo yarn used to make Siwash sweaters. 100% wool, light as air and BROWN!

It might be perfect for this sweater or at least it's worth a trial run. Gotta love an old, forgotten stash!

Awesome! I just love finding precious stash yarns.