Way, way back in May 2010, I selected some soft brown Alpaca Cloud and some gorgeous bronze beads for a full-sized Aeolian shawl …. a mere 2.5 years later, I have finally got this sucker lovely creation off the needles!
Project: Little Brown Aeolian Shawl
Pattern: Aeolian Shawl
Designer: Elizabeth Freeman
Available: FREE! on knitty.com
Yarn: Knit Picks Alpaca Cloud in Carob Heather
Beads: #8 Miyuki seed beads in Dark Bronze Metallic
Now, here is a case where I had to be a process knitter. I absolutely love the finished shawl. Alpaca Cloud is light and soft, the beads are shiny and delightful, the edging and shape of the shawl are perfect. BUT — the knitting, oh the knitting! It was interminable. Beading and nupps? Seriously? I stopped counting stitches when I hit eleven repeats of at least 30 stitches each, per half. Ugh.
But look at this:
…. totally worth it.
I always like to block almost before the last stitch is off the needles. This project was no exception. For your edification, I give you the pre-blocked shawl…
… and the blocking shawl!
Remily Knits 
Yep, I need more blocking squares. Then I can knit more shawls like that.
Stunning.
I’m lucky to have my kids’ old alphabet blocks, but I have heard you can get blocking squares on the cheap by buying them as “garage mats” or “workout room flooring” from the Home/Auto section at WalMart :).
That’s a good idea. Although $24 for a set of 9 isn’t horrible (Knitpicks). I’m curious to compare now.
KP set are nine 12″ squares, so 9 square feet, for $24 … quick look had at least one set of four 24″ squares, so 16 square feet, for $20. The set of 9 is more configurable, but also it’s a pain to deal with the seams. If I didn’t already have my kids’ old set, I think I’d buy bigger squares.
(http://www.walmart.com/ip/Step2-Playmats/2603666)