Summer Shawl Blocking Magic

Blocking is something every knitter knows they should do but many are reluctant to attempt.  However, if you want your finished objects to have that neat, professional look then you really need to take the time to block.


As an example, I recently made the Wendy Johnson Summer Mystery Shawlette in Cascade Yarns Heritage sock weight.  I was so in love with this pattern that as soon as I finished the first one, I immediately cast on for another slightly larger one.  Wendy's patterns are so unique.  Her charts and explanations are neat & concise.  Here are pictures comparing the unblocked vs. blocked versions.

Unblocked -- 21" x 36"

 

Blocked -- 36" x 72"

Now this is perfectly lovely knitting.   But.............






This is spectacular. See how the lace is opened up and shows off all its' magnificent yarn overs. The increase in size is significant.  Keep this in mind when planning your projects.


My first shawlette

Shawlette done in Kraemer Silk & Silver

 fit perfectly on a blocking board  but the larger one had to blocked on the floor to have enough room to really stretch it.






Part of the blocking magic is that after you pin your item out, let it dry and give it a nice shot of steam, it retains the shape you blocked it to.  It can be tossed carelessly into your bag ( not that I would ever do that) and when you pull it out. Voila!  Still looks nice & neat.  This comes in very handy for a person who doesn't pack well or is just generally less "put together".

Thank you for attending my mini rant tutorial on the joys of blocking.  As you can tell, I am a believer!


Hope you will come back next time when perhaps I will get back to talking about summer festivals.  That is providing that my mind doesn't wander off in a totally different fibery direction.