yarn suggestion?? bulky and machine washable...

[Violet]

hi there!

i would really like to knit knitty's Starsky sweater for my grandmother. the pattern calls for knitpicks Sierra, which is a wonderful yarn, but handwash. since my grandmother has severe arthritis, i would like to make the sweater as easy-care as possibly.

does anyone have any suggestions for a bulky (cyca #5), machine washable yarn that comes in a "natural" color, that would be good for cabling? i'm having a really hard time finding something suitable.

thanks so much!

[Quincy134]

I believe this yarn has been discontinued, but it's currently available at Elann.com for only 4 USD per ball (though the yardage is about half that of Sierra).  It's Debbie Bliss Merino Chunky.  I've worked with it, and it's reasonably soft and machine washable. 

Good luck!

[rachelo]

What about Lionbrand Wool-ease?  It's washable, yet still wool and comes in all kinds of "normal" colors.

[MmmKnits]

I encountered exactly the same dilemma with the Christmas sweater I'm making for my grandmother, Violet. I finally bit the bullet and bought Lamb's Pride superwash bulky. It's $9-10/skein most places, but it comes in plenty of colors, including several natural-type shades. I figure if it means she'll wear the sweater more because she can launder it easily, it will have been worth it. 

[Violet]

i'll have to look online for the superwash lamb's pride, since i haven't seen any around here. that's probably a good choice.

i thought about using wool ease, but does it come in a bulky? i know they make "Jiffy" but i thought that was super bulky, plus it's "plied" look might distract from the cables.

i'll check out the debbie bliss too. thanks for the suggestions!

[rachelo]

Not that I'm pushing Wool-ease, but there is a Wool-ease Thick and Quick.  I think it's quite inexpensive too.

http://www.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/yarnInfo.cgi?yarnPage=1419769

And there's Wool-ease Chunky too.
http://www.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/yarnInfo.cgi?yarnPage=1419767