For non-knitters, I’ll show a picture of this shawl before and after blocking. It’s hard to believe what a huge difference soaking and blocking makes.
Here it is before it was blocked (which I’ve already shown on here).
Sprite’s Fen
And here it is after blocking.
Sprite’s Fen
I know I say this about everything but this could be one of my favorite shawls I’ve ever made. It’s light, airy, perfect for a cool evening or a cool restaurant.
Sprite’s Fen
It’s so very “wearable”.
Sprite’s Fen
Measurements: 58″ wingspan/23″ deep
Pattern: Sprite’s Fen
Yarn: Madelinetosh Silk/BFL Sock
The pattern, Sprite’s Fen, is part of Curious Handmade’s Shawl Society II. Her patterns are so well written and so easy to follow.
Jennifer in Indy says
It’s lovely!
Paula (Texas) says
I don’t knit. Blocking is wetting the knitted item and stretching it out with pins until it is dried? For non-knitters, does this have to be done every time you wash it?
JudyL says
Blocking is wetting (either soaking or sometimes spritzing), then laying the item out and smoothing it. You don’t really want to stretch it. Yarn relaxes after soaking or spritzing (some yarns need soaking while others will relax with spritzing) and can be smoothed and shaped a bit.
If the item is made with a superwash wool, it often has to go into the dryer for at least a little while. For non-superwash wools, they almost all need to dry flat so yes, smooth out and shape to dry.
I will wear cardigans several times before washing and shawls even more without washing.
Libby in TN says
So much interest in that design!
Teri Jordan says
Wow….what a difference after it is blocked…it is beautiful….
Rebecca in SoCal says
It took a second look to realize the edge is not ruffled. What a pretty shawl!
A nice thing about carrying it along “just in case” is that you needn’t worry about wrinkles. Lovely!
Sue in Desert Hills (Phoenix), AZ (formerly in Scottsdale, AZ) says
Judy, I love this shawl. I have done very little knitting in the past (I mostly crochet) and have only knitted socks in the last year, but this pattern might entice me to step out of my comfortable box. But to me, it looks like it would be difficult.
Quilting Tizzy says
It’s gorgeous!