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Mary D.
Chatty Knitter
USA
257 Posts |
 Posted - 05/14/2004 : 04:14:43 AM
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| Does anyone have the Spaceboard for blocking that they sell in the Patternworks catalog? The board I am using now is made of corrugated cardboard and has warped from the moisture. |
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Laura Ver
Seriously Hooked
656 Posts |
Posted - 05/14/2004 : 7:02:16 PM
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Mary, I splurged on the Spaceboard and blocking wires from Patternworks several years ago and I am so glad I did. I use them all the time. The quality is excellent; the spaceboard can withstand the heat and steam from my iron. I can stand it on its side, slightly folded, if I ever run out of space on the table. The grid is very useful and practically spares me the need to use a tape measure, and the wires also help. Sewing up finished pieces is a (relative) breeze. I figured I was spending about the same $$$ as for a sweater project when I went ahead and bought the Spaceboard.It helped me to see the expense in that perspective!
You may want to check Knit Picks. For some tools,their prices are a bit lower than Patternworks.I suggest you get the wires too if you go for the Spaceboard.
Laura |
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Mary D.
Chatty Knitter
USA
257 Posts |
Posted - 05/15/2004 : 03:58:04 AM
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| Thanks, Laura. I only needed one little nudge to convince me that it is worth it. I also realized that after spending hours knitting a project, it doesn't make sense not to finish it properly. |
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Laura Ver
Seriously Hooked
656 Posts |
Posted - 05/15/2004 : 10:24:07 AM
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I know what you mean, Mary. It is a substantial amount of $$ to spend on something other than yarn! I have noticed while surfing various knitting blogs, which feature pix of sweater parts on the blocking board, that the Spaceboard is pretty popular. There really is something to say about having the right/best possible tools for the job...
Laura |
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carpe diem
Permanent Resident
1158 Posts |
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Wovenflame
Seriously Hooked
Canada
812 Posts |
Posted - 05/18/2004 : 9:23:22 PM
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Has anyone heard anything bad about blocking wires? I inquired about them at the LYS and she seemed to have a real negative view on them. She said that they make holes in the garment?! I tried using long thin knitting needles in place of wires (rather than pinning every few inches) and it seemed to work great. I am still considering buying blocking wires. Has anyone had any problems using them?
-Marlene- |
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kimkrafty
Permanent Resident
USA
2119 Posts |
Posted - 05/19/2004 : 03:36:16 AM
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I'm curious about blocking boards too. Planning to do a search of threads here at KR today. I always think of large ticket items and translate them into yarn I could have purchased. 
Kimberly, kniting in VA
FO for 2004: 2/3 :) |
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carpe diem
Permanent Resident
1158 Posts |
Posted - 05/19/2004 : 10:11:35 AM
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Are the blocking wires used in place of pins? I don't have problems using long, rust-resistant quilting type pins.
I'm with you too Kimberly translating large ticket items into potential yarn purchased...
~ Lisa, Seattle |
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Tuppence
Chatty Knitter
USA
139 Posts |
Posted - 05/19/2004 : 11:24:22 AM
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Marlene and Lisa,
I've used blocking wires a lot, and I like them. When blocking a rectangular piece, I thread a wire up through the last stitch of each row on both sides. Then only a few pins are needed to anchor the ends of the piece and maybe one or two pins in between to keep the wire straight. Since I usually do my blocking on a carpeted floor, I want to minimize the number of pins. For some reason DH doesn't like it when he finds pins in the carpet!  
Wires are especially useful for lace items, which often have an edging with scallops or points that the wires can be threaded through.
- Marie, NW of Chicago |
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Laura Ver
Seriously Hooked
656 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2004 : 1:26:55 PM
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As long as one is careful when threading the wires,there really shouldn't be any problem. The set sold by Patternworks includes two very thin, flexible wires, meant to use around non-straight edges like a round neck or a rounded sleeve cap, which could also work for the edges of,say, very fine lace. The regular wires are a bit less thin but I have never noticed any holes in my blocked pieces. You do have to proceed with care. I sit down at a table (as this could be a back-breaking job) and don't rush through the process, weaving the wire in and out of the edge stitch every one or two inches (starting above the ribbing).If you keep your wire on the very edge,any distortion will disappear inside the seams. T-shape pins go in every few inches on the inside of the wires to keep the fabric stretched to its blocked dimensions. I do make sure to wipe my wires clean now and then, just to be safe, but so far I haven't had any problem and I love the straight edges they produce.
Laura |
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knitlethab
Seriously Hooked
Canada
604 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2004 : 11:23:24 PM
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Hi Mary:
I use blocking pins all the time. The blocking pins I use are flexible wire like and cannot damage knits. It's great when you want to straighten out edges, lace or not. Great...for only .99 cents the're great
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Wovenflame
Seriously Hooked
Canada
812 Posts |
Posted - 05/26/2004 : 3:09:06 PM
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Thanks everyone for the info about blocking wires. I must get me some!
