Comments on: Knitting science

By: Rachel Y.

Rachel Y. — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 21:26:24 +0000

I have taken crochet projects with hooks and safety scissors on the plane more than once with no problems. Also, if you travel with knit or crochet things people will always tell you where the cool local yarn stores are when you visit! I haven’t taken needlework to a science conference but it is very popular at science fiction conventions (you can find men who knit, crochet or sew there too). If I were established in my field I would consider taking needlework to a professional meeting (early in my career I would probably be focusing on networking).

By: H Cohen

H Cohen — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 08:36:13 +0000

Julie: I have a large canvas bag that reads

KNITTING IN MEETINGS
because falling asleep
IS RUDE.

Capitalized lines are in MUCH larger type than the middle line.

By: Beth Wingate

Beth Wingate — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 19:29:28 +0000

Each plane ride this year has equaled 1 to 2 completed mittens! It’s a terrific icebreaker while waiting in an airport. I’ve had many enjoyable conversations with folks who’ve watched me knit for a while and then come over and told me about their own projects or their mom’s or grandma’s.

The knitting/crocheting shop I frequent participated in creating objects for the crochet coral project and had samples available to examine – I had fun trying the technique myself.

By: mouse

mouse — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 19:16:03 +0000

…and yet my knitted scale model of the solar system scarf doesn’t seem to sell well – nor does the pattern. (Piece is worked to-scale, where Mercury = one stitch and extrapolated from there – the maths took a bit under 3 hours…)

By: This Blog Is Not About Knitting (but this post is) « knittingscience

This Blog Is Not About Knitting (but this post is) « knittingscience — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:06:21 +0000

[...] Knitting Science (I came up with the name of my blog independently before I stumbled upon this article) [...]

By: This Is Not about Knitting « knittingscience

This Is Not about Knitting « knittingscience — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:04:29 +0000

[...] Knitting Science (I came up with the name of my blog independently before I stumbled upon this article) [...]

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Wireless Computer Speakers: Advantages of Wireless PC Speakers — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 10:00:35 +0000

[...] Wireless Computer Speakers Selections: Modern technology has brought several advancements that are designed to create a more convenient and…ple are looking to wireless speakers for computer units. [...]

By: Science News | The Best Kindle: KINDLE FIRE

Science News | The Best Kindle: KINDLE FIRE — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 03:36:07 +0000

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By: Murfomurf

Murfomurf — Mon, 02 May 2011 03:11:10 +0000

You also need to know about the worldwide coral reef knitting and crocheting project, eg. http://crochetcoralreef.org/. Adelaide [Australia] Royal Institute is currently assembling its own Reef through public knit/crochet-ins, rallied via Social Media. eg, http://scicommunity.net.au

Years ago I also discovered that quite a few women psychiatrists make miniature quilts while sitting in conferences! I spotted two at a New York conference and my local shrink revealed she did it as well!

By: Julie

Julie — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 18:13:35 +0000

Knitting = Productive Fidgeting, just so you know. Perfect for long-winded meetings.

By: Most-read 2020 Science blogs of 2010

Most-read 2020 Science blogs of 2010 — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 16:23:49 +0000

[...] A slightly whimsical piece about the surprisingly rich intersection between knitting and science. http://2020science.org/2010/07/25/knitting-science/ [...]

By: PF Anderson

PF Anderson — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 19:39:48 +0000

The Bucky Ball comment pushed me over the edge. As an avid yarn-worker (mostly crochet & filet crochet lace, which is very pixelated), I’d been debating whether I had anything to offer that hadn’t already been said by more worthy folk such as Daina and Alice. But Bucky Balls! I’d been thinking the whole time I read this post that Andrew forgot origami, which is my personal favorite craft to do in meetings, is inextricably inked to many sciences (notably nanotech and outer space vehicle design) and which is far better suited to creating Bucky Balls.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosefirerising/269756570/

By: Gaby Durnford

Gaby Durnford — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 19:17:06 +0000

What a fantastic blog! Believe it or not, this is the chosen subject area for my Textiles Masters project at Bath Spa University, UK and has really helped with my initial research into the links between science, maths and knitting. I am coming at this totally from the perspective of a knit designer so any scientific input would be most appreciated! I am doing most of my research online so if anyones interested please take a look! http://www.gabydurnford.blogspot.com

By: Science blogs (Eureka) « through the looking glass

Science blogs (Eureka) « through the looking glass — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 14:23:45 +0000

[...] Not So Humble Pie. A cooking blog, but one that is famous for its science-themed cookies, I added this as an example of how science pops up across the blogosphere (see also). [...]

By: Lynette

Lynette — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 02:19:42 +0000

Has anyone tried knitting a Bucky Ball? Nice starter project for Andrew?

By: Public Displays of Knitting « Grits and Purls

Public Displays of Knitting « Grits and Purls — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 18:00:12 +0000

[...] about how knitting in public is becoming more and more common. I was very interested to read this report of knitting among the audience at scientific meetings. Kudos to those who do that! That is another [...]

By: Christine

Christine — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 13:40:30 +0000

Great post! As a grad student at U of M over the past few years, I have noticed more and more students knitting/crocheting during classes. I started doing this myself and found I was far more engaged and focused than when I wasn’t doing something with my hands – especially when looking out over a sea of laptops surfing the web, playing games and updating facebook statuses.

By: Ge·knit·ics » Ge·knit·ics

Ge·knit·ics » Ge·knit·ics — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 13:12:13 +0000

[...] by a series of little coincidences, including the Knitting Science post at 2020 Science, the discovery of Dr. Alice’s other blog and the fabulous knitted [...]

By: Andrew Maynard

Andrew Maynard — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 18:57:16 +0000

This is a great site Pat – thanks!

