Blocking

Blocking is not something I have ever done but I know I should as it completely changes the look of a garment. I have made the beautiful Hilo shawl by Joanne Scrace and her instructions said to 'aggressive block'.

I tweeted her (follow her on @notsogranny as she's fab) and she replied

So I bought a blocking kit which consists of different lenghths of rustproof wires and pins but I never got round to using it because I don't have anywhere to put a large shawl out overnight to dry.

Joanne then posted this brilliant article on her blog which explains everything really well-follow her she's very interesting and explains lots of things like yarn weight, tension and swatches really well plus her designs are gorgeous

http://notsogranny.com/2013/08/tidkt-how-to-block-your-work.html

Anyway I have decided

that I really need to get a handle on this blocking lark after finishing my sisters All at Sea scarf as finished it looked like this

it was supposed to look like this

So I got the blocking set out and laid it all out on my bed. I used

roll mats that we never used and cut them in half. Then I washed the scarf in wool soap and rinsed it out. Whilst wet I started to pin

The scarf still wasn't big enough so after 2 hours I decided to stretch and pin again

The hair dryer was me trying to hurry the drying along but it didn't work

Blocking on my bed had its own issues as I had a helper ...

 Once again the pictures are all turning on me...really must work that one out... anyway as you can see Charlie truly believes my bed is actually his and even moans at me when I try to get in it so you can imagine his delight at me using my bed for blocking!

I had to move it all onto the floor to sleep and it took a full 24 hrs to dry. However I think it was definately worth it , just look at the difference blocking makes

Gorgeous, really pleased with it. I just have to keep it safe as my sisters birthday isn't until January.

Talking of getting ahead I finally made my husband a winter hat. I first attempted this 3 years ago but our dog then a puppy ate the hat and the circular needles one evening and I've never gotten around to starting another one.

This one is from Simply Crochet issue 24 and is the Candy Beanie by myboshi.

it crochets up very quickly, you can make one in a day

modelled by my son

however I think the seams need work but he's happy with it