I didn’t know anything about blocking until a few years ago.  Yes, I’ve been knitting since… well, I can’t remember not knitting.  Blocking has always escaped me for some reason.

Here’s the definition I found on Wikipedia:

Blocking (textile arts)

In knitting, crochet and other textile arts, blocking is a final stage of handmade textile production that adjusts the shape of the finished piece. Not all pieces need blocking, however blocking is standard for lace work, and is not uncommon in sweaters, socks, and other solid projects. Throughheat and moisture, blocking sets the stitches and standardizes the final dimensions, and may enhance the drape.^[1] Hand manufacture places natural stresses on fabrics that may result in deviations from its intended shape and size. Blocking is only effective on natural fibres.^[2]This degree of malleability is determined by the type of yarn used, with wool providing the most flexibility. For projects that are produced in sections, blocking is normally done prior to final assembly.

At first, it wasn’t a big deal because I couldn’t afford to knit with natural fibers.  When I got older, I didn’t really understand the process (why would I wet my knitting???) and didn’t think it would make a difference.  Then I made a lace shawl.  It just didn’t look right when it came off the needles.  So, I blocked.  Here is my first attempt at blocking (less than 3 years ago):

I ripped all the sheets off the bed and flipped it over to the not-pillow-top side and pinned my first lace project into place.

Now I block almost everything.  I recently finished blocking these:

My Clapotis

My Wakefield Scarf

How come I never did this before?

On another note, I’m very excited about the hits I’m getting on my Petit Pod!  I published the pattern on Ravelry for free a few days ago and I’ve gotten so many hits, favorites and I think so far 6 people have it in their queue.  We’ll see if anyone actually makes it.

What else have I been up to… aside from working?  I’ve been trying to keep up with the housework but that’s boring!  I’ve been washing my Shetland, again.  Because I was leaving it in the tub too long and the water was getting cold, I was getting what I think is lanolin deposits.

Eeewwww right?

So, I called my very knowledgeable friend Bonnie and she told me to re-wash it in very hot water and not let the water cool too much.  Then I called my also very knowledgeable friend Michelle who told me to add vinegar to the water.  So, I did both.  So far so good.  Except that I’m only doing a little at a time and it’s taking forever.  PLUS, it’s not as soft as it was when I did the first batch a few months back.  Did I wash it too much?  Is it starting to felt?  Yikes!!!

Now, I don’t really know how to prepare it.  Do I card it?  My drum carder if at Joanne’s.  Do I use my little brushes?  Do I get myself some combs?  Should I pick it first to get the VM out?

On an even brighter note now, finances are looking up and I think I’ll be able to get myself a new wheel in a few months.  What kind of wheel should I get?  I know I want something less primitive than the one I have.  Although I love my Ashford Traditional, she’s old-school and a little picky.  I’m still debating whether I should keep her because she was my first or, if I should pass her along to someone who can’t afford a new wheel.  I’m torn!  Maybe I could just let her borrow it indefinitely?

I’ve been really busy lately making small things for people.  Check it out:

Tuques for Troops:

These are the ones I made.  The girls in my knitting group also made a bunch.  We had 21 altogether.

Then with the leftover yarn I had from the tuques, I made a little IPod holder:

I finally finished the socks I started in September with the Viola I got at the KW Knitter’s Fair.  I love these socks.  They fit as if they were made for my feet.  Oh wait!  They were!  Hahaha.  I also took the time to write down my pattern.  Maybe I’ll publish that one too.  The yarn is just lovely.  I recommend it to anyone who likes knitting socks.  It’s not cheap but it’s not super-duper-expensive either.

I made a tuque for a kid from my sister’s gym – Mathieu.  He saw me knitting one day and asked if I could make him a tuque.  So, I designed this for him:

Then I made these little socks for Zaden, one of my Sgt’s son.  He wants matching socks for him and his little boy.  I don’t really know how big Zaden’s feet are so I made tube socks.  They’ll also fit longer that way.

Now I have to make Troy’s socks.  I’m procrastinating on those.  I decided to make Michel’s hat first.  He’s another guy from work who saw me making those tuques for the troops and asked me to make him one.  I’m using some hand-spun!  Woohoo.

I’m sure I’ve probably missed a few little things in there.  I made a hat for our spinning guild Christmas party.  Everyone is making a hat, putting it in a brown paper bag to go under the tree.  Should be a hoot.  I also tried to make a hat with a horizontal cable rim but it didn’t work out.  Turns out that it makes a great head-band just to cover the ears.  I won’t post pics of these ’cause it’ll ruin the surprise.

Must nap now.  I’m working the next three nights.