Knit Periodic Table: With The New Elements

Here is the finished article. It's about the size of my dining room table, just under 4 x 6 feet. The picture was taken by my husband, who stood on a chair to get most of the piece in the frame.
Once the shawl/afghan was completed, I realized that there is NO way that I'm going to just drape this over a chair anytime soon. My fingers get tired every time I look at it. It's carefully folded (inside out) and on my desk. No cats allowed. In the meantime, I have gotten a few suggestions that I donate this , perhaps to a local science teacher. Admittedly, this is a good idea. My favorite teacher of all time, my chemistry teacher, was a knitter. She's definitely a spiritual part of this project. Here's my dilemma. Most people do not value handcrafts nearly enough. I'm not ready to part with this. Maybe. We'll see. I'll think about it. Put it in writing and I'll get back to you......

Update

Quick update. I'm binding off the edging. It's taking quite some time. Hope to have a photo of the finished project up very soon and then on to the next project(s).

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......