After the monstrously long time it took me to complete the Diamond Fantasy Shawl, I needed some quick and easy projects. Fortunately, some months ago Debra had asked if I'd be willing to participate in the Cups of Kindness event again this year, which solicits handmade items and artwork to be put on sale to raise money for the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank. (If you keep an eye on the Cups of Kindness site, I believe some of the pieces will be posted there and available for sale soon.)
So! Dishcloths. Festive holiday dishcloths. Quick to knit--even for a slowpoke like me--and quick to block.
I have a love/hate relationship with blocking. In some ways, it's a soothing pastime, kind of quietly mindless. On the other hand, it's dull. Boring. A giant snore.
Which is maybe why I haven't blocked Diamond Fantasy yet. I have blocking wires, but have never used them. Will they make my life easier? Any tips to using them? Because, after all, poor Diamond Fantasy's been off the needles for a while now and is destined to be put in a box under the Christmas tree. Clock's tickin'.
Everything arrived safely and will be going to the photographer soon. Thanks so much for sharing the process again this year, Amy.
Posted by: debra | November 10, 2009 at 02:36 PM
Well now, as far as blocking goes, that doesn't seem too painful.
Posted by: Guinifer | November 06, 2009 at 07:36 AM
I don't block. Im lazy. LOVE your TREE cloth. Great cause
Posted by: kathy b | November 05, 2009 at 04:57 PM
You block dishcloths? You are soooooo much better than me when it comes to the gifting of these things.
Posted by: cursingmama | November 05, 2009 at 10:00 AM
I'm with kmkat...I suppose if you're giving them away...but otherwise, I don't block dishcloths. I like the colors and patterns you picked.
Posted by: bezzie | November 05, 2009 at 05:08 AM
I love my blocking wires. They make the top and center lines of a triangular shawl nice and straight so that you can really pull out those points.
Posted by: Carole | November 05, 2009 at 04:58 AM
I love blocking. You could head out to west central MN and we could have a blocking party. I usually thread the wire through the top first. It will probably take two wires. I pin that down well. Then thread wires through each tip and stttrrrrrreeeeetch! Pin the wires so they stay. Walk away for a day.
If you're a ravelry member, look up the Diamond Fantasy Shawl. On the first page are photos of two different shawls with the blocking wires.
Have fun!
Posted by: Maria | November 05, 2009 at 12:09 AM
I'm still low tech with the blocking. A bazillion pins and a big bed are all I need, but I've been thinking about buying some wires.
Try this knit picks video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMxm_fWdymM
I didn't knit Debra anything this year, but I will shop from her for sure. I did last year and my friends loved their gifts and the cause.
Posted by: rudee | November 04, 2009 at 09:34 PM
I'm with Carrie K, I pin.
And I have never blocked a dishcloth, so I am in complete awe.
Posted by: kate | November 04, 2009 at 08:03 PM
Blocking wires will make a big difference! Um, gosh, it's been so long since I used mine (ie, knit something larger than a sock) that I barely remember...
Posted by: Chris | November 04, 2009 at 06:22 PM
I'm still in awe that you blocked the dishcloths...
Posted by: kmkat | November 04, 2009 at 06:18 PM
I can't seem to get the hang of blocking wires so I pin out. Very soothing.
Nice dishcloths!
Posted by: Carrie K | November 04, 2009 at 06:10 PM