An apt description, from the Hemlock Ring Yahoo group, regarding the finishing phase of the blanket. These behemoths have eight tenticular points radiating from a lump of a head. They curl and undulate and strenuously defy attempts at blocking.
One of my fellow octopus trainers, at our semi-monthly Ravelry get together, exclaimed "Blocking? Schmocking!" She’s elected to take hers to the dry cleaner for a chemical bath and the steam roller treatment. $7 cheap.
My species is particularly resistant, being a blend of cotton and acrylic, purposely knitted that way for ease of care – machine washable and dryable. I didn’t think far enough into the future to consider that its stunning look depends heavily upon the blocking. So here I am "patiently" awaiting to see the results of the jet-enginelike spin cycle of the front loading washing machine. If that doesn’t kill its cordiform tendencies, I will be seriously discouraged.
Three hours and 320 pins later: the wrangling continues using three people and items such as hand weights and staple and nail guns. Steam will be the next weapon of choice, hoping to ease out the bumpy feathers. But that’s enough for today, I just don’t have that much fight in me and am in need of a meal and a night of sleep before the next round. Li zero, octopus one.
(Message to Rou-Jia: I replied to your request for my pattern, but have had the e-mail returned twice as undeliverable. Please e-mail me at boesencrew dot shaw dot ca and I’ll try sending it as a reply to your e-mail.)
Life's a Stitch 
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