Basic Blocking

Hi friends! Today I'll be showing you the very basics of blocking. A few tips before we get started: don't change the water temperature drastically, agitate too much, or pour water directly on your item. Doing so can cause felting (felting can be fun if it's on purpose!). Always handle wet projects with more care as they are much more delicate. Finally, always support your piece so it won't stretch out. Let's get started!

Step 1: Gather your small item to be blocked, a bowl, some no-rinse wash, and a towel.

Step 2: Add room temperature water to bowl. Drizzle in a tiny squeeze of the no-rinse wash and give it a good swish. 

Step 3: Place your item in the bowl. Push it to the bottom, gently turn over and push it to the bottom again. Let sit for 30 mins to an hour.

Step 4: Lift item out of the bowl while supporting it from underneath without letting it stretch. Gently squeeze excess water out.

Step 5: Place on towel, gently roll away from you.

Step 6: Reposition item on the dry part of towel taking special care to avoid twisting or stretching out ribbing.

- Sample shown is the Hipster hat by TinCan Knits in Reggae Ombre -

To learn more (with some hands on blocking experience) feel free to sign up for my class Project Finishing 101.

Happy blocking!

Jessica

Cozy Hats for Blustery Days

Hi friends!

I don't know about you, but I've been cold lately and when I'm cold I turn to yarn! All of these hats work up quickly and we have samples at the shop for you to try on! 5 of the hats are knitted and 2 are crocheted and all are fun to make :)

From the top left: Gilbert's Hat in Kenzie, & Hunter in Mistral.
From the middle left: Hipster Hat in Reggae Ombre, Venture in Luxair, & Tall Dark and Handsome in Gradient.
From the bottom left: Bon Bon Toque in Simpliworsted, & Maid Marion in Kenzie.


I also have a bit of outfit inspiration for you too! I personally love wearing color when the weather turns gray and cold. It's such a cheery contrast to the lack of vitamin D (as I type I'm wearing high-waisted blue jeans with polka dots and a white sweater!).

Hipster Hat by makers-mercantile 

Uniqlo merino v neck sweater / Uniqlo jeans / Flat shoes / ASOS blue handbag / Liz Claiborne stone jewelry / Accessorize navy blue shawl / Uniqlo thin belt

I love the bold yet tied-together look of this ensemble. The colors are pulled from the hat with the most dramatic being the colored jeans. If the look is too much for you try switching the pants for something more neutral.

Gilbert's Hat: Explore by makers-mercantile 

Antigua jacket / Adidas sneaker / Sandqvist messenger bag / Puma black steel watch / Cashmere scarve / Eyebobs plastic glasses / Banana Republic Slim Fit Diamond Print Shirt - Canopy green / Hat

I haven't forgot about you men! I put this outfit for the adventurer who takes his crochet on the go.



Until next time,

Jessica