We all know about blocking. Sometimes I don’t agree with it. I don’t think socks need to be blocked, for instance. My view is that they block on the feet – why do they need a special blocking when they are just going to be washed and dried and unceremoniously hung on the line after each use anyway?
Lace, however, is a completely different story. It begins with inspiration.
The colour looked like autumn leaves to me – beautiful russet and brown tones. Each different shading a delight to my eye. I found a motif, and began to knit.
It starts off misshapen, like a newly hatched butterfly’s wing.
It is lumpy and crumpled and looks like nothing very pretty. It must be blocked to bring out its true form.
It is given a bath, rolled in a towel, carefully patted and pinned into shape.
It lies, quietly drying.
Like the butterfly’s wing, once in its true form, its beauty becomes apparent.
Now dry, it lifts off its mat…
Each motif clearly defined.
It flutters gently in the breeze, a translucent work delicate stitches and fine, beautiful yarn.
I will not sear your eyes with a picture of me wearing it. My old lumpy form does not do this prettiness justice. The fingering weight Corriedale wool is very light and soft and comfortable to wear.
It is a simple motif, needing no further embellishment. Several attempts at putting on an edging were made and discarded. In the end, I decided it was lovely just like that.
Pattern: Leaf motif, scarf my own design. I will get around to publishing it soon.
Yarn: Anna Gratton Little Wool Co. 4 ply pure wool multicolour in Desert.
Weight: 100g
I must do more lace knitting in 2015. It is very satisfying.