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set includes both the Spectral Analysis Cowl and the Spectral Analysis Hat
Before I became a knitwear designer, I studied Chemistry.
Did You Know?
Have you ever wondered how scientists know what chemical elements a star, supernova or a whole galaxy is made of? As you can imagine, it is terribly complicated. But the very basics for it is a super simple experiment that students learn about in their 3rd semester called spectral analysis.
How Does it Work?
Elements can be identified by the color they give to a flame. The wavelength of the color identifies the element, and the intensity gives away the amount. Sodium, for example, shows two very distinct yellow lines.
Even the names of some elements refer to spectral analysis. Rubidium shows a dark red line and its name comes from Latin rubidus meaning dark red. Cesium comes from the Latin word for sky blue, again after the color of its spectral line.
Spectral analysis is an experiment that I remember fondly to this day. It was easy, fun and—most of all—it worked! It inspired the beautiful candle flame pattern on this cowl.
Yarn
Unique Sheep Verve (100% superwash merino wool; 400 yds [366 m]/100g): Erin’s Dream, 1 (1, 2) skeins.
Thanks to the Unique Sheep for donating the yarn and to Carol for knitting the sample!
Needles
Size US1.5 (2.5mm) needles 24″ (60cm) circulars
Or size needed to obtain gauge
Size US000 (1.75mm) needles 24″ (60cm) circulars
Or several sizes smaller than needed to obtain gauge
Gauge
30 sts and 38 rows = 4″ [10cm] in St st
28 sts and 40 rows = 4″ [10cm] in patt after blocking
Size
Size S (M, L)
27 (47.25, 59)” [68.5 (120, 150) cm] circumference and 5.5” [14cm] high
Notions
Tapestry needle, 1 stitch marker (for BOR)
Abbreviations
See our standard abbreviations.
Subscribe and get access to ALL premium patterns!
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set includes both the Spectral Analysis Cowl and the Spectral Analysis Hat
About the Designer: Tanja Luescher
Tanja learned to knit because she wanted to make mittens for her now husband. She moved from Germany to Switzerland to be with him and their three cats. When she is not knitting, she is reading or playing on the computer.
Ravelry: Wusel1811
Web: knittedinswitzerland.ch
Instagram: @knitted_in_switzerland
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