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Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Yarn Along - Another Liddy Shawl

I wanted to have a fun knitting project to work on while I helped Liddy get used to living in the barn last week.  I always like to try a pattern with something new to me and this time picked a ruffle.  The yarn is some beautiful Cotswold yarn from Nistock Farms and the pattern is Jadyn Shire by Lynn di Christina.

Liddy and I worked on the shawl together or I should probably say I knit and Liddy tried to steal and chew on the needles and rip everything back out.  We worked in the B A R N and out in the paddock. After a day or so I added Blossom to the mix  and then several days later added Lila in, too.  And by the end of the week Liddy was pretty well set and I had a new shawl and a couple of new skills :-).


By the way, I started the shawl a few days before we moved to the barn.  I did get a little faster knitting with this project, but not a 'shawl in a week' faster ;-).


Here's where things got a bit disappointing.  The shawl started at the top center and built down, back and forth, longer and longer.  Doing this left a big hump at the top - actually way taller than it looks here.  I should have taken the picture looking down on it instead of at an angle that minimized it...  I was sure it would never block out straight.  Still, you know I loves to block me some knitting ;-).


Even if it didn't need an aggressive block, after spending a week in the barn with Liddy, it needed a good wash.  I used fairly hot water and my favorite Mrs. Meyer's lavender laundry soap.  I let it soak a good long time - around 25 minutes - changed the water and let it soak again, changed the water and added a tiny bit of lavender fabric softener and gave it a final rinse.  Wrapped it in a towel and headed to the porch.


I again used my de-lux insulation boards and floral pins.  I keep toying with getting a set of blocking wires, but for now, these work just fine.  I started at the top by pulling the right and left tight enough that the top line became straight, pinning as I went.  I then pulled down the bottom center and pinned that.  I then started working my way out on each side until magically it all laid flat and smooth and...


... straight!  Honestly, I was a bit surprised.  I really didn't think that would work.  And notice how all the wonky stitches from the top picture look nice and tidy now?  Always block your knitting!


I wasn't sure how to block the ruffle so I just futzed around with it a bit and let it do what it wanted.  I think it looks pretty good, but would welcome some better suggestions.



Pats on the back for everyone :-D.

After listening to A Man Called Ove (now twice), I could hardly wait for the release of Fredrick Backman's new book, My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She's Sorry.  I listened to the audio sample on Audible and was a little concerned.  I thought about getting the actual book and just reading it myself, but really wanted something to listen to while I knitted.  Not to worry.  The reader was wonderful.  They just picked an odd spot to sample.  The story was fabulous!  

Joining in with Ginny...



21 comments:

Judy said...

What a great post! I love the idea of you knitting out in the barn surrounded by your animals :-) Thanks for showing the detailed photos of how you blocked your knitting. It's amazing what a difference it makes! Lovely, soft shawl!!

Benita said...

I wouldn't do any blocking on the ruffle. I think it complements the shawl nicely by being soft and ruffly.

Sarah said...

Wow, wow! That shawl is so very lovely! I also block everything and it is like magic in front of me to stitches even end and patterns smoothed. I love your animals, they are beautiful!

Tiny Toadstool Cottage said...

That is an amazing shawl! Perfect colour too - so simple and elegant.

Donna said...

The shawl is beautiful! I'm not sure how to block the ruffle edge myself. You did a good job so I would go with it.

Far Side of Fifty said...

You should knit in the B A R N more often! That is a beauty of a shawl! Good to see it block out just fine! Love the ruffles. Liddy and gang look just fine...I wonder if Liddy is figuring out she is a sheep:)

Lisa said...

Beautiful! Blocking is the magic that makes our knits come alive. :)

MarmePurl said...

Lovely as always...

DianeOart said...

Great work on that shawl, I like the way you blocked it and the way the ruffles are naturally a little fluffier... yay to Liddy for her collaboration. :D

Tombstone Livestock said...

What a difference, looks like two totally different shawls. Good job, no, great job.

amyfibre said...

Oh my! The shawl is beautiful!

Cheryl West said...

A beautiful shawl and a gentle transition to BARN for Liddy. A very successful week all round.

Bonnie K said...

That is breathtaking! It is so delicate. Thank you for sharing.

Bonnie K said...

That is breathtaking! It is so delicate. Thank you for sharing.

Shirley said...

Very nice shawl, although my favourite is that airy lacy one you did a while ago. Liddy looks like she will be just fine in the B A R N but looks back for reassurance in that photo.

karen said...

I love the shawl and the pleated edging!! so so pretty. I also love how blocking is the miracle wonder of the knitting world.

Mary Ann said...

That is one of the most beautiful shawls I've ever seen! Gorgeous! Liddy looks happy.

Alice said...

Just beautiful ! So glad you had Liddy for a companion!!!

sophy0075 said...

Very pretty, and Liddy looks nicely settled in to sheepy life.

Susan said...

Yes, MUST block!! I wasn't so sure about the ruffles but like them after the blocking!

Anonymous said...

Soooo pretty!!! And isn't Liddy just the big girl now?! :( Don't you wish you could keep them all babies? Or is that just me with my three kids talking?! Oh, yes...block, block, block. :)

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