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.
Oh my favourite thing too – seeing the results. I’ve just started using the blocking wires – do you have any tricks when you need two wires to block a long side? I find I’m getting a weird bump where the two wires overlaps…I’ll take any tricks or tips you have on blocking. I only started lace knitting this past year…Thanks!
I love your blog and fairy stories–beautiful
Beautiful!
Thanks Kelly and Chrissie!
Hasmi – I’m not sure what tricks I might have. Maybe I’ll take some pictures next time I block a real shawl. I do overlap the wires for an inch or two, but I’ve never gotten any weird bumps. I just make sure they are threaded the same way through the edging. I also use lots of wires (e.g. along the top, down the spine, sometimes even on the edging) to make it even. And measure, measure, measure, to make it symmetrical.
I hate the process of blocking. I do it on the floor and crawling around inserting wires and pins is a pain but I love the result of blocking .Have a shawlette blocking on the floor right now. Tend to block mine over night to stop dog and kids walking on it. Although our dog knows anything blocking is a no-go area and walks around it.
I know exactly what you mean.
My back hurts when I’m done. But the result is awesome.