Sunday, March 6, 2011

Blocking Questions...

So, here it is: the Anne Orr 'Large Table Doily'. I'm working on the last full round and have gotten 1/2 way around. (still having trouble with the last split ring in each of the diamonds...they're getting better...just not as nice as I'd like)



I will probably soak and block the doily after this round and before the 15 small motifs are started. I have so many questions that I'm not sure where to begin.

To block:

1. Should I start in the center then alternate between the center and outer rounds?
2. What do I do with the unfinished thread space?
3. Do I direct all the unfinished thread space to march in file or can it find it's own way?

So, you get the picture. I need some suggestions as to how you might progress with a mess like this. I've got the pins. I've got the blocking foam. Now, two more days of tatting and then...it's off to blocking land.

Please, help bring the blocking anxiety into a manageable place.

Happy day!
John

6 comments:

  1. I've covered my blocking board with vinyl gingham tablecloth fabric. I like it because the squares are even and I can see exactly where each pin should go to make the final piece even.

    I block in rounds from the inside out. I kind of finger press each round into shape, making sure my picots, rings, and chains lie flat. It's very time consuming, but well worth the effort. Have fun!

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  2. Sounds like Diane has it covered. I'm no help at all. I have only done one large table piece and it was motifs,not rounds. Good luck!

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  3. Blocking? How do you spell that? Like Leggo? What?
    Fox : ))

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  4. - forgot.... It looks amazing! : )

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  5. I think Diane has it covered as well. I'm a steam blocker, so I rarely use pins unless there are a lot of beads that I'm afraid will melt.. Though I've never had any bare thread before, so I don't know how well steaming would work.

    The doily looks good! Can't wait to see it finished!

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  6. Diane covered it well. I like her use of the table cloth. I do not even get it damp until it is all pinned out and then I spray well with water and let it dry. Will be looking for your finished picture. Karen in OR

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