I have been see sawing back and forth all week as to whether or not to block the Smocked Lace Mohair Shawl. So I took it with me to the DKC last night - a hundred and fifty or so informed opinions on the subject might provide an answer right?
She suggested blocking wires down the sides to evenly, if only slightly open up the piece width-wise and pins to softly enhance the naturally scalloped edge at each end. Besides, the Three Needle Bind Off, she said, really needed to be flattened right out...
So with no one really agreeing that "Nooooo it shouldn't be blocked!", I'll give it a go today. I just realized yesterday we have a dressy business function this Saturday - a perfect opportunity for the shawl's debut outing so I better have it ready!
Thanks for dropping by!
No
The first vote I got was a thoughtful "No" - agreeing with me that the stitches, floating as they do in their mohair haze don't really need to be locked together through a wet blocking and agreeing that the edges are already quite neat and tidy.
Whatever You Want
The next two votes came from knitters who genuinely thought I should just do whatever I wanted with it - it was my knitting, my shawl, my preference, case. closed.
Yes!
The fourth opinion I sought was a very strong "of course you need to block it...its lace!" It doesn't have to be severe but even a light blocking will flatten out the smocked section so that you will be very, very happy with it!" Now this last woman also added she has worked with Sublime for lace herself, several times in the past. 
She suggested blocking wires down the sides to evenly, if only slightly open up the piece width-wise and pins to softly enhance the naturally scalloped edge at each end. Besides, the Three Needle Bind Off, she said, really needed to be flattened right out...
So with no one really agreeing that "Nooooo it shouldn't be blocked!", I'll give it a go today. I just realized yesterday we have a dressy business function this Saturday - a perfect opportunity for the shawl's debut outing so I better have it ready!
Thanks for dropping by!
7 comments:
maybe a compromise? Instead of a full wet block - pin it out, and give it a light steam. I'd hate to see that lovely mohair aura get tamped down...
It really is a beutiful piece, and having a place to wear it makes it even more perfect.
I'd block it, myself - gorgeous as it is, blocking will open up the lace and the halo will pop right back up when it's dry. Have fun wearing it!!
Have you checked Ravelry for actual instances of blocking this yarn?
My answer wouldn't be "you should do what you want" but "wow, I have no idea. I hope you get some thoughtful advice." I hope a light blocking makes it even more beautiful!
I can't wait to see how it turns out. I bet a light blocking will make it even more beautiful.
I remember a time when I didn't even know what blocking was... Then I knew but thought who would do that???!!! Now I block everything...
All those opinions! Like looking for an opinion on a specific yarn on ravelry. A different opinion for each contributor. But my opinion?? I always pin and steam.
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