But...there is progress! Blocking, even!
I am really not the best blocker in the world. Half the time I don't even bother. But some of these pieces needed bossing around, so here we go. I filled the washing machine with cold water and soaked the pieces for about 15 minutes, with just a little bit of mild detergent. I should have used wool wash, but I don't have any.
After they soaked and Daughter ate some lunch, I took the pieces out and carefully squeezed out most of the water. Then I gently rolled each piece up in a towel. A little bit of the dye came off on the towel, but I didn't see any in the water at all, so once again a big thumbs up for Knitpicks.
Then I just pinned the pieces out. The collar and sleeves are on my blocking board, but we went to the ironing board for the front and back.
The back. The button bands needed major stretch-age. I probably should have gone up a needle size (from US 3 to 4). But I think it will stretch; it's merino after all.
The front. Just wanted to stretch the cables open a little bit here, so they are visible. There was really no way to block out the enormous skirt, because it's so gathered at the waist, so I'm just leaving it to dry. I think it will be fine. I mean, this is a special project and all, but it's going to be worn by an 8-month old baby on a major holiday. She'll be passed around, and sitting and laying on the floor.
But we are not out of the woods regarding the yarn shortage issue. Visible in the upper right corner of that last picture is the little bit of yarn I have left. I can't believe this. I always have so much yarn left over, but this time I am praying to just have enough to seam.
I should really clean my house while these pieces are drying, but Christmas is less than 5 weeks away now...and I can clean the house December 26th, right? Onward to the gift knitting!!!
3 comments:
The dress looks great!
I'm totally with you on the housecleaning - we can live in dirt for a few more weeks!
That dress is very impressive. And you can always use red thread to sew up the seams. It doesn't have to be wool.
Thanks for visiting my blog. I'm glad I brought back lovely memories with that song. Norah Jones is one of my favourite singers.
I agree with Suse... in fact, I seam with thread whenever it looks like the seam will be even a bit bulky, since I'm a bit sensitive to seams, tags, necklines... (you get the picture- I'm like a small child) But I would suggest washing (and blocking) first, in case there are any color changes in the wool.
Beautiful work by the way! There's going to be one adorable 8-month old being passed around this Christmas
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