I'm making a blanket for my nephew... what wool to use?

[Alambil]

The MN blankets have inspired me. My mum and I are going to make one between us for my nephew (2m old)

We need cheap wool, though.

I've just done a square in 100% acrylic and it's hideous - scratchy and horrid.

I am loving the feel of the Debbie Bliss Cashmerino, but it's just too expensive for us to do alone.

Is there a middle ground compromise? Is 100% cotton better - something like Wendy Supreme Cotton DK?

I'd really appreciate any suggestions

A few of the shops I called to see if they had the Rowan or DB made other suggestions of wool that is just as good but not as expensive - I'd suggest going to your local supplier and asking them what they think is comparable - that way you can also actually see the colours :) I'm sorry I wasn't paying enough attention to remember what they said as I knew I couldn't deviate!!

It dopends what 'finish' you want as well, I like the finish of a nice cotton as well.

Just make sure it's machine washable!!

I had some surprisingly nice acrylic for christmas but it was chunky. "Sirdar bonus chunky". I don't know if they do an equivalent DK one.

I'm currently making a blanket for myself out of Baby cotton kapok from Blacksheep Wool who have it on sale. It's a cottony feel and thinner than DK but should make a nice lighter weight blanket.

You need to go and fondle wool in a shop. :)

I made a lovely blanket for my niece out of James C Brett Kool Kotton (50% cotton/50% acrylic). It washes and tumble dries really well and gets softer and softer. It's quite cheap but the colours are a bit limited, Sirdar do a similar cotton acrylic that can be substituted with lots more choice of colour and slightly more expensive.
Texere stock both yarns.

Style craft dk us what I'm using. It was v cheap £2 for 100g and loads of colours. It feels nice and is crocheting up well. I found it recommended on a blog somewhere.
I bought it here

Sidar Snuggly is lovely for baby things. It is 100% acrylic but really soft. It washes really well (in the machine!) and comes in lots of colours. I made a really nice baby blanket from Crofter which has a Fair Isle pattern effect. It's cheap too!

I wouldn't use 100% cotton on a baby blanket as it can be heavy and get mis-shapen. Some cottons also get rough with washing.