craftgrrl | Yarn for the allergic (Reply)

Alright, so I just started knitting around christmas, although i never fully learned (i've been working on a scarf for months and i'm only 1/3 of the way done) and I am using cotton tape. I was told that this is the best to start on considering that I am allergic to wool. It's coming along alright but I was wondering what other fibers I could use. My local yarn shop only carries natural fibers, so...yeah.

What are some easy-to-knit yarns that are non-wool, either synthetic or natural? I'd like what I knit to be comfortable, and not cheap looking considering that I'll be putting so much time and effort into it. The cotton tape I have is beautiful but it's a bit unforgiving and tight. I'd be super grateful if someone could point me in the direction of a website with said yarns and or a store (i'm in the eastern US).

Also, I was wondering if someone could help me. I tried to make a ruffle skirt from the tutorial on oh-my-stars, out t-shirt material and an old t-shirt collar. It all seemed to be fine and dandy until I was done and it looked kind of, well...frumpy. The sides sort of poofed out and got all baggy. Instead of a skirt like / \, It was like ( ). Does anyone know what I might've done wrong? Did I possibly use too much fabric?

Thanks for your help in advance guys! You are all amazing :D