2014 Geek-A-Long: DNA

Over the course this year’s Geek-A-Long, we are honoring math and science 5 times.  Caffeine, Pi, and the Periodic Table appeared earlier this year, and there is one more to come after this.  When we sat down to decide what the 2014 squares would be, there was actually some contention over how much space certain genre’s and fandoms ought to get.  But there were 2 areas we were in total agreement on: sci-fi/fantasy literature and science/math.  We would be failing you if we didn’t give adequate space to the 2 pools from which the original geeks sprung.  Of course the issue of which aspects of those to include was a much harder decision. ;)

For my science squares, I tied to hit on some of the most important contributions to the scientific world.  There are too many to name, but I think the discovery of DNA is pretty high up there.  By understanding DNA we are able to begin to treat and even prevent genetic disorders.  Honestly, the applications are endless, and as a future doctor they are near and dear to my heart.

I hope you guys love this square as much as I do. Getting that DNA to run diagonally across the square was a real headache to design, but totally worth the effort. As a fun bonus, there is an alternate square this week as well! :D  By popular demand we are including another molecule to complement the Caffeine molecule from week one.  Click here to download the alternate pattern, Dopamine, and get the DNA chart below.

DNA

© Megan-Anne of Lattes & Llamas, 2014

Needles: Size US6

Yarn: Cascade 220 in 2 sharply contrasting colors.

Gauge: 10 sts over 13 rows = 2″ x 2″ square. Final square is 45 sts by 57 rows.  Please note that in the written pattern I instruct you to knit the rows above and below the active color chart.  These rows are shown on the chart as solid color rows above and below the design.

Download PDF of the color chart DNA. Cast on 45 sts for each side of knitting (with two strands held together CO 45, for a total of 90 sts on needle).

Work 2 rows of double-sided knitting (knit the facing sts and purl the back sts across).  You may choose to work the opposite color for the first stitch of each row (I do this), which will keep the edges closed. Alternately, you may choose to knit them without doing this and seam the sides when putting the blanket together. There is no “right” way to do this. It is really just what you are more comfortable with.

Follow color chart over next 53 rows in double-sided knitting.

Work 2 rows of double-sided knitting. BO.

Don’t forget to tweet or instagram them at me, @Doctor_Llama, with the hashtag geekalong, so we can all oooh and ah together. We even have a fancy new GAL Participation Button you can put on your blog or your Geek-A-Long posts. You can grab the html out of the side bar or find it here.

If you’re having trouble with double-sided knitting, we have a how-to video here and you can find moral support in the Geek-A-Long group on Ravelry here. We’re even raffling off some sweet prizes for our members at the end of the year! You can learn more about it in the group or on the GAL Benefactors page.

~ Megan-Anne
Hey girl, let’s coil like Watson and Crick. 

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