Pradera: Yarn Substitutions
The yarn I used for Pradera, Plucky Knitter Traveler Sport, is absolutely DELIGHTFUL. The combination of fibers--merino wool, silk and yak--gives it strength, drape and sheen. And the array of colors PK offers is astounding. If you are able to use this yarn, I highly recommend that you do.
However, there are a number of reasons you may not be able to or want to use it, not least of which is that Plucky Knitter yarns can be difficult to get your hands on, especially if your local yarn store doesn't carry them.
There's also the possibility that the price of this particular yarn isn't in your budget--at $28/skein, Pradera would cost $84-$140 to knit, depending on your size.
Or perhaps you're allergic to one of the fibers.
Or you want to make a truly summer sweater, without the wool.
Whatever the reason, I've put together a list of alternate yarns I think would work well for Pradera. In general, look for for a sport or light DK weight yarn with drape as well as strength. For this reason, I haven't included any 100% wools or 100% cottons, because I find they don't drape as nicely when worked at this gauge; 100% alpaca, on the other hand, would be too drapey and not hold its shape.
Budget Conscious
Don't worry about busting your budget--these lower priced yarns will keep spending in check without sacrificing quality.
Knit Picks Galileo: A sport weight blend of wool and bamboo with gorgeous shine. Retails for just $4.99 for a 50g / 131 yard ball.
Berroco Ultra Alpaca: 50/50 wool alpaca blend with a heathered look. As low as $6.50 per 50g / 144 yard skein.
Summer Yarns
No wool in sight! These cotton blends will keep you cool all summer long.
Knit Picks Shine Sport: Pima Cotton and Modal give this yarn softness and sheen, in an array of bright, summery colors. $2.99 per 50g / 110 yard ball.
Valley Yarns Longmeadow: A cotton/microfiber blend in gorgeous soft pastels and summer brights. $3.49 per 50g / 117 yard skein.
Easy-to-Find
These yarns are available from major online retailers such as WEBS, Jimmy Beans Wool, Eat Sleep Knit and The Loopy Ewe.
Madelinetosh Pashmina: A luxurious sport weight blend of wool, silk and cashmere. From $33.50 per 360 yard skein.
Classic Elite Fresco: A soft blend of wool, alpaca and angora, with the slightest halo. From $11.95 per 50g / 164 yard hank.
Manos del Uruguay Serena: A lofty baby alpaca/pima cotton blend. From $15.50 per 50g / 170 yard hank.