Why has the fashion industry decided that acrylic sweaters are the thing now? I hate acrylic. I want a sweater to look good for two or three seasons (as that is how my budget works). However this season, I have had almost no luck finding things that are not acrylic. I have actually resorted to making my own items that are sweater weight.

I feel your pain, Mindy! I have found sweaters in natural fibres, but they take a lot of hunting. Try J. Crew (pricey, but they're having sales at this time of year), or an outdoor lifestyle store that carries brands like Icebreaker (merino).

Uniqlo has lots of good basics at only moderately high prices if they fit you