I have blocked several scarves, both bobbin lace and knitted lace. My preference is to use blocking wires. I have a special set of interlocking blocks that can be configured to cover under the scarf. The wires are each 36" long, and they are closely woven through the edge of your scarf and then pinned into the foam with the wire ends overlapping and secured by pins. My preference is to stretch the lace just slightly, so that after the pins and wires are removed, the lace can relax to the size it was designed to be.
If this is the only scarf you think you will ever make, the cost of the wire set (around $20) and the foam block set (somewhere between $15 and $20) may be more than you want to spend. In that case, go to a good LYS (local yarn shop) and see if they offer the blocking service for a fee. Another option is to check with members of local lace and knitting clubs to see if someone there can help you! I have even used this system on a lovely shawl I knitted for a dear lacemaking teacher of mine. This shawl was triangular, and had a straight edge and two pointy scalloped edges. I used wires in the usual manner on the straight edge, and on the scalloped edge used them to create a smooth line between the body of the shawl and the pointy edge treatment! The points were then defined by carefully placed pins. The result was lovely, and has lasted for years! Clay Clay Blackwell Still snow-bound in Virginia, USA Sent from my iPad > On Jan 24, 2016, at 4:05 PM, Lorelei Halley <[email protected]> wrote: > > Julie > > I think pinning it at foot long intervals is not a good idea. You will end > up with pointy scallops. Elizabeth Kurella's method works better, I think. > > Lay the dripping wet lace on a clean waterproof surface. Use your fingers to > stretch the lace into the shape it should have. Leave it along completely > until it is totally dry. Water tension will stick the lace to the surface. > You will end up with a lace that is 95 % of its original condition. > > Also, I would recommend cool water , not warm. > > Please post a picture on our flickr page. I would love to see it. > > Lorelei > > - > To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: > unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to > [email protected]. Photo site: > http://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/ - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]. Photo site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
