Elusive Silk and Ropes Through Neck

I can't find my copy of Abbott's Encyclopedia of Rope Tricks for Magicians (compiled by Steward James) and Self-Working Rope Magic (by Karl Fulves). So I cannot give you the exact sources. But it's in these books. The last bit of the ropes through the neck is a technical variation on the grandmother's necklace principle. You will find that in Tarbell Vol.1 page 321. (Rehashed many times after that and ever since.)

You can see me in the video wearing part of my medieval costume, because it is during those renaissance fairs when I do this. Seems to fit perfectly into that scenario. I have seen other magicians (Bizzaro) doing a similar thing dressed up as a pirate. So I guess this sort of effect lends itself well to costumes... The ropes through neck has the advantage of having no extra loop around the neck, which could be a dead give away of the method. Also it allows for a 360 degree view, making the entire routine angleproof.

Bonus: If you are familiar with the standard penetration of a piece of silk through a cane (reel method) you can turn this little bitty into a full fledged routine.

Gray's Binary Code by Karl Fulves

Die Kunst zu Zaubern by Alexander Adrion (German book)
Page 206

Personal Comment: Consider this a free trick. As there is nothing left to hide here. If you do exactly as I did in the video you'll end up on the Ace of Hearts. It's self working, it's mathematical... it's not bad. I took the German title for this trick as I am working from the German book. I got no original material. So if anybody knows... Shoot!

Difficulty Self Working

Illusion Aces by Karl Fulves

Epilogue by Karl Fulves
Issue 14 March 1972
Page 114 et seq.

Personal Comment: This is the kind of routine, that if you don't do it every day, you'll forget the handling. And doing it wrong will expose the methods. It is good, but so forgettable.

Difficulty 2/5

Incorporated Color Control by Karl Fulves

Pallbearers Review by Karl Fulves
July 1967
Page 111 et seq.

Personal Comment: Just another application of Gilbreath I assume, that I wouldn't use to bore my audience with, but damn it is so much fun to do it to yourself. Of course if the mathematical principle is something you don't care about you better skip this one.

Difficulty Selfworking

Gemini Twins by Karl Fulves

More Self-Working Card Tricks by Karl Fulves, 1984
Page 1 et seq.

Personal Comment: I got the credits now! Thank you Justin. In the original description the spectator does all the dealing which I think is really, really strong. But why not do it twice? First the magician does it, therefore drawing suspicion and then the spectator is invited to do it in a completely hands off approach. That would clearly be a dramatical punch.

Original Post: The book Magic for Dummies by David Pogue contains this little trick. But I do not know who originated this self working miracle. It is one of those tricks that is beautiful in it's construction. There is no counting and no sleight. Yet it is extremely deceptive. This trick is part of my personal coma repertoire. When I am really drunk and pressured to do magic, this is the trick of choice. There is hardly a way to mess it up and its effect is easy to understand. In the end as the mates are displayed next to their "significant other" you will understand that this trick is easy to understand even when you are hammered.

Difficulty: Self Working