Can someone help me to find alternative yarn suggestions for US patterns?

[FormerlyCatherineDeB]

I thought Ravelry did it but I can't seem to find it.

I have got to find five replacement yarns and am going round in circles - fed up as am starting to make for Xmas presents and need to get on with it.

Thank you!

[FranHastings]

You could try //www.yarnsub.com . Good luck.

[FormerlyCatherineDeB]

Thank you, I think that is just returning US results.

The yarns I need U.K. alternatives for are
Lorna's Laces Helen's Lace 50% silk 50% merino and LL Glory mohair/wool
Skacel Tamarillo 100% cotton slubbed tape
Mango Moon Capra 70% mohair 30% silk
Mango Moon Parade spaced eyelash

I can probably find something for everything but the Skacel and the Parade eyelash without too much trouble.

Because I weave more than anything else I tend to just buy reduced balls of Noro, Rowan or hand spun yarn and pair them up with a linen/silk warp that I buy cones of so I am slightly very rubbish at actually buying something that will work in substitution of something specified.

It is raining here and I have just realised that it is Yarndale today ..... I might drive over .

[heidiwine]

I rarely buy the patterns suggested yarn - I look at the stitch gauge and needle size and try to find a match. Wool is quite forgiving and I'd happily move up or down a needle size to get the gauge to fit...

[FormerlyCatherineDeB]

I never by anything prescribed Heidi which is why I am so lost. But I never go to a wool shop either apart from one in Teesdale when I visit someone there, which is only every two years!

Anyway, my day is sorted, a family trip to Yarndale which is only a 40 min drive. DH is thrilled .

[heidiwine]

OK. I've already had a look for you
The first thing you need to know is what 'weight' the yarn is (lace, 4 ply, aran etc.). I googled your yarn to fin that out.
The other important thing is the fibre (as this will impact the texture of your piece - you probably wouldn't substitute angora with cotton).
Once you know those two things you can use a site like love knitting to search for a substitute - they have a good filter search:
For your first yarn Select lace weight and select silk then search. Anything with a 50% silk 50% merino will be a very safe substitute...

[heidiwine]

Enjoy yarndale - I'm jealous! But do try to substitute yarns (if nothing else it helps to keep the costs down!)

[HapShawl]

Ravelry does sort of do it - you can see what other people have used by clicking the "yarn ideas" tab when you're in the pattern page

The caution there is that some people will have bought different weights and adjusted their tension/pattern accordingly

[FormerlyCatherineDeB]

Thank you Heidi that is kind. Love knitting sounds just what I need.

I do know about weights etc, but because I can just buy odd balls generally as long as there are at least a couple for my weft I have no idea what is out there. And, because I use cones of merino or linen silk for my warp I dont have to worry too much about weight or composition as long as I am not felting.

My newly hatched plan is to first take my book with me to Yarndale and see what I can come up with. I really want to replicate the things in my pattern book for once, they are really lovely and Christmas presents.

[FormerlyCatherineDeB]

I will look again at Ravelry Hap, thanks. When you weave you just wing it, or I do. As long as your warp fits through your reed you can use anything.

I am not sure I have ever tried to use suggested yarn before.

[FormerlyCatherineDeB]

These are what I am trying to recreate, it is the two yarns with 'bits' on I am looking for really .... Will report back later. Good news DH is now going into Skipton leaving me to yarndale in peace.

[FranHastings]

Ah yes, I see your problem with yarnsub. It does return UK stuff, but those yarns are probably a bit too special. Have fun at Yarndale. I am soooo jealous! Too far for me.

[FormerlyCatherineDeB]

Wow there are some very determined people here! I have been elbowed, pushed out of the way by elderly people .

I am back to making it up, have bought some lovely stuff for two shawl type things for me and DD! Never mind the presents .... Look

[FranHastings]

Oh, that is all gorgeous! Sounds like you need to go with body armour on next year. 😂

[FormerlyCatherineDeB]

Thankfully they seemed to have left their needles at home?

There was some really lovely yarn Fran. I have wound four skeins since I got back and plan on putting the warp on my loom later although I am making an apple pie and can see myself drinking wine and planning my pattern instead.

Full of good intentions to make for others and I bought for myself . This is why I never use a pattern!

My ten year old chose the blue/green stuff for herself, the worlds most expensive scarf for a ten year old. I told her I would make it for Christmas.

All of the wool I bought is spun/dyed close to where I live which is nice.

The hand spun/dyed purple/grey stuff with the Wensleydale locks is fabulous. I would have liked another one but it was expensive so I restrained myself.