I have never been much of a one for 'blocking' my work... mainly because I didn't really understand the process, and maybe a little bit because I couldn't be bothered....
Now that I am doing more intricate crochet work - flowers, lace stitches etc., I thought I had better do a little research on the subject.
The best tutorial I have found is here: http://www.crochetme.com/blogs/kim_werker/archive/2010/01/18/how-to-spray-block-crochet-or-knit-squares.aspx
.....and guess what? It isn't a weird, complicated, mystical process... it's simple! Maybe fiddly...but definitely simple. In her tutorial Kim uses a very posh blocking board, but I haven't got one (Christmas list no. 1), so I retrieved an old piece of insulation board from the shed:
I pinned it into an old pillow case, et voila! I have a blocking board....now apparently I just spray the work lightly with water, wait for it to dry thoroughly and unpin - why have I always thought this was a complicated process?
The reason for needing a blocking board today? I want to crochet my lovely Mum a scarf to keep her toasty this autumn... these are the colours I have to chose from (all Katia Merino Baby):
Now for the stitch... this is the first I tried, it's called 'Offset Filet Network' from a lovely old book I have, ' The Harmony Guide to Crochet Stitches', published by Lyric Books Ltd, 1986. I got it from a vintage sale for £2 - this is one of those rare books that I consult a million times, it IS my crochet bible! So here is a small sample blocked:
Hmm.... I like this stitch...it is easy (all chains and trebles, so as long as you can count, you can do it), it grows fast, its airy and light when done with this wool, and it is pretty!
Do you have any books on knitting/crochet that you would recommend as the ONE book to own on the subject?
Thanks for stopping by and sharing yor thoughts on what I'm trying to work out. Really appreciated and lovely to hear about how you're doing exactly what you love right now.
Now don't call me a stalker please, but I noticed on Coco Rose that you asked her where she gets her coathangers for covering. I thought well I have tons of wooden vintage hangers as friends who are vintage clothes dealers pass them on to me. All part of the bartering thing. Then when I came and visited you I saw you went to Hevingham Hall. My friend Gilly who has the yarn shop in Bungay went there and laughed about how it rained there. She said it was turning into a wet t-shirt competition it was that heavy. Anyways, I'm rambling. That must mean we're not too far from each other so I could get you a few hangers sorted out if you're interested.
Let me know. Lisa X
Posted by: Lisa Smith-Clare | 27 July 2011 at 16:35
Hi Lisa! Well... the wonders of the blogging world! I made the same comment myself at the show... except the wet T-shirts were on some very dubious male bodies so it wasn't a pleasant prospect!
I live half of my life near Halesworth, so not far from Bungay, and the other half of my life in Oxford where my family are. I would love to do a deal on the coat hangers! Don't know if you read the earlier posts, but they are for my 87 year old Mum who has just taken up knitting again after about 30 years... she is loving covering coat hangers as presents and keeps asking if I can get her some....so you would be making us both happy! How can we arrange this? Maybe you could email me at: [email protected] ?? :)x
Posted by: Stockton Crafts | 27 July 2011 at 17:29