I’ve been nervous about my Paisley Shawl. Despite reader assurances that it “blocks long,” I had a few doubts. For one thing, when I finished the first half of the shawl it was 27 inches wide and only 18 or 19 inches long. When finished, the shawl is supposed to be about 77 inches long and 29 inches wide. I’ve knit a lot of shawls and I know how much lace blocks, but the proportions seemed odd to me. So, I did a “partial block” or “block as you go.” I briefly soaked what I had knit and then did a quickie block. (As you may recall, this shawl is started in the middle on a provisional cast on; I bound off the finished half but left the provisional cast on in place when I did this block.)
INSERT SIGH OF RELIEF HERE.
It will work. Here is the partial shawl on Lucy (yes, I know — she needs some clothes. Susan keeps telling me that.)
When I finish knitting the entire thing, I’ll do a more exacting block of the entire piece. At least I now know that the knitting is not in vain.
I’ve already undone the provisional cast on and placed the shawl back on the needles so I can knit the other half:
It’s going to look very odd as I continue knitting. One half will be blocked and the other half will be a shriveled mess.
In the meantime, Susan and I are both getting very excited about our fall projects. More on that soon.
From Susan — I think it is looking beautiful. I love the yarn (and cannot wait to make something out of MY Wagtail!). And I am excited about our next fall project/mini-KAL… 🙂
Comment by lv2knit — August 8, 2008 @ 11:33 am
“Here is the partial shawl on Lucy (yes, I know — she needs some clothes. Susan keeps telling me that.)”
Sally, maybe Susan will donate ‘those pants’ that she’s supposed to be losing?
The shawl looks lovely. I like having a section blocked — when I’m kipping, I have that section to show people so they can see how it will eventually look.
And Susan? I’m afraid I didn’t care much for the pants either, but the dress and shawl are so, so, so gorgeous. It looks like a wonderful Evening at Wolf Trap ensemble. I dare say you have something like Wolf Trap out your way.
Comment by Allison — August 8, 2008 @ 12:08 pm
Fall? did someone say fall? woohooooooooooooooooo!
Comment by Michelle — August 8, 2008 @ 9:13 pm
This is such a pretty shawl. The tip about blocking along the way is a good one-just to see where you’re going. Your work is lovely.
Comment by rudeek — August 9, 2008 @ 10:50 am
Sally- Fall- bring it on. It’s high knitting season.
Lucy does need to protect her modesty.
Comment by Lorraine — August 9, 2008 @ 2:07 pm
The shawl is really beautiful, blocked or unblocked 😀
Comment by cici — August 9, 2008 @ 7:19 pm
Really gorgeous! And I can feel your relief.
Comment by twinsetellen — August 12, 2008 @ 8:26 pm