It never ceases to amaze me what a difference it makes to block lace projects. Some lace knitters I know think that blocking the final piece is the best part of making a lace shawl, because you can really see how the pattern opens up. I’m not quite that enthusiastic about it myself. I mean, I really DO love to see the lace open up, and to see the completed shawl in all its glory. On the other hand, threading the blocking-wires and pinning the shawl out on a bed in the basement is not all that enjoyable either. Usually it’s something I do when I’m at home by myself (so I don’t get interrupted).
Now, going back into the basement the next day to unpin the blocked piece….. THAT’S enjoyable. 🙂
These two pictures show the same lace swatch, first unblocked, and then blocked. My lace tends to grow a lot more length-wise when I block it. This particular swatch almost doubled in height when wet-blocked. And the lace pattern opens up and you can really see the design.
Oh my favourite thing too – seeing the results. I’ve just started using the blocking wires – do you have any tricks when you need two wires to block a long side? I find I’m getting a weird bump where the two wires overlaps…I’ll take any tricks or tips you have on blocking. I only started lace knitting this past year…Thanks!
I love your blog and fairy stories–beautiful
Beautiful!
Thanks Kelly and Chrissie!
Hasmi – I’m not sure what tricks I might have. Maybe I’ll take some pictures next time I block a real shawl. I do overlap the wires for an inch or two, but I’ve never gotten any weird bumps. I just make sure they are threaded the same way through the edging. I also use lots of wires (e.g. along the top, down the spine, sometimes even on the edging) to make it even. And measure, measure, measure, to make it symmetrical.
I hate the process of blocking. I do it on the floor and crawling around inserting wires and pins is a pain but I love the result of blocking .Have a shawlette blocking on the floor right now. Tend to block mine over night to stop dog and kids walking on it. Although our dog knows anything blocking is a no-go area and walks around it.
I know exactly what you mean. 🙂 My back hurts when I’m done. But the result is awesome.