I've never learnt! So it's really just my latest lockdown/covid hobby, but I've always wanted to learn so I could pretty things up or turn mending items into making them more beautiful. Thus buying all the things, because I had no colours at all. I've picked out colours for a few cute small floral patterns that would go nicely over small mends, so I can practice them to start and then hopefully still have plenty of thread to replicate them on clothes later if I like them. And yeah, I'm hoping not to unravel the scarf too, though it is only a few days knitting so far so it wouldn't be the end of the world if it improves the final product.

By pressing do you mean with an iron? I'd call that ironing so just checking I'm understanding you right, but no I'd never press anything either. Is that really something people do? D:

Blocking I find really helpful though for getting the stitches to sort of... even out I guess? I do find it makes the finished knit look more uniform, and helps it keep its shape with less fussing when I wash it or to get something to behave eg if the edges of something in stockinette are curling. I believe it helps with getting the right gauge if you block your swatches first, so you can adjust for however much the knit loosens or stretches when washed. I'm still working my way up to sweaters and things so I've only somewhat put that to the test. It's hard to do right with just make shift things though anyway, so I'm very excited to be able to pin things properly to boards now.