[MelbChick]

How do you block something that is relatively big like that? I dont even know what to pin it to

My method for blocking is to hand wash the piece as you would like to clean the garment (ie. lukewarm water, mild soap. Avoid rubbing. Rinse thoroughly.) Then I don't wring it, but fold it into an even shape and squeeze the excess water out. Then take a towel, or overlap two for a large piece - or use a beach towel) lay the piece out on the towel on the ground of flat surface. Arrange it in roughly the right size and shape (it can be folded back on itself for this part, too) and roll it up inside the towel to remove remaining excess water. Once it's rolled up inside the towel, you can walk your feet along it to squeeze out all the moisture. Takes less muscle!!

To block/dry - I used quilting pins and pinned it out on a doona. Or you can pin towels to a blanket, drape it over a table or on the floor and then pin the piece to that. A spare bed is easier though! You might need a tape measure to match the finished measurements suggested by the pattern (or body measurements) - or to maintain symmetry (blankets and shawls). Place a pin in the centre and pin out from the centre if you get confused. To make something square, measure both diagonals across and if the measurements are the same, you've got it right.

[little lion]

I saw this in recent topics and thought it might be you, Superfruity. I can't knit or crochet but there's a lot of inspiration in this thread.

[Scootaloo]

I make these when I need something that i can not think about, plus they are cute and very popular amongst my girls and their friends

http://www.tangledhappy.com/2010/11/granny...utique-bag.html

Jen

[dessiesgirl]

http://www.artsandcraftsnsw.com.au/Wrap.htm
Try these? You can make as many or as few as you like. I'm getting my kids and some of their friends involved in this over winter - we hope to have enough to make a full blanket by the endof the year.


For the PPs talking about blocking - I bought some blocking needles on an American ebay site - they are unreal. Have been unable to find them in Australia. There are dfferent lengths, and you slide them into the sides ofytour work - they give a much straighter edge with a lot less effort than pinning. There were even curvy ones for reounded edges. Can't remember how much theywere - about $20 I think, and well worth it.

[lakurumau]

There's a book called Mindful Knitting by Tara Jon Manning, which focuses on the meditative aspects of the craft and has ten "meditative" projects to try. I like to dip into that every now and then.

[dr superfruity]

Hi LAdies,

Thanks for all the suggestions again and I just wanted to show off my first finished project. A baby blanket for our little cookie



I think I will make a cushion cover next

[countrymel]

Nice blankie!

I was just going to tell you about my hand bag...

Mum knitted it for me many years ago and it is just awesome - I am often getting comments from people (best of all you get admiration from the full spectrum - Little old ladies to hip cool funksters)

I adore it.

Just a long rectangle to make up the bag - with the flap that hangs over the front.
plus
a very long and skinny double thickness 'scarf' that is sewn from bottom of the bag (to give it a bit of volume) up and over to make the strap..

[spottyladybug]

Hi LAdies,

Thanks for all the suggestions again and I just wanted to show off my first finished project. A baby blanket for our little cookie



I think I will make a cushion cover next

That looks great!