Friday, June 01, 2007

Blocking Time

I'd like to thank everyone that left a comment with suggestions on creating a blocking board.

Based on the suggestions, I went looking for either cork board squares or some of those exercise mats that fit together like puzzle pieces.

I only went to one store, Wal-Mart, so I didn't do much comparison shopping I was really into getting something quick that would work.

I found the cork squares in the office section. Each piece of cork was a 12 inch square. Each package had 4 pieces and was just under $6.

I looked in the sport-camping section and didn't see any of those little modular mats that I thought looked pretty neat. I liked the idea of being able to move the pieces around to custom shape the board layout for each project. But, they didn't have any of those.

I did see several yoga mats and thought about one of those for a second, but those were all over ten dollars. I really didn't want to spend a lot of money, so I ended up buying a camping mat. It is a blue blue foam material that is about a 1/2 thick and about 20" wide and 74" long.

You could easily cut it into smaller pieces, but this one sits nicely on my kitchen island. The nice thing is that it was just under $6 and I can roll it up and stick it in the laundry room. I thought it might hold up a little longer than the cork. The cork wasn't as thick as the foam.




I stuck masking tape on the mat in the shape and size I wanted the lizard ridge squares to be and started blocking. The pattern suggesting steam blocking, but I decided to use a little wool wash and soak. I'm able to block five squares at a time and I should have them all blocked in a another day. Then I'll have to decide on a layout. I hope to get some of that done this weekend. Then it's onto seaming.

Oh, I've been playing around with my blog template just a little. So if you drop by and something doesn't look right let me know - I'll try and fix it.

17 comments:

Sue J. said...

I love the Lizard Ridge squares. But, oh, your blog header picture! Made me hungry just to look at it. Everything looks great on your blog.
Clever idea, too, with the thumbnail pics.

Anonymous said...

Loved the thumbnails...
Your squares look wonderful - so colorful. (Aren't you glad you have that island??) Can't wait to see it together.

Desiree said...

That camping mat is awesome! I have to get one! And I love the thumbnails!

Zonda said...

Superb idea!! So much easier to roll up and put away! I like how you put the masking tape on it too! Geesh, you LR peeps got me wanting to make one now! BTW, the bag on the floor with your squares...awesome to use for knitting projects, yarn, etc!

Hope the blocking goes fast!

cpurl17 said...

Knitters are smart! And your new blog template is great!

Anonymous said...

What an awesome idea, this is really fantastic, especially the fact how easy it'll be to roll up and put away - perfect indeed! I also love the thumbnails - your squares look amazing!

Monika said...

Great idea and even these shots are artistic! Love your kitchen from what I can see! Good Luck with sewing it all together!

Batty said...

Your squares look beautiful!

I love how you made your very own blocking board. It's fantastic, I may have to make one too!

Deb said...

Love the new blog layout, I LOVE that your mom reads your blog! and I love your kitchen!! Can't wait to see the finished lizerd ridge square blanket too!

Anonymous said...

The square are looking great! What a fantastic idea to use the camping mat. A wise spender. :)

Leslie said...

The squares are awesome! I drool every time I see someone knitting this pattern. I'm not sure I have enough stamina to complete the afghan myself!

Stacey said...

that is a great idea for a blocking mat! I have seen those foam squares in the kids section where the toys are - not sure why, but that seems to be where they pop up. They are pretty cheap too.

The Kelly Green Rogue said...

thanks for the info on the blocking mat, I don't have one and still haven't decided what I'm gonna use.

Anonymous said...

Great idea using the camping mat! I can't wait to see the finished afghan; it's going to be gorgeous!

gilraen said...

I finally started this project and seeing yours again is inspirational. I really appreciate you showing the colour and numbers all knitted up like that. It will be superb when it's all sewn up :D

Theresa said...

I can't wait to see the finished project! I know it will be beautiful.

Unknown said...

Foam was a great idea. got to finish my Lizard Ridge too.