What a difference a wash makes.

18 Months ago I knitted a Spring Festival shawl by Jo Kelly for my cousin. I intended the shawl to be  Christmas present but when I finished it the shawl was tiny. far to small to be any use to an adult. Feeling disappointed and wondering where I went wrong in my 3 months of work on this project I dumped it in the box of long forgotten projects that didn't go to plan.

This week I decided it's time to sort through the discarded projects and either finish them or frog them, Use them or give them away. When I found the  spring festival shawl at the bottom of the pile I remembered how much difference washing and blocking had made to the Reyna shawl by Noora Backlun. I knitted the Reyna shawl twice the year before once for my mum and once for my cousin and both times the shawl doubled in size after washing and blocking. So I weaved in the ends washed and blocked the shawl and the difference is amazing. Not only is the shawl a useable size it is really pretty.

 
I can't remember where I got the tips on quick and easy ways to block shawls but this is what I did. After socking don't squeeze the water out, Instead hang the shawl on the washing line and let the weight of the water pull the shawl into shape for you. Once the shawl is on the washing line leave it to dry. I place pegs about every inch along the top of the shawl and place a peg on any points along the cast off edge.
 

Whats your favorite shawl pattern?

Happy crafting!

Rachael

Toy Time

For 3 years I have subscribed to Lets Knit magazine. I started buying the magazine because it came with a free toy knit kit. 3 years later I have finished 0 of the 36 knit kits and have a mountain of kits in a laundry bag. After finishing 14 projects (1 blanket, 8 washcloths, and 3 pairs of shortie sock, 1 pair long socks, and 1 pair of mittens) I am going to try and make a dent in my pile of toy knit kits.

The kits are cute bright colours and most importantly quick to knit so I should be able to knit one a week. My problem is finishing them. I started a mermaid toy in July 2016 and a hippo toy in August 2016. The knitting is finished, the toys stuffed they just need sewing together. Maybe I will finally finish them on Stuff it Saturday.

What are your oldest projects?

Happy Crafting 

Rachael