-Marlene- |
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Mary D.
Chatty Knitter
USA
257 Posts |
Posted - 06/05/2004 : 07:33:27 AM
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| Thanks, everyone, for your comments. I took the plunge and bought myself a Spaceboard yesterday. I haven't used it yet but will let you know how I like it. |
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pqpatch
Gabber Extraordinaire
USA
572 Posts |
Posted - 06/16/2004 : 6:04:32 PM
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| I was fortunate enough to work at a quilt shop and so could buy anything for 25% off. Well I purchased the large space board for quilting but found it to be great for blocking when I started to knit again. So I got a double bonus. |
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knitlethab
Seriously Hooked
Canada
604 Posts |
Posted - 06/16/2004 : 11:10:54 PM
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| You can make a great blocking board. I bought a particle board, table top size, one old flannel sheet to cover and a gingham cloth...good quality. I sandwiched the flannel sheet between the particle board and gingham and wrapped it to totally cover the board. Voila, you have a blocking board for under $10.00 CAn. I use that at work. It is a really strong "workhorse". You now can place you knits and pin them in place and then stand the blocking board out of the way until you're ready to the knit piece. I also bought a roll away blocking board...looks a little like a bed roll. Has a cover that is heat resistant (like your ironing board). I can put that on the floor and pin my knits to that. I then lay it on my bed until its dry. |
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SerMom
Permanent Resident
Canada
6412 Posts |
Posted - 06/17/2004 : 5:34:37 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by knitlethab
You can make a great blocking board.
There's a great article on making your own blocking board in an old knitty issue. I was hoping for one for my birthday last week, but . . I guess I should have known better, since I'm still waiting for the circular needle organizer I was supposed to get for Channukah.
Barbara
Remember, we're self-selecting!
My photos:
http://photos.yahoo.com/sermomca
My new blog:
http://sermomknits.blog-city.com/ |
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Mermaid Knits
Permanent Resident
Canada
1119 Posts |
Posted - 06/29/2004 : 4:22:33 PM
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I bought a Spaceboard ages ago and it is a very good product - both for how well it's designed and for how much I use it. That's the true test after all -usage. I LOVE MINE. There is no wear and tear evidence on it after almost ten years. I store it folded (designed to do this). But it seems to be out more than in storage. My husband uses it as well to pin out natural leathers, suedes and hides - to "block" them prior to his sewing projects. Ironing large things is so easy too.
There's not a lot of big ticket items needed for serious knitters. A skein holder, ball winder and this.
Rabid for my Spaceboard, Arctic-mermaid |
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vicky by the bay
Permanent Resident
USA
4768 Posts |
Posted - 06/29/2004 : 4:47:48 PM
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I'm not sure what brand I have...I got it from Angelika's...well I ordered it through her...it comes from the producer. I love it. I love my blocking wires also. Have never produced a hole from them and my garment seems to be much straighter and easier to sew together. I find it much easier to block and dry my knitted garments now and not so much a chore...now if I could feel the same about stitching up the seams and setting sleeves!!!
Vicky (Queen O'Yarn archivist-QYA) |
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vicky by the bay
Permanent Resident
USA
4768 Posts |
Posted - 06/29/2004 : 4:54:27 PM
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Just checked. No mines not the same as you have. I have the EZ blocking board large made by Ohio Table Pad Company. I love it. Here's the site I bought it from:
http://www.yarn-store.com/blocking-supplies.html
This is also my favorite spot to buy my Lorna's Laces from...she always has the colors in sock and sport weight that I want. Once in a while she does have to back order the worsted wt. She gives great customer service. Thanks. Vicky
Vicky (Queen O'Yarn archivist-QYA) |
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jj1150
Chatty Knitter
USA
259 Posts |
Posted - 06/29/2004 : 6:24:31 PM
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Hi Vicki (glad to see you're back) 
On my list of "want to buy" things is the blocking board, etc. I looked at the link you provided and I think that is the MOST info I have seen any website have on the blocking stuff.
Question for you: Did you also get the sweater finishing video? Boy, that sounds nice too!! If you did, how did you like it? Is it worth the $$$?
thanks!!
jody |
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vicky by the bay
Permanent Resident
USA
4768 Posts |
Posted - 06/29/2004 : 8:10:44 PM
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| Jody...I do have the video. Since I'm such a new knitter...it was definately worth the $$. I also purchased Nancie Wiseman's The Knitting book of Finishing Techniques. It's one of the best books I own. I love it and use it often. I love Angelika's site. She is super helpful and an awesome lady. If I'm ever in Coos Bay Oregon again.... one of my favorite ocean side villages...I promised her I would stop in and say hi at her shop. Hope you eventually get a board, the book, and the video. They are all so helpful. Vicky |
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