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.
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