The Miracle of Blocking.

Madge is completed! And I like this pattern. OK, I had problems with the lace pattern at times but then I'm feeling a bit run down and tired after our holiday and haven't been concentrating fully. But the finished effect is worth the effort in my opinion. Here's the pre-blocked Madge being modeled by Emily:



As you can see there is a lacey pattern but it's tight and sits unstretched to Emily's ears. It did just about stretch to my ears. So, into the sink it went ready to be blocked. The major problem was finding something vaguely headshaped to leave it to dry on, if it was another scorching day like we had during the heat wave I'd have used my head (literally). Anyway I finally found a suitable plant pot and laid the hat out. The difference was instantly noticeable when it came out of the water - it was longer and the lace pattern was looser and more defined and the yarn smelt deliciously woolly (ah, the joys of natural yarns!). Then all I had to do was wait, which seemed like forever. So this morning it was finally dry and look at the results:





The colours are more muted knitted up than the skein appeared with flecks of mustardy yellows in amongst the greys and pinks and purples. The nice thing about this pattern from a cheapskates point of view is the amount of yarn left over - I should just about have enough to make another hat and possibly a matching pair of lacey fingerless mitts for more Christmas presents. I definately have enjoyed making the hat though and can see more hats being added to the 'To Do' list which is no where near shrinking! I think this may be next after Odessa.

Anyway I'll get back to my latest WIP - a Colinette Giotto vest top called Selena from the Akashya pattern book in colours faintly reminicant of the Lasso top I've just finished - shades of green this time paired up with plumy purples which is looking very nice so far. As for the pattern, we'll see what it's like when it's done. Looking at the picture it definately needs lengthening even for a person of limited height. Will post pictures later. I'm not really sure why I'm cracking on with it though - it does seem like summer is over right now with the weather we're having right now. I've even been wearing jumpers!! Anyway, here's hoping for an Indian Summer!!