Saturday, March 22, 2008

A Happy Ending

Once upon a time there was an adventurous crocheter who liked to read blogs. She came across this entry and just had to try the shawl. Having never made such a lacy item before, she had no idea what she was getting herself into. First she tried some Wool Ease from the stash.



Not so attractive. Now, of course she could have tried blocking but with only 30% wool content there was little hope.

Being one not to give up easily, a search was begun for the perfect yarn. She needed 450 yards and thought that wool would do the trick. It could be blocked smooth, unlike the Woolease. A little poking around in the LYS yielded the solution almost immediately: Midnight Derby in Smooshy from Dream in Color. She had never seen this yarn before. Lovely shades of blue, 450 yards, 100% merino, a perfect match! Within minutes the yarn was purchased, wound, and stitching begun. All was good until she realized the resulting piece was a mere 8 inches in depth.Could 8 inches really be blocked to a usable depth? Crossing her fingers (and asking her loyal blog readers to cross theirs) she blocked. She soaked, and yanked, and pinned until 8 inches became 16. And the most amazing lace, more beautiful than she anticipated, emerged.

(Many thanks to blogless Amanda for modeling)Want a closer look?

And the happiest part? The adventurous crocheter got to give it away to a friend who adored the finished piece. And several other yarnies were inspired to try making their own. The adventurous crocheter had always been told blocking was like magic. Now, a firm believer she is happily making plans for the next shawl. And so, they lived happily (and warmly) ever after... =-D

11 comments:

Jen said...

That's gorgeous, Gigi!

Blocking is, indeed, a miracle. I'm reminded of a butterfly newly out of the cocoon, wings all wet and crumpled by its body. A little time in the sun, and voila! Colorful wings, dry and stretched out, a beautiful butterfly!

Good work!

Anonymous said...

that's beautiful, great job :) I have your ISE6 pattern picked out, now just deciding on yarn :)
ISE6 Pal

Anonymous said...

OMG, that is gorgeous!!!!! I just finished the NeverEnding Sweater and have been trying to decide what to make for MYSELF. I've also been looking for a crochet shawl project and this is it. Thanks :)

Anonymous said...

So, I thought that I was going to go get the pattern; but it's not on that post. Can you point me in the right direction?

Jackie said...

Such a gorgeous piece. Too bad the wool ease didn't work; the colors are beautiful in person.

Elisa said...

Gorgeous!! Blocking is a miracle, isn't it? You did a lovely job.

International Scarf Exchange said...

That's beautiful! Isn't blocking amazing. I'm one of the converted.

Craftybernie
craftybernie.blogspot.com

Gina House said...

I'm IN LOVE with my "Gigi Lace" and have been totally enjoying the feeling of wearing it. It's such a deep, rich color. Not only was this beautifully crocheted with such a happy ending, but it's been the BEST swap I've had so far! Thank you!!!

Lora said...

Wow Gigi!! Blocking IS our friend eh?!? That is awesome

YarnThing said...

Stunning! Simply Stunning!

xoxox
Marly

Caroline said...

That shawl is amazing! Your second one is even better. Are you going to post pictures of it? Also, I have tagged you for a meme. Rules are on my blog.