Geek-A-Long
2015 Geek-A-Long: Tesla
Jan
This time last year Jac and I set out to make the nerdiest blanket of all time. We didn’t know if anyone would like it or if anyone would want to make it. It’s kind of weird to be in a job where I just lay it all out on the interwebs and hope for the best, and guys, I couldn’t be more thrilled with how things turned out. With a rash of year end donations, we exceeded our Child’s Play donation goal in 2014, and I think we can double it in 2015. Speaking of which, it appears to be the first Sunday in 2015 and that means it’s GAL time again. Grab your needles/hooks, drag that stash out of the basement, and let’s cast on for the Geek-A-Long 2015!
For the first annual Geek-A-Long, we started the party with a caffeine molecule. I chose that because it’s more or less my emblem, and at the time I was the only one making a blanket. This year, we are starting off with a tribute to Nicola Tesla, because he is the greatest geek who ever lived.
Nicola Tesla was essentially a real life Tony Stark, sans fortune. Despite going to his grave with massive debt, Tesla pioneered neon lights, remote controls, lasers, fluorescent lights, alternating current, radio, modern x-rays, robotics, and wireless communication. And that’s just the inventions that I know of. The truth is we probably owe at least some part of the majority of all modern technology to Nicola Tesla. One day, when all disputes are settled with laser-eyed robot shark fights, you will have Tesla to thank. His legacy of innovation continues though Elon Musk, the CEO and chief inventor at Tesla Motors and SpaceX. In the proud tradition of the mad scientist for which they are named, Tesla Motors gives their patents away so that other companies can make awesome things too.
The 2015 Geek-A-Long will feature eight real life scientists over the course of the year in addition to the fandoms that you are accustomed to. For each IRL scientist, we chose one of their contributions to honor on the square, and to honor Tesla we are knitting up the schematic for his infamous Tesla Coil. The yarn version won’t sing, but it’s still pretty cool.
GET THE PATTERN
Whether you’re knitting, crocheting, or cross stitching this square, you can view the Tesla Coil Schematic pattern by clicking this link or the download it by clicking the button below. Instructions and charts for both knit and crochet are listed in the pattern. When you’re finished making it, don’t forget to Instagram your squares at us @lattesandllamasyarn with the hashtag #geekalong!
Want to hang out with other people making the blanket? You can find moral support in the Geek-A-Long group on Ravelry here. If you’re having trouble with double-sided knitting, we have a how-to video here. If this is your first time encountering the Geek-A-Long, you can learn more about it, the history behind it, how to participate, and why we do it for Child’s Play Charity on this page.
EDITED TO ADD: This post was edited on January 31, 2021 to update links and upload a revamped pattern format, which includes more information. You can read our post the revamp here.
~ Megan-Anne
I wonder if I could get Mr. Musk to add some patents to the 2015 prize baskets?
If you enjoyed this post, please consider making a donation to Child’s Play Charity. Here is a direct link to our official donation page benefiting the charity. Please help us raise $1,000 this year. No contribution is too small! Wanna make your donation go even further? Lattes & Llamas will donate $1 for every skein of Geek-A-Long Yarn purchased.
Yay! Very excited. Is it possible to see pics of a crocheted square, please? Would be good to have a point of reference especially for those (er… me…) that have never done anything like this before. Thanks ♡
This year, every other square we post will be crocheted. So tune in this time next week! :D
If I am left handed crocheting should I reverse the pattern? I mean, I don’t see that a mirror image would really be a problem with this square, but might be with later squares?
You shouldn’t have a problem. ;)
Wow, this is so, so awesome.
And I love it when I see a Tesla on the road. One day, I will own one! Either because I make lots of money or because they will have a model priced for everyone. Either is acceptable.
I just found this site and love it. I watched the video on double knitting and am so excited to try it! I love the Tesla square and am going to start a blanket soon. Any chance at a Matrix or Jurassic park themed square?
We actually did a Jurrasic Park square 2 weeks ago :D. No matrix yet. ;)
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