New Kid on the Block (get it?)

Work continues on my granny baby blanket for Khadija’s drive. It really has been nice to have this ongoing project to relax with at the end of each day.

Using my newbie, “don’t-know-the-rules” methodology, I figured out this low-tech blocking method, which I thought I’d share. (My crocheting friends: I know this is the equivalent of my saying “Wow, I figured out that combining two and two, you get a lovely FOUR!”. Thanks for your indulgence.)

First, I pulled some paper out of the re-use pile, and cut it into squares – the size that my grannies needed to be after blocking.

Then, I laid out a towel, and placed the paper squares on it.

Next, I just pinned the corners of each granny down, right at the corners of each paper square. My squares are small, so for the most part, that’s all the pinning they needed. . . .

. . . But in a few extra-wonky cases, I added some pins around the perimeter, too.

Then I gave everything a good spritz with a spray bottle, and left it to dry.

This is working great because I can block a lot of squares at once, and once those paper squares have dried, I can use them again and again. And no big blocking board to figure out how to store.

And, isn’t blocking a lovely thing! It transforms my messy beginner crochet into flat, precise pieces. I wish I could block my checkbook . . . desk . . . recipe files.

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carolyn

January 21, 2008 at 9:31 pm · Reply

These look so cute and cheerful! I love the process photos….

January 21, 2008 at 2:31 pm · Reply

Anonymous

January 21, 2008 at 9:59 pm · Reply

Would you believe I’ve never blocked anything … ever? I’m such a bag girl. :)

futuregirl

January 21, 2008 at 2:59 pm · Reply

gl.

January 22, 2008 at 7:22 am · Reply

i love your request for indulgence. but i am so unacquainted with crochet that this whole post was like “TWO? what’s THAT?” :)

January 22, 2008 at 12:22 am · Reply

Jessica

January 22, 2008 at 11:32 am · Reply

Aww – those lovely soft colours make me want to get crocheting a load of baby blankets myself – but if I go out and buy any more wool then my very patient husband may well ask for a divorce!

I’ve also never blocked any of my work… but that is more to do with being the sort of lazy person who never irons, I’m sure most of my crochet projects could do with a good blocking!

January 22, 2008 at 4:32 am · Reply

Cassi

January 22, 2008 at 8:44 pm · Reply

I think using the paper squares is a great way to do blocking – you’re so smart! I’m a little like Alice and don’t do much blocking but I know it is super helpful for things like granny squares.

January 22, 2008 at 1:44 pm · Reply