Spring 2017 CAL - Sargassum shawl - Wrap Up

The CGOA Spring 2017 CAL is nearing an end, and this will be the last post. Have you finished your Sargassum shawl? There's still 1 week to catch up, before the link party / photo gallery closes.  Just one more week for the giveaway too, so be sure to get your entries in! You can find all the details, including prizes and giveaway information, on the main CAL post

Once you have finished crocheting your shawl, it's time to block it!

Blocking is particularly important for lacy designs like this one, as it helps to open it up. The basic idea is to get your shawl wet, squeeze out most of the moisture, stretch it out on a flat surface, and pin it in place while it dries.  Here are a few tips:

• I like to soak my projects for at least 5 minutes to make sure all the fiber is saturated. I also use a gentle fiber wash  and/or rinse product. 
• Be careful not to wring the fabric. To get more moisture out, try rolling it up tightly into a towel instead. 
• When laying it out, remember that cotton reacts to blocking differently than wool or acrylic. Wet cotton will stretch very easily, but won't bounce back again once dry. Take care to stretch it gently, and a little at a time. 
• You can use any surface you don't mind sticking pins into. However, using a smoother surface, like blocking mats, helps the fabric to dry more quickly. An absorbent surface like towels will actually hold the moisture in place much longer. 
• If you don't want to use a million pins, try blocking wires. These are great for projects with long, straight edges like this. I used pins mainly because I couldn't find my wires at the time. 

Please do share your finished photos on the Facebook group and on the linkup on the main CAL page, so we can all enjoy seeing them!

Finally, one more shout out to our wonderful giveaway prize sponsors:

• Knitters Pride
• Karen Whooley
• Bead Biz - see the main CAL post for a special coupon code! 

Please consider supporting our sponsors -we couldn't bring you great CALs and prizes without them! You can find complete prize details and giveaway entry instructions in the main CAL post.

Thanks for making this shawl with us, and I hope you'll join in our next fun CAL as well!