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A Fini Ashton

My Madeline Tosh fingering weight ¨Mare¨ coloured shawl is now completely finished.   On Friday I picked up blocking rods or wires to complete the beauty making of this shawl.  Although I had previously purchased a few wires, more were needed for this project.  Saturday morning I started the blocking and stretching process.

The directions for blocking a lace shawl given in the Ashton pattern by designer O'Keefe were very clear.  One is directed to spread the top or longest edge out first by running wires through the YOs (yarn overs) at the edge (you weave the rod over and under the openings).  A measurement needs to be taken of that stretched length.  In my case it was 63.25 inches/161 cm.  According to the directions the spine down the center should be one half of that measurement or 31.625 inches/80.5 cm.  Alison, the class instructor, recommended to help the spine remain straight that one should place rods in each side of the knitted stitch that makes up the spine.  I found that to be very helpful in achieving a near perfect center line.  ¨T¨ stainless steel pins are used to hold everything in place.
Seeing what is being described might be helpful.  The ruler is on the spine.
Finally to get the points on either side of the shawl, one runs a ruler along the edges and pulls on the points pinning them in place to dry.  I am a rookie at all of this, but it took only 1 hour from start to finish and that included 20 minutes of the shawl soaking in a quick bath.

It dried for about 36 hours when I just had to dismantle everything to see what I had.  Here's a few pics starting with a reminder of what it looked like before blocking and then a couple after.


Pre-block.  Note the points just curl.

On a white wall.  You can see the spine and points pretty clearly.

Back lit on the glass door of the china cabinet.  This shows off the design pretty well.

I am satisfied and have to admit, this one just might have to be something I keep for myself.  It isn't perfect so I'm reluctant to give it to another.  Today I wore it around the house with a wooden shawl pin I had purchased years ago anticipating someday to have an opportunity to use it.  The colour is perfect for wearing with jeans, BTW.  As a retiree jeans have become a wardrobe staple.

What a complete joy to have this challenging project now fully and completely finished.  I am proud of my tenacity to see this to the end.  Oh, I guess I must have enjoyed myself because a second is already on the needles!

Comments

  1. Unknown2 November 2014 at 23:33

    Wow! Nicely done Jan!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JFlag3 November 2014 at 08:19

      Thanks Candy. This project was about 10 times more challenging vs. any food knitting I have done.

      Delete

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