As I am currently starting the sleeve cap shaping on Matt’s unnamed sweater, I decided it was time to block the front and back. I’m pleased to say that it blocked out to the exact dimensions I expected with no need to stretch and no feeling of oh-no-it’s-growing-so-much that sometimes happens with superwash yarns. This is Miss Babs Keira in McHales and I was also happy to see no real bleeding in the pieces when I soaked them. I almost always wet block pieces and sometimes there is a lot of bleeding. That’s usually an indication that you should wash the finished piece separately for a few washes, or you can treat them with citric acid to fully set the dye. I did wet block my swatch before starting the sweater, but there can be a big difference in how things behave when you consider that pieces of a sweater are much heavier than a swatch.
The sleeves are nearing the finish. Knitting has been very slow for me lately. I’m taking things slowly to avoid injury, as I periodically get pain in my right arm ranging from the wrist all the way up to the shoulder depending on how much I push things. I know that’s not a good attitude so I’ve been trying to slow down so I can keep knitting for life, not just for now. I also purchased a book on knitting ergonomics that I am eager to read and review. I’m sure it will have great tips and it has lots of exercises to help prevent injury.
I’m ecstatic to be blocking these pieces. I still haven’t decided if I’m writing up the pattern or not. At this point it seems like an extensive amount of work, but then again it could be a good way to engage knitting brain while giving my body a rest.
I got the book a while ago and it has definitely helped me correct some issues that were causing me pain. I will be interested to hear what you think!
That’s encouraging to know that it has helped you. Thank you for sharing!
This is a fabulous color. I smile every time I see your avatar. I love you as a brunette and lookin’ all boho sassy. Do be vocal about that book. I may have to pick one up. I know he’ll be at STITCHES West this year. I switched to Portuguese knitting which is supposed to be more ergo but I’ve had some fatigue this year as I think it’s because I’ve been doing more knitting and I know my laptop isn’t ergo on our dining room table.
Aw thanks so much! My hair color changed dramatically as I tried out a no-shampoo baking soda wash and ACV rinse for a couple of years. Now I’m back to regular shampoo and I’m interested to see what happens with it. Aside from the few random greys I want to pluck… I really should update my avatar sometime!
Try a getting a deep tissue massage for your neck, shoulders, back, arms, and hands…and light pressure on your scalp. I had a similar problem although I didn’t realize that the way I knit was causing the issue. You don’t have to go hoyty-toyty either. Massage Envy or another chain is good enough. You just want a strong masseur that can take direction.
Yes please review the book! I get muscle strain in my right shoulder so I have trained myself to swap between different knitting styles every half hour or so. I swap between english style flicking, throwing, Continental, combined, lever knitting with one needle braced underarm and very occasionally Portugese. I can’t remember if this is my first comment here, I wanted to add that your blog is beautifully layed out and your projects are so stylish. Thanks for blogging!