Replies

1. 
   katina | Nov 14, 2006 10:31am | #1

   Hi Dotty

   I'm assuming that you may have used short rows to create darts in your sweater? I always block my knitting with the water spraying method and am very satisfied with the results.

   Good luck!

1. 
   dotty | Nov 14, 2006 05:24pm | #2

   Yes darts. Should I put balloons under that area when I block it?

1. 
   katina | Nov 14, 2006 05:57pm | #3

   Hi Dotty

   I've used short rows often to shape sweaters/jackets. Where more fullness is needed in the bust, for example, the short rows prevent the front from riding up and causing an uneven hem. To block, I just pin the pieces out, using several pins if the knitting has a tendency to roll (stocking stitch), and then spray with water. The side edges of the piece will lie flat, and you can just ignore the little puffiness that the dart will cause. Knitting's great beauty is its stretch - no need to press the darts to set them as we do with cloth. When you wear the garment, the knitted fabric will accomodate your curves perfectly. It may help you to visualize this if you look at a commercially made sock. Heel shaping on most bought socks is done by short rows - the heel and foot then fill out the shape of the sock.

   I hope this helps.

   Katina

    

1. 
   dotty | Nov 14, 2006 10:55pm | #4

   Thanks for answering.I understand the purpose and the technique of short row shaping. I guess I didn't ask my question clearly. I was afraid of inadvertantly flatening out the curve created by the darts when I block the textured pattern.

1. 
   katina | Nov 14, 2006 11:24pm | #5

   It's really not possible to damage the knitting if you spray it with cold water. I'm sure it will look very nice indeed.

   Katina