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