Friday, September 05, 2008

FO: cosmic radiation scarf

scarf graph - long

Knitting service, as promised, resumed.

It seems to be traditional amongst knitting science types to make your thesis supervisor the DNA cable scarf as a thank you. My PhD over and done with (by the way, thanks for all the congratulations comments, emails and ravelry messages), I guessed it was my turn.

But it felt a tad impersonal. So I checked out what my supervisor's thesis had been on, by typing her name into the library catalogue at the university she did her PhD. Answer: black holes and quantum cosmology. (she changed research interests somewhat since then, my PhD was on kids science books).



scarf graph - close 3

After dabbling with knitting a black hole (could do a great reversible cowl, no?) I asked some advice from a couple of physics friends and the scientist knitters group on ravlery, finally deciding on a wave based loosely on the power spectrum of cosmic microwave background radiation.

I was all set to cable it, but after a swatch or six, it still didn't look right. So, working on the very scientific principle that simplest is best, I did a basic flat scarf and embroidered the pattern over the top.

Yarn:
100g of DK British wool from eco-annie, with a bit of my tea-dyed bamboo/wool sockyarn for the detail.
Needles: 3.25mm, my favourite short smiley-faced ones.
Pattern: basic 2-stitch, 3-row basket-weave stitch pattern over 42 sts (with a stitch slipped at either side).
Ravelled: here.

I'll finish with a shot of the finished scarf's edges against some similarly fluffy clouds. The yarn was so lovely - like working straight from the sheep.

scarf clouds

21 comments:

Unknown said...

That's beautiful! Your supervisor should be very proud. I am sure you will include washing instructions.....

Anonymous said...

Nice scarf!

Pig wot flies said...

Cool! There should be more cosmology-inspired knitting in the world.

The A.D.D. Knitter said...

She is going to love it. And stitching the motif on the top was such the way to go!

YowlYY said...

Belated congratulations!! Now, in Italy we would call you Dottoressa Alice :)
Lovely scarf, and nice idea with the embroidery on top. Was the prof pleased?

Veronique said...

What a great idea! I can see that the DNA scarf, as great as it it, wouldn't have fit in with the topic of your thesis. Your personalized scarf is so much more special :)

erngrn said...

this is a beautiful scarf! and what a great idea for it.

Knit - R - Done said...

Very interesting. Nce work.

Lolly said...

I love the way you think! and what a cool and thoughtful gift. She will love it, I am sure. Great embroidery!

Team Knit said...

the scarf is gorgeous! I love your more personal touch right now, the embroidery is perfect.

- Julie

Nicola said...

What a great idea! Original knitting is the best.

Anushka said...

ooh, look at that lovely halo...great job on the scarf - i'd never have the patience to embroider on my knitting!

Sabrina Hirsch said...

Wow, what a great idea (I also loved the reversible cowl idea too), and what beautiful execution. She will love it!

tablet pc said...

It can't work as a matter of fact, that is what I consider.

www.camobel.net said...

The dude is totally right, and there is no suspicion.

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