Thursday, August 6, 2009

Ah, The Scent of Wet Wool!

At last! I have blocked the Pastiche Shawl that I finished knitting in March. And it came out rather larger than expected, 76" wingspan and 36" down the back. It's going to be nice and cozy when the cold winds blow. Behold the classic wingspan pose.



And the blocking was a breeze. For two reasons: 1) a dandy bar-height countertop between the living room and the kitchen, and 2)a Pattern Cutting Board acquired from Joann's (for a mere $10). Actually I bought two of the boards, 'cuz they're only medium-thick cardboard, and put a beach towel in between. Here's the set-up.



And after a carefree session of pinning while standing -- let me just repeat here -- STANDING at the counter, here is Madame Pastiche all blocked out. Despite being folded in half she dried quickly and was ready for her glamour shots the next day.



It's always fun trying to take pictures of yourself. I did the mirror maneuver . . .



and the "perch the camera on a barstool, point it at the wall, and set the timer" maneuver



As you can see, the shawl coordinates nicely with denim, my favorite fashion fabric.

11 comments:

bspinner said...

Fabulous!!!!!! Pictures of your shawl are great. Oh, and so is the shawl. I just love your colors.

Marsel said...

Lovely!

beverlyanne said...

Woolie, the shawl is gorgeous!

Kath said...

Whoa that is bigger than I expected but it looks lovely!

Delighted Hands said...

Digital has opened up such wonderful photo ops, hasn't it!?

The shawl is wonderful-and I like them larger-just perfect!

Susan Luni said...

That is gorgeous. It is so huge! I like your blocking set up. I use the same type of board, only on my dining room table. It is still a little hard on my back if I'm blocking something large. Putting on the kitchen counter is a great idea.

Sharon said...

I am impressed by your clever photography. And oh, BTW, the shawl totally rocks.

Willow said...

That's really lovely! I'm impressed, too, with the pinning job!

Life Looms Large said...

The shawl is beautiful!!

And your blocking reminder is very timely for me. I finished up a winter sweater for DH just as spring arrived...so, of course, I said I'd block it whenever since it's too hot to wear right now.

But I hereby promise to block by the end of September....so he'll have no excuse not to wear it!!

Thanks for the inspiration!

Sue

Sheila said...

Beautiful! I have been blocking and finishing projects too. You will be warm when the cold winds blow.

Marjorie said...

Very nice indeed, and I am jealous that you can block a shawl like that without crawling around on the floor.

I enjoy those foam pads for blocking, but not the workout on my knees and back.