Talk to me about yarn

[DizzyPigeon]

I'm allergic to wool. It never used to bother me much, but now I can't even be close to it without getting itchy eyes and a runny nose.

The thing is, I'm not a big fan of the unnatural feel of most acrylic yarn that I've tried. So what non-wool yarns would you recommend? I want something 'wool-ish' and warm, so not cotton, for example. Open to acrylic, if it feels good. I've had bamboo and the stuff I had didn't have the 'woolly' quality I'm looking for, but others might?

It's for things like gloves /scarves /shawls.

Thanks for reading! And even more thanks if you have suggestions for me to look into!

Have you tried Alpacca? It’s lovely, softer than sheep’s wool, and warm. Great for shawls

For example this one: www.garnstudio.com/yarn.php?show=drops-alpaca&cid=19

The good news is you've got loads of options! There are yarns blended with yak, alpaca, soft cottons. Stay away from pure cottons but look at those blended with acrylic to make it softer.
There are some great a

My two current favourite non-wool yarns are:

MoYa Shimmer, a bamboo and cotton mix yarn from South Africa which has the most gorgeous texture and drape

Scheepjes Whirl/Whirlette, a cotton acrylic yarn which is perfect for shawls

I haven't used it but have heard good things about King Cole Cottonsoft

Cotton/acrylics blends can have some of the loft of a fine merino.

The only acrylic worth buying is Stylecraft Special DK but some of the colours are quite squeaky (avoid the brighter and pastel colours).

No, I haven't. I'm going to look into how likely it is to have an allergy to that if you have a wool allergy.

That's a great suggestion! I hadn't even thought of trying things from other animals, as I just assumed I'd be allergic to that too!

Posted too soon!
There some great acrylics now that don't have that squeaky feel. Stylecraft Bellissima is great for garments. Have a look at these x

https://www.blacksheepwools.com/products/stylecraft-bellissima-dk?pos=2&&sid=80022c455&ss=rr

https://www.blacksheepwools.com/products/rowan-softyak-dk??pos=1&sid=3dd8b608b&&ss=r

Oooh and more great suggestions! I'm so glad I posted. Thanks so much!

OP you might want to give merino wool a go, it's fibres are smooth unlike lambs wool or cheaper wool blends and I've heard it is a good hypoallergenic option.

Does cashmere or mohair irritate you? There’s always cotton and silk

Merino is a good shout. I have a merino base layer that has never bothered me! I'm feeling daft now that it hadn't crossed my mind!

I don't get on with mohair, but cashmere might work too.

So many possibilities! I had kinda got stuck on what acrylic is decent, but there's a world of options I hadn't considered! Fabulous!

Place marking as coming back to this.