azhilary said:
Question: if one gives a blocked item as a gift, must item be blocked each time laundered ?
With natural fibers they will need to be blocked after each laundering, however, as with this sweater.... Blocking consists of soaking in wool wash, drying in a towel and lying flat to dry... This is no different than you would hand wash any garment.
As for the lace shawl, it required stretching and pinning. Shawls and scarves rarely require frequent laundering. If I give such an item as a gift, I include a note saying that I would be happy to wash for them when the time comes. With SOME gifts, I have INSISTED that the recipient do not try to launder! Lol
If your item is acrylic, it must be steam blocked and that blocking IS permanent.