By: Pat Ashforth

Pat Ashforth — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 08:52:58 +0000

In addition to the main Woolly Thoughts site (mentioned in the article) we now have a site devoted to Illusion Knitting http://www.illusionknitting.woollythoughts.com/ There is currently a great deal of interest in Illusion Knitting and we have developed a new system of charting which makes the process much easier but also allows you to use much more complex images.

The site has lots of free tutorials. It is still under construction so there is still more to come.

By: Two subcultures: science knitters and graffiti knitters, could they come together? « FrogHeart

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:44:56 +0000

[...] knitting. Not just any knitting, science knitting. Thanks to Andrew Maynard at 2020 Science blog (July 25, 2010 posting), I have discovered Woolly Thoughts a website devoted to knitting, crocheting, and [...]

By: Andrew Maynard

Andrew Maynard — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:05:29 +0000

Ha – thanks Rye. Expect to receive a suitably subtle “nano” scarf next time I’m in Melbourne – I was thinking something using “illusion” knitting would be appropriate

By: rye senjen

rye senjen — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 22:08:45 +0000

Oh Andrew, I can’t wait for your first knitting project! Do begin, just something you know small …. or even nano (wink, wink) …. and then do share your efforts with us, it will open up a whole new perspective on life… we do need more knitters to fill conferences….. and I am sure there is lots of help out there for you

By: Andrew Maynard

Andrew Maynard — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 22:07:29 +0000

Thanks for the catch and apologies about that – it was supposed to be the top link in your comment, but a gremlin clearly got into the works!

The link should be working now.

Thanks also to the link to the second book – looks interesting!

By: sarah-marie

sarah-marie — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:34:51 +0000

I notice that your link to Making Mathematics with Needlework: Ten Papers and Ten Projects goes nowhere. Perhaps you wanted to link the book’s homepage
http://www.toroidalsnark.net/mkbook.html
or the publisher’s page
http://www.akpeters.com/product.asp?ProdCode=3318
?
Also, a second book is in the works (though with less knitting content):
http://www.toroidalsnark.net/mkbook2.html

I generally use circular needles for flat work anyway, so I don’t have problems with enough room to knit on airplanes or in meetings.

By: Michele

Michele — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:41:30 +0000

The blog about knitting bacteria on Promega Connections (thanks for the link by the way) started a lunch-time knitting group of closet science/tech knitters at Promega. Who knew? Also, there is a Ravelry group, scientific knitters, where you can go for help on knitting, PCR, organic synthesis or scientific copy editing.

By: Geknitics

Geknitics — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:11:25 +0000

Knitting needles are allowed on flights, according to the TSA. I flew from the US to Scotland and back with my 47 inch metal-tipped magic loop needle, no problem. Magic loop is great for knitting on planes, since you don’t have to worry about the ends of your needles poking your neighbor.

By: Andrew Maynard

Andrew Maynard — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:04:58 +0000

A shocking error – sorry Alice! My editor deserves to be shot, although that would involve a certain amount of self-mutilation. Although personally I blame the error on there being way too many great science meetings in London, that us expats can only drool over from a distance…

Error corrected – it was indeed the event at the British Library on July 12, and Stephen was responding to your tweet where you proclaimed…”I’m going to knit.” http://twitter.com/alicebell/status/18369110537

By: alice

alice — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:00:42 +0000

Well that explains the 15 new twitter followers when I logged on this afternoon.

I did knit during the science policy event at the British Library the other week, and then at the UK Congress of Science Journalists, when I was in the audience, but not the blogging “talkfest”, which I chaired. Shocking lack of accuracy over July’s London science hashtag’s there

Don’t even start the knitting of a plane issue. The number of forum threads devoted to this topic is shocking… rabbit hole within rabbit hole. Most airlines and nearly every airport allow knitting needles now (they are generally less dangerous than a pen) but, annoyingly, neither Gatwick or Heathrow does. Even bamboo (it’s just they don’t show up so easily). My favourite trick for this is acechick’s umbrella approach.

By: Daina

Daina — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:03:10 +0000

yes – take bamboo needles or now there are plastic needles that are flexible. but i think only business class has enough room for knitting on long needles. crochet hooks are better on airplanes.

By: Andrew Maynard

Andrew Maynard — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:05:27 +0000

Thanks Andréia!

Andrew

By: Bordado Ingles

Bordado Ingles — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:14:15 +0000

I simply adored this blog! Alice is a gifted knitter, loved to see her knitting habits, creations and ideas discussed here. Spot on, Andrew!

By: Andrew Maynard

Andrew Maynard — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 11:46:22 +0000

Are there such things as airplane-friendly needles?

By: Andrew Maynard

Andrew Maynard — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 11:45:22 +0000

Thanks Diana – for the clarification on crochet (I guess the knitting police won’t be knocking on my door after all!) and the book link

By: Dorothy Bishop

Dorothy Bishop — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 05:42:09 +0000

I’m surprised they allow you to take knitting needles on the plane.
I’ve seen them confiscated from a poor old lady who was bereft at not being able to knit on a flight to Australia.

By: Geknitics

Geknitics — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 04:31:25 +0000

Knitting is also great for those long plane rides to and from conference destinations. I bring my knitting, usually socks, to conferences, but haven’t been brave enough to knit during sessions yet. At my last conference, I was busy with a nursing infant, and couldn’t balance both her AND point sticks, but next year….

By: Daina

Daina — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:57:41 +0000

I liked this! And yes – crochet can be classified as knitting – in Russian and some other languages it is called “knitting with a hook” as opposed to “knitting with needles”.
just adding to your references another one
Crocheting Adventures with Hyperbolic Planes -
http://www.amazon.com/Crocheting-Adventures-Hyperbolic-Planes-Taimina/dp/1568814526