November 11, 2009

On The Block - Knitting Lace


Knitting projects should be blocked upon completion - that is, they should be pinned on a flat surface to the correct measurements. They can either be pinned wet or pinned dry and steam pressed or sprayed with water and left to dry. Knitters use layers of towels on countertops, spare room beds, sheets on dining room tables, etc. It is infinitely easier to use a blocking board. The best boards are marked with one inch squares, are fairly heavy, and fold for storage. They are expensive ($79.99 American) and shipping costs are high ($41.00 American). A cheap and easy alternative is a set of four step squares from the flooring department of a building supply store. They are used for exercise mats, children's play areas, basement floors. They don't have marked measurements but they are light, fit together snugly, and take pins well. And they are cheap ($14.99 Canadian for a set of four).



Lace garments are not nearly as popular as they have been in centuries past but they are wonderful to knit. They are a challenge, require constant counting, and complete concentration. The finished project looks like a rumpled, crumpled, nondescript mess but knitters will wax poetic on the joy of seeing their lace knitting come to life after blocking. Scarves are practical, more up-to-date lace projects - who doesn't wear a scarf in a Canadian winter! This is a pattern I have been wanting to try for months now.
Pattern: Ishbel
Designer: Ysolda S. Teague
Yarn: Handmaiden Sea Silk
Color: Ocean
Needles: 4.0 mm. Addi Turbo lace circular

2 comments:

movita said...

Pretty!

(The wrap, not the flooring.)

Rosie Beaucoup said...

Scarf, Movita, scarf. It wraps around the neck and ties in the front. Follow link to see how that bonnie Ysolda wears hers. She is such a clever lass.
And thanks.