Don't dread the small stuff...

It's funny how things that we dread sometimes turn out to not be so bad once you sit your butt down and get on with it. There are a few things in knitting that I tend to avoid like the plague for example cabling, charts and blocking. I don't know why I avoid these things, I've read about them and they don't seem overly difficult but I just think I can't be bothered with all that. Today however I made my first attempt at blocking. I've finally finished the scarf I designed for my sister. I love the result but it curls like hell despite my none-rolling stitches at the beginning and end of each row so I decided to give blocking a go. The stitch pattern I used is quite textured and the yarn label just says 'mixed fibres' so I decided to spritz block instead of wet or steam blocking. I got out my ironing board and pinned the scarf in place using some push pins I had lying around. I thought the process would be very tedious but actually found myself enjoying spreading my piece out and being able to see it in full detail for the first time. After a good spritz to get it damp I am now waiting for it to dry. I felt a real sense of satisfaction as I watched it drying, the satisfaction that comes from one - getting over a silly mental block and two - knowing that you have done something properly.

I am working on a sweater design now and have a few hours of swatching ahead of me. I haven't decided on the stitch pattern or the yarn yet.

I must reduce my stash in time for the January sales so I can stock up again so watch out everyone who knows me, there is a scarf or a sweater coming your way soon!