Edging

Nearly done. This is the second try on the edge. Originally, I tried a slip stitch type of ribbing. Unfortunately it did not lie flat. It was wavy and the edges curled. After completing two sides, (one short and one long) I ripped it out and started over. As much as I hated that, it was better to have a decent-looking finish on this project. This time, I picked up about 20-25% fewer stitches on the long edges and worked a simple K1P1 ribbing with mitered corners. It's simple, lies flat and is effective. Each row of the ribbing changes color. Every other row is done in light teal, for consistency. The alternate rows are worked in stripes of all the other colors.. I've worked the ribbing for about 3-4 inches (length of my index finger). In real terms, that means I worked the ribbing until I was sick of it. Since each round had at LEAST 600 stitches......I was unusually patient. I worked 12 rounds......

Knit Periodic Table: The New Elements

This photo shows how I interpreted the elements that have temporary names. That means that most of them have been "discovered" (synthesized) but IUPAC and IUPAP have not verified them or agreed on a two-letter symbol and name. Note that UUS, (atomic number 117) has not been discovered yet.The layout of the three-letter elements is not ideal, but I was happy just to get three letters squeezed into the space originally intended for two letters. As the new elements get permanent names, I have the option of changing the letters. I might also be too lazy to do that.

Rare Earths, done

Progress photo. Rare earths done. The last groups to go in are the newest elements, the halogens and the inert gases.

Periodic Table Shawl Knit: Adding Metalloids

A progress photo. The metalloids are going in, along with the rest of the rare earths. Slogging along at this point. The novelty has worn off. Note stubborn cat on left.

Periodic Table Knit Update: Transition Metals

I'm finishing the Transition Metals. I'm going to fiddle with the Nonmetals and Metalloids/Poor Metals together. Trying to figure out color combinations using existing yarns only. I don't want to buy anything or add another yarn. So far, I was lucky to find reasonably compatible cotton yarns in my stash. Luck is the key word, here. Even though I've read a good deal more color theory than average, strange things happen when I combine yarns......

Transition Metals and Rare Earths

Actually, this is from a couple of days ago. I stretched out the knitting so I could get a sense of the overall project. (Of course a cloud passed over to change the lighting while I was working.) Interestingly enough, the letters look better from a distance. That is what I need to see. When I work on the individual stitches, I lose perspective and get totally fixated.....pixellated, if you will. Stepping back allows me to see that potassium (K) needs an extra stiche and thatI want to replace the dark green bars between the Reactive Metals and the blanks blocks for the Rare Earths. The Transition Metals and Rare Earths are the longest running portion of the Table. I really want to work steadily so that I don't put it down and start to procrastinate. If I pick up anything else now, this project is DOOMED.

Periodic Table: Chart of Updated Elements

Here is my graph of the recent updates to the Periodic Table of the Elements. My update is based on the original charts of Avital Pinnick. I am insanely grateful to Avital for having such a great idea. Avital's Periodic Table Sweater and original charts can be found at her blog, This and That. I have used her layout and style so that the new or changed elements can be incorporated right in with the elements that she charted. I have chosen to arrange my project according to the 2007 (most recent) IUPAC version of the Table. I have also chosen to add element 112, Copernicum, which was officially named this year. I will also probably add the temporarily named elements that have three-letter symbols. I have charted these symbols, but had to compress the letters. I would suggest duplicate stitching the temporary symbols so that official symbols could be added later. I'll add photos as the new elements get stitched into my shawl.