INTRECCI DI STRINGHE COSMICHE

by Valeria Olivati – IoAmoFattoaMano.itThe theory of cosmic strings is an unexplored field of astronomy. The mystery becomes even more fascinating, as we imagine intertwining strands of energy that run throughout the universe over more than three dimensions.The GROSSO yarn is a reminder of this mystery; a cosmic strand, expanding and contracting, interweaving with other elements, living within various configurations that could be associated with colors.A model for everyone, this scarf expresses completely the colorful joy experienced during family time!This scarf is created in two easy steps; in the first, three separate chains are crocheted and then in the second, braided and knotted at the ends, creating a soft, colorful and warm scarf.The size of the crochet hook (25mm) may be difficult to find in stores. The hands of the maker can be used in such case, practicing the finger crochet technique (see explanation). Finger crochet is fun and easy for children of all ages. The already generous size of the chain stitch is amplified by braiding the three strands, causing the colors to blend and in turn complement each other. Distinguishing the colors of GROSSO in “natural” and “bright”, I established a base of natural hues and braided in a third vibrant color, creating a contrast. The photographed model shows this effect of natural whites and grays joined with a vibrant blue. The possibilities, however, are endless.

LEVEL Easy

DIMENSIONSWidth: 9 cm- Adult: 220 cm length- Child: 180 cm length- Toddler: 120 cm length

YARNGROSSO by Borgo de' Pazzi Firenze(200 gr/28 mt, 100% wool):GR1 – ivory – 200 gr (1 skein)GR4 – gray 200 gr (1 skein)GR10 – blue 200 gr (1 skein)With 3 skeins you can make 2 scarves Adult size, or 1 scarf Adult size and 2 for child/toddler.

COLOR SUGGESTIONS“Bright” colors can match with any of the “natural” colors, except for GR10, matching only with GR5 and GR3. You can always follow your own tastes:- “Natural” Colors: GR5 (brown) + GR3 (light brown), GR2 (beige) + GR4 (gray), GR6 (black) + GR1 (white), GR4 (gray) + GR1 (white), GR2 (beige) + GR3 (light brown).- “Bright” colors: GR7 (red), GR8 (yellow), GR9 (green), GR10 (blue).

CROCHET NEEDLEShook size 25 mm (but this project can also be made with only your fingers, without any hook)

NOTIONStapestry needlescissors

GAUGE10 cm in length = 3 chains. Any blocking needed.

REQUIRED STITCHES chain

TECHNIQUES-Finger crochet (an alternative to classic crochet) - There are various methods, I suggest the one demonstrated in the following photos. It creates a soft and even chain, easy for children to learn.

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1- Take about 50 cm of yarn2- Make a slip knot.3- Insert 3-4 fingers of the left hand into the loop, leaving the thumb free (sliding part of yarn towards you).4- Wrap the yarn counterclockwise by resting on your fingers close to the loop, blocking with the thumb.5- With thumb and forefinger of right hand grab the yarn close to your wrist.6- Lift it, slightly loosening the loop.7- Take it upwards over the other thread and the tip of the fingers . Let it fall over the hand , and do not over tighten .

Repeat 4 to 7 until the required length.Youtube : How To - Finger Crochet by HappyBerry Crochet (up to minute 2:00)- 3 threads Braid - v . following photo tutorial.

DIRECTIONSPreparationMeasure and cut the same length of yarn from each skein:- 11 meters for an adult scarf- 8 meters for a child scarf- 4 meters for a toddler scarfPart 1 - The ChainsLeave about 50 cm of yarn, make a loop and crochet a soft chain with a crochet hook nr. 25mm or with your fingers. Make the last chain and pull the yarn completely out to close it. Repeat this task for each strand of yarn previously cut.Part 2 - The braidJoin together the three chains checking that they are all turned on the starting side. You should see the front (or back) of all of the three colors

Fix them together with a provisional slip knot near the first starting chain. Braid the three strands to the end of the chains.

FINISHINGDouble-loop finishing (Adult size)Slightly open the last chain at the end of each of the three chains, to create three small rings (D 5 cm approx).

Overlay them, gathering them on the index finger.Get the closure part of the first color (50 cm left at the end) and wrap it 6/7 times , passing it from the center, around the group of rings by covering about a third of it.

Hide the tail passing it in the wrapped part, using a tapestry needle. Repeat also with the second and third color, in order to completely cover the group of rings, making a single loop-through.

Now untie the provisional slip knot from the other side, making another loop in the same way, using the 50 cm of the thread left at the beginning.

Single-Loop finishing with braid (child/toddler size)While creating the braid, continue until the end of the thread and secure the three threads together, with an overhand knot.

Now untie the provisional slip knot from the other side, following the instructions above, for the adult version.

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You would use the braid to insert into the loop, in order to fix the scarf around your neck. The Toddler size is also used as an original headband, as you see in the pictures below.

This design is published in “A tribute to SPACE ODDITY”Fashion accessories Autumn-Winter 2016-2017BORGO DE' PAZZI Firenze by Effe Elle s.r.l.

in collaboration with Magliuomini

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