Monday, July 29, 2013

To Block or Not to Block?


The Entrelac Shawl with Tassels by Eva Martinnson is off the needles!  Now, I'm trying to decide whether to block it or not.  I really like the deep basket weave texture of the entrelac unblocked.


However, the Rowan Purelife Revive yarn I used for the I-cord, which is silk, cotton and viscose, is a very stiff, non-stretchy business.  In hindsight, probably not the best choice for an I-cord trim, but I wanted the color.  Lesson learned.


So, I'm going to give it a day or two to consider the blocking issue.  The shawl is luxuriously long, emphasized because I used Noro Silk Garden Sock yarn and a size 5 needle instead of the lighter Noro Kureyon Sock and a size 4 needle called for in the pattern.  I am quite sure it would have even satisfied my love for bigger with the pattern suggested yarn.


I kind of like it as a couch scarf.  ;)

Thank you all again for the well wishes and prayers for my hands.  They are sloughing in a very unattractive (and hopefully very effective) manner, but absolutely pain free! 

"Don't be afraid your life will end, be afraid it will never begin."  ~ Grace Hansen

blessings ~ tanna

37 comments:

Pondside said...

I think it looks fabulous like it is, but then I like the emphasis on the basket weave.

LauraLillyLaura said...

It is gorgeous!! Love it blocked or unblocked!!

TexWisGirl said...

oh, it looks fabulous draped on the couch!

Pride In Photos Beauty said...

You are SO clever...you should send this couch scarf to Better Homes and Gardens...they are always on the look out for something unique!!!

Catherine Holman said...

The scarf is really beautiful and I love it draped over the sofa!

Anita@Theycallmejammi said...

Gorgeous. You are so talented. Love the pictures with the scarf as the star!

Deb said...

absolutely amazing....take care Tanna...

Mereknits said...

Oh my goodness you are my knitting hero!!!! This is a beauty. I love it and I think you might be right about not blocking it, I think it looks pretty spectacular just the way it is.

Well don my friend.
Meredith

Catherine said...

Dear Tanna, This is very attractive as a couch scarf; though it will look beautiful draped around the shoulders.
I am glad you are doing.

Blessings my dear. Catherine xo

p.s. Dear Tanna, Thank you for your good thoughts and prayers. I recently went through a divorce after 31 years. (I was a stay-at-home mom.) My home was devastated from Sandy also, so I am now putting my life back together. Thank heaven I have two wonderful kids who have been very helpful. I am trying to get my blog and the Avon to help me financially. It is a new life, literally. Since Sandy washed everything I away. I know the Dear Lord is guiding this event in my life, therefore I must trust in Him.
I thought I should let you know what events have taken place. I feel comfortable enough to let you know and you have been a good friend.
Blessings dear Tanna, Catherine xo

Jill from Killeny Glen said...

I like it JUST the way it is!!

Deborah Hamilton said...

I think I would lightly block it. It looks lovely on your sofa.

Trudy said...

It is outstanding... Looks great on the couch too. The process is a fun knit, I just finished a scarf. That is a great pattern.

Schnitzel and the Trout said...

Tough decision as it looks perfect just the way it is.

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

Praise God you hands are pain-free. I will continue to pray for you that they will heal quickly dear friend. :)

Oh Tanna, I love the scarf. I think it looks perfect as it is, but then again, I am a huge hater of blocking!

It really does look beautiful on the back of your sofa, too.

Blessings to you dear friend. :)

Pammy Sue said...

She's a beauty! The colors are fab. I'm glad that you are not hurting anymore and hope you're back to normal ASAP!

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

HI I have noide what blocked or unbocked means!! Exceot with drains!! However I do love the shawl on the couch.

Mary said...

It is perfection! I say "don't block it!", please. Btw, I cannot get over your water colors on the sidebar....they are absolutely amazing gorgeous.
I found your blog from Scotty's Place where I left a comment yesterday.
Mary/hooksnstyx on Ravelry

podso said...

I do like it with the depth that it shows without blocking (if depth is the right word) and it looks wonderful on the back of the couch. Just shows it off so well! I am so happy your hands are pain free--what a blessing. And I hope you are off to a good week!

Debbie said...

First, I LOVE that quote at the end.
Second, I love that shawl no matter what you do with it. It even looks gorgeous flanked over the sofa. Those colors are just stunning.

Debbie said...

Plus, I'll admit it. I don't even know what blocking is.

It's true.

Debbie hangs her head and skulks out of the room.

kathy b said...

Your shawl is absolutely amazing! I say don't block it.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

I like it unblocked...if blocking is what I think it is. :) It's just so beautiful and looks wonderful on the back of your sofa!!

Tricia Buice said...

I think this has to be one of my favorite things you have ever created. It is gorgeous. Love the color and the weave - beautiful. It looks fantastic on the couch.

Donna said...

I don't know what it would look like blocked, but I love it the way it is....and even before I read your comment under the couch picture, I said to myself that it looked really good just hanging out on the couch!
Glad your hands aren't slowing you down much! love, d.

Judy S. said...

So glad your hands are on the mend! Love the shawl and will be interested to see what you decide about the blocking.

Chatty Crone said...

I am not sure about blocking or not blocking. I can tell you this - I personally LOVE it on the couch. GORGEOUS! sandie

karen said...

If you want it bigger I would block it if not leave it as is. It's beautiful and I bet it's going to keep you quite warm when winter arrives :) Glad your hands are getting better.

Shug said...

I do hope that your hands are much better....bless your heart! I know nothing about this kind of thing, so therefore I wouldn't know the difference. lol. What I do know is that it is truly beautiful....
enjoy..
shug

SouthernHeart said...

It is absolutely STUNNING! I love it like it is with the depth...but have no idea what it would look like blocked. I was sorry to read about your hands but glad you are on the mend!

Blessings,
Dianne
www.sweetjourneyhome.com

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

I say it every time, your work is just a piece of art.
I thought of you when I was picking out a dress to wear for our son's wedding in Italy...I remember you trying to decide what shawl you would wear to your son's wedding.

Bonnie said...

Tanna, Your shawl is dreamy! I love the neckline when it is wrapped and hung loose. The pattern is so pretty and unique. It looks wonderful on your sofa! Your picture of your room makes me want to see more!!! Are your walls gray?

Oh, I adore your tuteur! Makes me want to see more your garden also. Hint. Hint.

I am so behind visiting!!!! My kids are coming and I have a thousand things to do and all I want to do is read my friend's blogs and comment. I have to stop and get to work!

Mary Bergfeld said...

The shawl would be beautiful either way. Your hands, which I'm glad to hear are improving, perform magic that most of us will never be able to accomplish. Have a wonderful weekend, Tanna. Blessings...Mary

Elvis Presley said...

Beautiful! Love the material =]


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pembrokeshire lass said...

I just love the colour and texture of the shawl. I think, were it mine, I would be disinclined to block it. I feel that as it's basket weave it should not be all the same flat surface but the ups and downs adds its character. However at the end of the day, it's what you decide....I'm looking forward to reading the final verdict! I think it looks absolutely lovely over the back of the sofa... as if the two were made for each other!! Joan

janice smith said...

Well that is just gorgeous, Tanna. Absolutely stunning as a garment OR a couch scarf! I'd use it as both!

steph said...

yes, i love it just the way it is, too! (and it will block itself slightly the more it is worn and stored....or used as decoration!) so glad the hands are moving better...an artist without her tools just is NOT a happy place to be.

California Girl said...

this is a seriously sexy throw. I've never seen one like it.

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