Expert: Bea Harrell - 2/17/2008

Question
QUESTION: After much searching I have found a book of patterns for casserole dish carriers.  However, they call for Peaches & Cream worstead (medium weight #4) cotton yarn which make them too expensive for selling at craft shows (at least $20 in materials alone).  Is there another yarn that I could substitute?  I'm afraid acrylic would stretch too much under the weight of the dish.  Thanks for the help!

ANSWER: Hey, Susan!  I've used stripped down macrame cord, cotton cord, & size 5 cotton crochet thread. You'll have to adjust your needle size, of course,to get the right gauge, and use double strands of the size 5 thread, but its still cheaper than Peaches & Cream! Also Nylon cord comes on cones, lots of colors, and would also work great!

Hope this is of help!

Best, Bea

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Great information!  One more question, though.  The instructions for the one I really want to do calls for 8 strands of the Peaches & Cream and a size Q hook.  Which of your suggestions do you think would work the best for that?  It would be great to only use on strand of something.  Thanks, Bea!

Answer
I think if you go to a craft store, you can get cotton or nylon cord in several sizes. If afraid you won't be able to get by, just using one strand though!!  Maybe you can reduce it down to 4 strands, if you can locate the heavier cord! I would also check into macrame/Jute to see if you can get something to work there, as they are heavy, natural materials. You may get lucky and find one of the sizes we used to make hanging plant holders, back in the day.  It only came in it's natural color back then, and I don't know if that has changed or not, but it's worth a look! It would be perfect for a Q hook. Let me know what you find!!

Best Wishes,  Bea