Finally!
Seems like ages since I finished the Charlotte's Web shawl. I had to come up with a creative blocking solution because I don't want to shell-out for a set of blocking wires.
A couple of weeks ago I went to a hardware store and looked for something suitable. They had actual welding wire, but it was too thick. What I settled on was this:
It's 16 gauge fencing wire. Thick enough to keep its shape, but thin enough to be easily bent into whatever shape I need.
Worked pretty well, huh? I couldn't get the wires perfectly straight, but the pins helped a little so that I could get a fairly straight edge.
The bind-off edge was not as stretchy as I would have liked, which prevented me from being too severe with the blocking. I probably could have blocked it to be a bit larger if the bind-off had been stretchier.
Once again the wonders of lace are proven with this shawl. It was just a pile of colorful looped yarn before going into the sink for a soak. It's amazing that the pile turns into this:
That has to be the best part of working on lace. So cool. And the fact that it stays in that shape after it drys is just amazing.
Pattern: Charlotte's Web Shawl by Koigu Wool Designs
Yarn: 5 different skeins of Koigu
Needles: size 7, 24" bamboo circs.
Started: 1/15/08
Finished: 2/15/08
Modifications: I used needles one size larger than called for because I am a tight knitter and figured that going up a needle size would ensure that I wouldn't end up with a scarflet. Also, I didn't do the crocheted edging or fringe. I don't usually like fringe and I suck at crochet, so I just bound off as usual.
I am VERY happy with this thing. I can't wait to wear it in Denver next week. It'll add just the right amount of color to my otherwise drab black and grey dressy work attire.
note to self: make sure to switch camera off of nighttime setting before taking pictures in blinding-white snow.
A couple of weeks ago I went to a hardware store and looked for something suitable. They had actual welding wire, but it was too thick. What I settled on was this:
It's 16 gauge fencing wire. Thick enough to keep its shape, but thin enough to be easily bent into whatever shape I need.
Worked pretty well, huh? I couldn't get the wires perfectly straight, but the pins helped a little so that I could get a fairly straight edge.
The bind-off edge was not as stretchy as I would have liked, which prevented me from being too severe with the blocking. I probably could have blocked it to be a bit larger if the bind-off had been stretchier.
Once again the wonders of lace are proven with this shawl. It was just a pile of colorful looped yarn before going into the sink for a soak. It's amazing that the pile turns into this:
That has to be the best part of working on lace. So cool. And the fact that it stays in that shape after it drys is just amazing.
Pattern: Charlotte's Web Shawl by Koigu Wool Designs
Yarn: 5 different skeins of Koigu
Needles: size 7, 24" bamboo circs.
Started: 1/15/08
Finished: 2/15/08
Modifications: I used needles one size larger than called for because I am a tight knitter and figured that going up a needle size would ensure that I wouldn't end up with a scarflet. Also, I didn't do the crocheted edging or fringe. I don't usually like fringe and I suck at crochet, so I just bound off as usual.
I am VERY happy with this thing. I can't wait to wear it in Denver next week. It'll add just the right amount of color to my otherwise drab black and grey dressy work attire.
note to self: make sure to switch camera off of nighttime setting before taking pictures in blinding-white snow.
posted by Beverly at 5:55 PM
9 Comments:
I love your shawl!
I have trouble with teh bind off on lace too.
Absolutely stunning!!!!!!
I was using shark fishing wire to block my lace before i relented to the visa gods and bought a kit.
You look terrific, btw. :)
So beautiful!!! What a great idea using fencing wire. I may have to try that so I can keep a relatively straight edge.
For a minute there in one of the pictures it looked like you had worked beads into it. Did you? WOW!
Beautiful! Your color combo really shines now that it is blocked.
That is freaking gorgeous! And your creative blocking idea worked out great!
It looks absolutely gorgeous! Lovely!! Great job with the blocking too :)
Now that was worth waiting for! Absolutely gorgeous!
Fab-u-lous!
And kudos for the thrifty blocking wires. Caught in Stitches fever, I bought a kit but like your solution better.
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