It never ceases to amaze me what a difference it makes to block lace projects. Some lace knitters I know think that blocking the final piece is the best part of making a lace shawl, because you can really see how the pattern opens up. I’m not quite that enthusiastic about it myself. I mean, I really DO love to see the lace open up, and to see the completed shawl in all its glory. On the other hand, threading the blocking-wires and pinning the shawl out on a bed in the basement is not all that enjoyable either. Usually it’s something I do when I’m at home by myself (so I don’t get interrupted).
Now, going back into the basement the next day to unpin the blocked piece….. THAT’S enjoyable. 
These two pictures show the same lace swatch, first unblocked, and then blocked. My lace tends to grow a lot more length-wise when I block it. This particular swatch almost doubled in height when wet-blocked. And the lace pattern opens up and you can really see the design.
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