Which type of yarn would you buy for a scarf?

[ssaw2012]

I would like to knit or crochet a scarf for the colder days. I like it when the winter scarf is thick, bulky. I do not, however, like when the yarn is itchy. I prefer natural yarn but I do not know what to look for.
I have not decided the colour yet. I recently got teal eye shadows for my hazel-colour eyes. A bit strange combination but I wanted to try this colour for ages. The problem with this colour is that you need something matching. So, I think I would go for a scarf in a shadow of teal or may be even brown. What do you think?
Many thanks for suggestions!

I wouldn't worry so much about colour for now, as most yarns come in a whole range of different colours anyway.

A good website to look on is Deramores because they stock a lot of brands, even if you decide to buy elsewhere. V popular on MN are the cashmere/silk combos that we use for doing the Woolly Hugs blankets - Debbie Bliss Cashmerino, Sublime and Rowan.

I've linked here to double knitting weight yarn (which is what we use) - for something chunkier, and thus quicker to knit, you probably do want an Aran or Chunky weight - most of them have equivalents.

Warning - these are not cheap yarns! But they are lovely and soft and luxurious.

A cotton yarn can be a good choice - a natural fibre, not quite as soft but without the price tag. You can search on Deramores by fibre, and there are some good aran weight yarns out there.

In the super-chunky weight, I like the look of Rowan Drift and Big Wool.

Finally, I have a lovely cowl made out of Manos del Uruguay - mad expensive but gorgeous.

A good, non itchy, chunky yarn is cygnet's seriously chunky. Knits up really quick and is quite cheap too.

I've just knitted a scarf using rowan big wool, in a plum colour and it's lovely and warm and non itchy.

I'm halfway through another scarf in the same wool, in a dark grey.

I've got some Cygnet for making a hat (smaller version of the Hermione hat I've already made in the Rowan Cashsoft) - very reasonably priced and local to me too!

I bought Wendy Celtic tweed effect chunky yesterday to make a hat & scarf with, it's really soft, looks fab (the one I got was a purple twisted with cream to give a tweed effect) and was reasonably priced.
I like King Cole Riot Chunky too, I've made a scarf with that in the past and it was lovely and soft and not at all itchy

Thank you tribpot! That Manos del Uruguay Silk Blend is indeed expensive but the blends are just lovely.
I like both Rowan Drift and Big Wool. I also like Sublime. I wonder whether the images reflect the true colour of the yarn. I like Deramores but it looks as it is best to buy for £25.00 to get a free delivery otherwise it is a bit expensive.

Hobbycraft had wool on 3 for 2 last week, that's where I got mine from.

Not sure if the offer's still on though.

Thanks everyone! I am checking the brands. I might write them down and head to Hobby Craft this weekend to see what is available. Many thanks again. It is really helpful.

Where do you buy the Cygnet yarn as I cannot see the price? Do I have to look for the retailers?

Deramores often have offers on, which can at least offset the delivery costs. But equally there are lots of other places to buy from. My fave shops are McA and Hulu. Worth comparing photos of the yarns on other websites as well to get a better idea of shades.

Hobbycraft tend to be a bit limited on the higher-end yarns, although can be reasonably well-stocked in Rowan. John Lewis also good for having a look before you buy.

My local yarn shop sells it - will have a quick scout for any others.

I must admit that I like the vest from King Cole www.kingcole.co.uk/knitting-patterns.html
These days the yarn is so beautifully blended.

I follow one blog Hook Knit Spin, previously called Crochet with Raymond. The blog owner, Alice, who sounds as a really nice girl, loves experimenting with wool. I like some of her creations.

Ah, the link hookknitspin.wordpress.com/

Thank you tribpot. I am going to check the links today. Little one is calling :))) They always sit on the loo when I am on mumsnet. He-he.

HCS is another and it looks like they sell through Amazon.

Deramores have just announced a 15% off all Chunky yarn deal! Code is BIG15.

Ah, great! I always miss out on their big discounts. Thanks tribpot!

I have knitted lots of scarves as gifts with this from Kemps. It is very soft but there is not one natural fibre in it

This one is interesting but is out of stock.
www.deramores.com/louisa-harding-nerissa-teal-006

I wonder whether this type of yarn by Louisa Harding Nerissa is durable and soft. I like its look.

Thanks TheWoollybacksWife. I have always wanted to make a scarf from something like that but I have dry skin and prefer not to buy clothes made from synthetic materials.

The Laughing Hens website has that Louisa Harding yarn in stock but at the full price. I know what you mean about delivery costs adding a big chunk on to "bargain" yarn.

Thank you TheWoollybacksWife. I am planning to visit Hobby Craft tomorrow and see what is available. I have been there for a long time. Love this store.

Yesterday, I got yarn from Hobby Craft called Sirdar Bohemia 2 for 3 which is not bad at all. Usually I do not buy yarn that expensive but I really liked the colours and there was an offer.
www.deramores.com/sirdar-bohemia

I got two Kasbars (0295) and one 0292.

God. That's the chunkiest yarn I've ever seen!

Love the colours - will you get on okay with the acrylic content?

It has 34% of wool :) There was another yarn teal colour but it contained even less wool.