Unraveled Under the Canopy

I've been adding my projects and what stash I do have to my notebook on Ravlery and exploring the site a bit. I added my "Twisted" shorties pattern to the Ravelry library. I was a little surprised to see already listed was my S3 pattern! Other people have made it. Other people have put it in their faves and in their queues! I don't know why this is a surprise to me. It was published in a book. It is available on Amazon (among other places). I was just thrilled to see that someone took the time to put the info up on Ravelry.

I took the confidence boost and ran with it - stright to my lace!

This was attempt #2. On my first attempt, my center ended up off-center in the middle of the second repeat. But, this being my first lace and a special ME knit (I dont get those often, I usually give away what I make) I frogged it all back and started over. I am MUCH happier with it now! Notice the lifeline? I learned my lesson! Of course, now that I am using a lifeline, I haven't had to rip back. this was taken at about the same point I frogged the first go-round. I am now up to the 6th repeat and already starting to worry about blocking*!

My original plan was to pin & block on my cutting table, but my cat seems to be confusing it for his bed lately. Plan B is now to block at my Mom's house. Her sewing room is well barricaded against intruders (aka Jimmy), is pet free, and is home to a spare bed perfect for blocking. my next dilema is blocking wires. I don't own any. I don't even know where to get them. I should check my LYS for some. Do I really need them? can I improvise? use something around the house? I suppose I should just suck it up and go buy some since I am already plotting my next lace project.

what is your opinion of blcking wires? cast your vote?

*I do block other knits, but the real estate required for hats, socks, mittens and longies is significantly smaller than what this shawl will require.