Monica Knits

One of the two steps in creating the Rocking Horse Bib that I have not yet discussed is blocking. Blocking is to knitting as polish is to shoes. In addition to providing the final shaping, it provides a professional finish. I have used both hand-made blocking tools (padded cardboard covered with a pillow case) and purchased tools, of which there are now a great variety, including specialty tools for socks and lace.

The tools that I use for projects are listed here. Knitting and crochet needles have their own separate blog entries. I will add to this basic list, as I reference tools in projects.

MarkersStitch Markers: I use two types of split ring markers, one type (white in the photo) that I really like but haven't been able to find anymore. The small white, split-ring markers are very useful when knitting and marking fingering and sport weight yarns and when using small diameter needles. The green and orange markers locking stitch markers are better for larger diameter needles, when you want to hold a few stitches at a end of the row for completion later, to temporarily hold a dropped a stitch, or for marking increases and decreases. The green and orange markers are Clover Locking Stitch Markers (#353).