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Check Out This Fantastic Knit Map of the Constellations

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machine knit star mapIt’s amazing what can be done with knitting. The combination of knitting and science (and some computer programming skills) made it possible for Sarah Spencer from Melbourne, Australia to program a knitting machine to help her knit a giant map of the night sky.

I totally just typed “knit sky.” Which I guess is also accurate.

The map was worked in seven panels and includes all the named constellations, which stars varying in size based on their brightness. The full map is about 9 by 15 feet and weighs more than 30 pounds.

The piece was shown at a technology and arts festival in the UK in late August, and Spencer says she doesn’t know where the piece will land but we hope it’s somewhere lots of people can see it and be inspired by it.

[Photo via Atlas Obscura.]

Comments

  2. BRAVO BRAVO BRAVO
    The work you have done to create this knitted tapestry is really a WORK OF ART. I am appreciative to have seen this exquisite creation. I hope a Museum or a Cosmodome organisation will acquire it . More eyes will be dumbfounded by your extraordinary creation.
    Merci encore BRAVO
    MIMIYOYO

Have you read?

Double Knitting Hot Pad Patterns

Double knitting is a lot of fun to do, but if you’re new to the process it can be intimidating to start with a big project. That’s why I have a little set of double knit coasters on my website that takes you through the basics, but these double knit hot pads are also a great option when you’re learning double knitting or just looking for a small project. 

My love of quilt themed projects is well documented, so you can imagine how I feel about the Folksy Hot Pads from Shelli Can (Ravelry). These quilt block inspired hot pads use DK weight yarn and there are two pattern options and three size options for you to choose from. 

Nifty Knitter Designs has a ton of double knit potholder patterns, but I wanted to highlight this one with a maple leaf since we’re headed into fall where I live as I write this. This would be a great one to use on your Thanksgiving table or all through the season. It calls for worsted weight yarn. 

Interestingly, a lot of the potholder knitting patterns I found have animals on them, which is fun. Indian Love by Sonja Neukomm features an elephant decorated with flowers and is available on Ravelry. this one calls for sport weight yarn and the pattern is in English and German. The pattern also includes a lotus flower design so you can knit both. 

Cat’s all Folks by Susan U is a free pattern on Ravelry with a checkerboard cat design. This one is so cute and looks like a lot of fun to knit in sport weight yarn. 

As knitters we love our sheep, and there’s also a sheep themed double knit potholder from AMHIYU. This design calls for worsted weight yarn and looks great in black and white, but you can use any colors you like. 

Finally, there’s this lovely set of five double knit potholder patterns from Knitting Knicely. You’ll find a squirrel, rabbit, deer, bear catching a fish and a fox in this set. These call for super fine yarn which allows them to have more detail. 

Ready to take on a bigger project? Check out more double knitting patterns.