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JennGM
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| Posted: May 14 2012 at 9:44am | IP Logged
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Are you allergic to wool? Do you get a reaction when you knit/crochet or wear wool clothing?
Even the slightest bit of wool irritates me, which I did read is a sensitivity, but I am also allergic to either the lanolin or the dander...can't remember. Basically I remember having allergic rhinitis around these things.
I am dying to make a Tasha Tudor Shawl. I just want something simple and pretty to put around my shoulders like a bedjacket or bedshawl. I was hoping to have a knitting project for the baseball season, which unfortunately is coming to an end in a few weeks, so I would love to get started.
Problem is, I can't decide on the fibers to substitute for heavy worsted. All that comes to mind is a cotton, or a blend. We were in a cute little fiber store in VA and they had some Alpaca wool, and many people say they can handle that because it has no lanolin and the fibers are longer. It did feel much softer, but since I wasn't working long term with it, I was a bit hesitant (plus the price tag I wanted to be sure!).
Can anyone report a success rate with Alpaca? Anything else? I'm all eyes and ears!
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Jennifer G. Miller
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Betsy
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| Posted: May 17 2012 at 3:48pm | IP Logged
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Jen,
I don't have a sensitivity to wool. Actually I have the opposite problem, I can't get enough of it!  So, I am not sure I am the best person to ask this question. However, I didn't want to let a question about knitting, wool and the Tasha Tutor shawl go unanswered!!! 
I have knit the Tasha Shawl and I used Berroco Ultra Alpaca when I knit mine. Because I don't like the look of garter stitch knit at a loose gauge and because I think that this yarn is a very light worsted I used a size 6US needles.
My shawl turned out very soft and lovely with the 50/50 Alpaca Wool blend!!!!! This pattern is so forgiving I think that you could really use just about any type of yarn! IMO, cotton would make a very heavy shawl, though.
Okay, I am not sure if I have helped you of if I am being very coherent. I think that your yarn choice would work, but I might knit with a bit tighter gauge.
Also, on Ralvery there have been many threads and groups that are devoted to people that need to knit with other fibers than wool. I am sure that there would me more resources in those places to help with specific questions.
Let me know if I can help you with this project!
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JennGM
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| Posted: May 17 2012 at 4:12pm | IP Logged
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I'm no expert knitter, in fact, knitting is my weakest needlecraft. But I'm confused, because the pattern on 4 needles with heavy worsted will make a very tight garter stitch.
I went to two shops and my second local one helped me out. The colors and choices are limited in my narrow field of no wool, so I ended up with Berroco Remix for my yarn. My gauge came out fine on size 4, although my friend at the shop said moving to 5 needles would also work, since this is a tight stitch.
Speaking of Tasha Tudor...I have to scan a photo that was on the back of a book I bought. It is a much younger Tasha, with short sleeves looking very 1950ish. She did a wonderful job making her image over to wearing the old fashioned clothing.
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Jennifer G. Miller
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Betsy
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| Posted: May 17 2012 at 4:53pm | IP Logged
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I think that this was discussed on Ravelry at one point in time, and most people agree that a size 4 needle is quite tight for a worsted weight. I am sorry, I forgot that they pattern read that way. If you all ready did a swatch with the 4 and you like it, I might stick with it, but I agree that you could go up to a 5 as well.
Berroco is a nice "work horse" yarn company (I mean that in a really good way). They have great colors, good price point and yarn that can lived with!! I think you will be pleased with your choice.
I haven't used Remix, but I can't recommend Vintage, Weekend and Ultra Alpaca enough!
Also, check out The Dizzy Sheep. They have a new yarn on sale every day and often have Berroco yarns and only $1 shipping!
Lastly, The Tasha Tutor shawl was my very first BIG project. It is a great project and I KNOW you will love for FO!
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Betsy
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| Posted: May 17 2012 at 4:54pm | IP Logged
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BTW, what color did you pick???
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JennGM
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| Posted: May 17 2012 at 6:44pm | IP Logged
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The color isn't listed, number 3970, but it's close to Nightfall. I wanted something a bit neutral, but the only colors she had in 4 skeins were the gray (Steel) one or this one, and I liked the "tweedy" look. I was leaning towards either the darker look like this color or the dark blue or something light like almond or smoke. I don't mind the final choice...although I know it's "old" looking.
I've been eyeing the yarn for months, so I know it's not a last minute decision.
I plan on using it like she described...for the plane trips, bed shawl, etc.
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mommy4ever
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| Posted: May 18 2012 at 10:23am | IP Logged
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I have a wool allergy, and it stinks! I have respiratory issues with it around. Alpaca is good stuff :) So soft!
I need to get into knitting more, I find it so relaxing, I just haven't made time.
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4Real Forums : Our Lady's Loom, Larder, and Laundry
Topic: Allergic to Wool?
