I want to make a sweater, can't find affordable yarn...?

I want to make the "simple knitted bodice" sweater featured at stitchdivastudios.com. They recommend Tilli Tomas yarns, "pure and simple", (a worsted/heavy worsted/aran weight, 100% silk). I can't afford $40 a skien! They do have substitutes, all still a bit too expensive. I wan't something that is fun to work up (great feel), some durability, of course, the proper gauge, but the one thing all subs I've found so far lack is a great colorway. I want something variegated or stripey, not solid. A nice, sophisticated colorway, not too bright. Preferably something hand-dyed looking, and under $6.50 a skein. Or at least reasonably priced retail, and easy to find very cheap on ebay. Any ideas?